Wallas cooktop/heater

I had a Wallas in my previous 22 and have one in my Tomcat. I think I had the one in the 22 repaired once for around a few 100$'s and the one in the Tomcat has operated without a repair for about 9 years. The biggest problem I have with the one on the Tomcat is that if it isn't run for awhile, it loses prime on the fuel source and won't start. Then if it doesn't start on 2 attempts there's a reset process that I always have to look up.

What I've discovered over time is that I can prevent this issue by slightly pressurizing the fuel container prior to start up after long periods of disuse. I simply blow a little air into the vent line of the fuel container and then cap the vent line with my thumb until startup is well underway. I only do this if I haven't run it in a week or more. I haven't have had a problem since I started doing this.

However, I want to point out that an alternative option for both heat and cooking is the purchase of a generator and the install of a shore power system (if you don't already have one). Then for heat use an inexpensive electric heater and as Bob suggested an induction cook top for cooking. A generator, electric heater and induction cooktop can all be purchased for around $1300-1400. A 2kw Honda generator is quite reliable and the cooktops and electric heaters are also. The addition of shore power allows other things (battery charger, microwave, crockpot etc) to be run.
 
Roger:

That's an interesting idea. The main question it raises is: do you run the generator while the boat is underway? What type of heater, and how is everything secured?

In our use the need for heat is mainly while underway as we don't do much in the way of cruising (hope to change that though).

Watch for wind this weekend!!

Mike
 
We have a Honda 2000. Mainly use it for the water heater; run it for 20-30 minutes and the 6 gallons is plenty hot. It is a generator and despite it being a quiet Honda, it still makes noise. As a result, I mostly run it while we are underway. I have run it at anchor to heat water or charge our batteries, but I try to not do that as much as possible. I will only do it during daylight hours and before people chill with drinks, cook dinner etc. I try to be a good neighbor.

Sometimes that is still not enough for some people. I’ve had people yell at us from other boats, complaining about the noise. Mostly blow boaters in our experience. One lady was throwing F bombs about it. I told her I “could start it again”. Her better half said something to her and she retreated back down into her gofer hole. :roll:

My point is, they are noisy and not everyone is happy about it. I personally couldn’t see using one to cook, certainly not heating...but that’s just us.
 
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