I am getting ready sometime in late October/Early November to pull the boat and install some heat. We have electric but nothing for when we are tied up to docks w/o electric or exploring from here to there. One of my favorite places had me tied up for four days to a bouy. I'd like to get some feedback from first hand experience. I have previously had the Espar and found it ran great, no problems there. It has come to my attention that the Wallas though might be a better fit as it draws less electricity and can "idle" down without shutting off completely. We do like using our boat year round and would find this to be a must have. There is no such thing as "winterizing" our boat.
Wallas DT30 or 40?
- Thread starter bshillam
- Start date
journey on
New member
Based on the maintainance issues with the Wallas as documented on this site and the lack of such with the Espar, I'd pick the Espar. Especially if you're used to the Espar.
One thought I'd have is trying to run the Espar off propane. yes, I know the safety issues, but propane is so much easier to use.
boris
One thought I'd have is trying to run the Espar off propane. yes, I know the safety issues, but propane is so much easier to use.
boris
journey on":kfjz0d9n said:
One thing though: Do the Wallas pure heaters (i.e. not a cookstove combo) have similar issues with maintenance? I thought I remembered when I looked into it that that was not the case (but don't quote me as it has been awhile and I didn't end up buying one at the time).
I almost hate to put this in print, might jinx it, but I've had my Wallas 1300 heater for at least 8 yrs, zero problems. I run it 5-10 times per year, use only Kleanheat kerosene, some is years old, doesn't seem to mind. It does all of the proper startup and shutdown sequences automatically, only push 1 button to start/stop.
Ron on Meander
New member
My Wallas 1800 is like Steve's, only with more use. No problems at all in the 8 years it has been installed. Uses very little battery power, or kerosene and I've ran it at times for days when cruising at this time of year. Its only drawback on my 25 is that it is a little small for winter cruising. The 30 should be more than adequate for a 25 ft boat. I think that is the size that Les used to install in the Rosborough's he sold when he was a dealer.
Captain Bella
New member
I recommend calling Scan Marine. They answered this exact question for us at the last Seattle Boat Show, in their usual professional manner. I would not hesitate to purchase a new Wallas product. Operate it in accordance with the instructions, frequently. Keep it "exercised" as not using it will do it no good. Please use the manufacturer's recommended (fresh) fuel and avoid the other "ideas".
I have no affiliation with Scan Marine other than I am a customer.
Best Wishes
I have no affiliation with Scan Marine other than I am a customer.
Best Wishes
bshillam":23k30a3d said:
Along with our Wallas cook top stove we also have the DT30 furnace in the 25. I have to tell you this furnace will roast the boat. I did have a circuit board issue but Scan Marine replaced and repaired under warranty unfortunately I had to ship it from Alaska but they actually paid for the return.
We absolutely love this furnace, you can run it 24 hours a day and really not even know that it's on it's only when you crank it up that you'll hear the fans. if you look in my album you will see how I installed it on the 25 not sure if this installation would work on your boat but it will give you some ideas. On A chilly morning it's great to reach around the bulkhead from the v-berth and turn on the Wallace furnace.
But seriously the 30 will be all you'll ever need to heat your boat. I often turn mine on in the winter while working on boat projects, sometimes it's below 0 and it will bring the temp inside up to 70 degrees no problem.
This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I am more than likely going to be bringing the boat up to Les to install the unit. It really would give me an opportunity to explore a bit of the islands in November and immediately put the unit to test. Maybe a long weekend prior to the Holidays.
I believe The Espar is a great choice. The Airtronic 2,4 and 5 are variable speed heaters. So they can quietly and efficiently ideal in low all day. The digi Max digital controller is easy to uses and has built in diagnostics. I have serviced Espar heaters for 20 years and this new Airtronic generation of forced air heaters are remarkable. If installed correctly, gone are the days of annual maintenance. My name is Steven I work in Seattle for AMC Cliffv's Marine Service. We are the new Espar distributor for the N.W. Feel free to call with any Espar questions.bshillam":2iv05mgs said:
srbaum
Member
You will certainly enjoy the Wallas as I have. I'll admit that I have had a few problems with my 95D, but Scan Marine was very kind to me as far as repair cost and they have been absolutely wonderful when providing on the spot service advice via phone (I live in VA and Scan is in WA).
I enjoyed the warm temps in the boat tonight (50 outside and 70 in the boat) and enjoyed them last month while cruising south, with night temps in the 40's (and temps in the boat near 70).
I do use OSPREY several times a week year-round, so I would certainly provide a positive endorsement for the Wallas, as it gets used often (actually each time underway in the winter months). I do follow the advice given by Scan and only use diesel fuel and start and shut down the unit on its highest setting (which probably does not apply to newer units).
I enjoyed the warm temps in the boat tonight (50 outside and 70 in the boat) and enjoyed them last month while cruising south, with night temps in the 40's (and temps in the boat near 70).
I do use OSPREY several times a week year-round, so I would certainly provide a positive endorsement for the Wallas, as it gets used often (actually each time underway in the winter months). I do follow the advice given by Scan and only use diesel fuel and start and shut down the unit on its highest setting (which probably does not apply to newer units).
Captain Bella
New member
bshillam":jh4m1cbp said:
Looking forward to your assessment of the installer...we may go in the same direction.