Boat Heater

[James B]

I'm thinking about using a Coleman SportCat, propane heater (with proper cabin venilation) to heat my MacGregor when we are awake. Asleep, we will only use body heat, as I want to wake up. Anybody got any thoughts on that heater? Its $40 at Home Depo.

[kmclemore]

I have nearly that exact heater - I have a ProCat with the integral fan blower. I use it camping and it works a treat! I got it to use in both the boat and in a tent, and although I've not had a chance to use it in the boat yet, it sure worked nicely in the tent.

A couple of comments:

First, follow *all* propane precautions... store the propane topside in the lockers and light up the heater in the cockpit before bringing it below.

The heater lights well and puts out good heat, but be sure you have a clear area in front of the heater - nothing that will melt easily - and keep any loose items like plastice bags or cloth well away from the heater at all times.

This heater isn't easy to tip over, but it can be done, so put it somewhere it won't get kicked. I'd consider locating mine either under the dinette table, or at the forward end of the cabin sole. The latter may be better because this heater's most powerful heat is radiant, so keeping it in line with the person(s) being heated works best.

The ProCat has a fan (which I *highly* recommend) and as such it uses batteries.. they do seem to last a while - I've used it for a weekend camping, heating the tent each night and again each morning, and my batteries are still good.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Ive been looking at the MrHeater, model "Portable Buddy". Its propane, costs $69. It heats 4000 BTU on low, or 9000 BTU on high, and is supposed to be "SAFE" inside. Home Depot has the same heater for $79. It appears to be real safe, and advertised as safe. Im considering PROPANE because occasionally we overnight without ELECT. AVAILABILITY. Take a look at the "Portable Buddy" manufactured by MrHeater (and its made in the USA) !!!!

[richandlori]

I have to say, this is the best heater I can think of for the Mac. Fresh air from ourside, no combustion in the boat to cause condensation or to worry about ventalation, all the "hot" elements are outside in the cockpit while in use AND it puts out lots of heat!

Here is their website:
www.zodi.com

If you are willing to spend $69 or $79....give this a serious look! I got mine off of Ebay from the factory for like $75 including shipping.

I added a 12V plug onto the end and just plug it into my boat 12V system. Run it for a bit in the evening before bed and then run it in the morning and you and the crew will be warm and happy.

Features Provides unlimited SAFE heat instantly
10,000 BTU will heat 4-6 person tent in under 10 minutes
Comfortable - increases input air temperature in seconds
Rugged plastic case stores system between uses
Case lid detaches to secure propane cylinder
Powerful 12 volt blower provides great air flow (requires 12 volt battery
Connects to all 12 volt batteries or power source
3 ft flexible input & output accordion style hoses delivers hot air
SAFE design, heater stays outside, no carbon monoxide enters tent
Enjoy 3 to 8 hours of heat with one 16oz propane cylinder
Great for tents, ice fishing & RVs
Stainless steel burner construction for extra durability

[Paul S]

I like that...how did you install it? pictures?

Thanks

Paul

[RobertKing]

I like it to, pics please

[amnesia]

I have used the single burner Mr Heater Portable Buddy model for 3 seasons aboard my . It works very well. I added a CO detector for peace of mind and I have found that I do not have to run it over night. The heater warms up the boat fairly quickly. Sometime if it is really chilly on a late fall outing I like to really heat up the interior over about an hour using the low heat setting. I circulate the air with a small fan that I use during the summer. All cabin surfaces are warm and the boat remains shirt sleeve comfortable for at least 2 hours after I turn the heater off.The best location seems to be the galley next to the sink. I use the low setting so it is less apt to scoarch the overhead. I store in a canvas bag in the cockpit locker. I also use it to heat the enclosed cockpit by placing the heater against the helm facing the interior of my 26X. Heats both cockpit and cabin nicely in that location on the high setting. Of course I do not leave the heater unattended and I am a little more attentive when the heater is on high out in the cockpit. If you put the heater on the cabin sole it tends to overheat the surrounding fiberglass surfaces because the heat source is just too close to something no matter where you place the heater on the floor- hence the suggestion to use on top of the galley next to the sink. On the low setting the replaceble tank lasts for many hours.

I am very pleased with this heater.
I also use the larger two burner Mr. Heater model as a patio heater at my home on cooler fall nights when we gather for some wine to watch the sun set in comfort.

[richandlori]

What I like about the Zodi is its simplicity. I have used it two ways.

1) I set it on the bow of the boat and use a carabiner to clip the handel to the bow pulpit to ensure against tip overs, then the hot air hose is simply put in the partailly open fordeck hatch and within no time, the boat is warm. I actually have a Nicro-solar vent in my fordeck hatch, so I remove it and drop in the hot air line...clean and simple. I ahve never needed to run it for more than 30-40 minutes at a time.

2) I set the heater in the cockpit and simply run the hot air line into the campanionway hatch. I have never recirculated the air, as I like fresh warm air from outside the boat, and I have found that it is great for getting rid of condensation.

For storage, it goes in a small duffel bag, with the Zodi hot water heater (also great) and stores in the v-berth locker.

Set-up and breakdown time....less than 3 minutes...
The admiral thinks that it is one of the best "boat toys" that I have bought.