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Just cranking up on my heater mod. Spent a few hours today building a template of the hatch opening over the V-berth. There’s a lot going on with that opening, curves, and an angle break in the hatch about 6” from the aft edge. Once the template is done, I’ll build a collar to fit the opening and build my heater enclosure on top of the collar. I expect the collar to be the difficult part of the project.

My concept is a modular 12 volt heating unit, that can be mounted to the hatch opening in a few minutes (or removed). I’ll run a 12volt 20 amp line with a plug to the hatch area to allow quick, single point connection to my house battery.

I’ll post pics as I go so you guys can enjoy my bizarre thought process.




Template progress pic with a lot of temporary stuff hot glued to it to establish the interior surface and angle of the hatch.



Diesel heater I’ll be using (5kw advertised capacity).

Hi JimmyT!

Interesting…..
Unique location … it will be nice to see how it fits up as you progress!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

Cool...
let's see the result!

I am working to install a vevor 2kw. But it shall sit outside at the back of the

Waiting for some last items...
will post pics if it will work...

I hope to make the season longer this way...

Interesting idea. So, the whole thing will be removable when not in use?

Wait....heat in Alabama. I thought you guys had the opposite problem.

Meanwhile, my boat is sitting under a cover in storage for months to go.

Russ wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 5:44 am Interesting idea. So, the whole thing will be removable when not in use?

Wait....heat in Alabama. I thought you guys had the opposite problem.

Meanwhile, my boat is sitting under a cover in storage for months to go.

Yes. It will be easily removable when not needed (most of the year as you point out).

We are mostly concerned with heat and humidity here, which makes winter sailing and camping very attractive. It’s much easier to heat with battery power than it is to cool/dehumidify. Overnighting in the summer here is a non-starter for my crew without AC.

kurz wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 12:41 am Cool...
let's see the result!

I am working to install a vevor 2kw. But it shall sit outside at the back of the

Waiting for some last items...
will post pics if it will work...

I hope to make the season longer this way...

Anxious to see your project pics!

Wrapped up the template and got the front portion of the hatch collar started. It’s going to be a woodcarving exercise, but I’m working my way through it. Looks like both the front and back ends are arched, so I’ll get to enjoy it twice!

stove top kettle to boil water




one hot water bottle each
or spooning is another option


J

Highlander wrote: ↑Fri Jan 03, 2025 2:04 pm stove top kettle to boil water




one hot water bottle each
or spooning is another option


J

Yes! That would be much easier!

I’ll see if she’ll go for it. But, just in case, do you have a spare couch I can use when she chases me out the door?

I actually enjoy a good project anyway. I know you can sympathize with that! You have done so many incredible projects. Maybe one day I’ll be good enough to hand you tools and bring you coffee.

Got the front piece fitted to the seal surface. Should only need a thin seal to make it water-tight. I’ve got to buy a new blade for my table saw. I set off the smoke alarms cutting out the pieces for the back part of the collar…. The Admiral was not happy with me. Since our house burned awhile back, she has no sense of humor about false alarms.

The new saw blade is great! Every time I change blades, I find out just how crappy the old blade had gotten.

Got the back part of the collar wrapped up and fitted both to the hatch opening. Finished up the day gluing it together. After the glue sets up, I’ll strengthen the joint.

Jimmyt wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 5:17 pm The new saw blade is great! Every time I change blades, I find out just how crappy the old blade had gotten.

Agree... same with lathe bits. It's all much like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer........ it feels so good when you stop.

That's nice work. You could almost make a new and improved hatch.

Progress is slow. Jury duty this week. Also, I’m slow-rolling on purpose to let the design marinate in my head. I’m hoping to only build it once.

Progress pics.




This was the original concept sketch. It has evolved somewhat, but this is the basic idea for those that aren’t mind readers.

Starting to mock up the install so I can fine tune the design. Looks like I can lower the deck a bit without getting the muffler too close to the hatch. I plan on putting heat shields around the exhaust. Also, I’m going to do an extended run period before testing it on the boat - just to be sure everything is good.

Today’s progress pics.