Inexpensive cabin heat while under way?

[Kyle Ewing]

Anyone have experience adding inexpensive cabin heat while underway?  I have reverse cycle heat with my A/C so I'm covered at dock.  I'm looking for something to warm the cabin while under sail until Lake Michigan warms and want to be smart about it given fire and CO risk.

I found reference to a Home Deport sourced propane heater from a 2004 post.  I could secure a portable heater like this (https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-MH12B-Hunting-Portable/dp/B00CDJHIYW?ref_=ast_sto_dp) or bulkhead mount something like this (https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Corporation-Vent-Free-Propane/dp/B01DPZ56PU?ref_=ast_sto_dp).  It looks like a 1# tank will run for 4-5 hours on low, plenty for how I'll be using it.  What do others use?

I'm intrigued by David's external heater and wonder if it can be safely secured to deck while sailing (see https://c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_Cabin_Heater_-_Portable) and am skeptical about cheap Chinese heaters (see https://magazine.rvdaily.com.au/rv-daily-issue-043/hot-as-or-cheap-ass-don-t-get-burned-by-a-chinese-diesel-heater).

I know the best method is a properly installed marine heater but hard to justify the $2K+ for the few times/season I'll use it.

[Bill Shreeves]

I have a Mr. Heater, much like the link you provided, to help keep the cabin warmer while on the hard in the winter.  I've only used it a few times for a few hours, while working on the boat, when it's in the 30's & 40's.  That said, its a nice propane heater.  It definitely helps take the chill off but I never used it for a long period of time.  I selected this for the tip and oxygen safety features and if not moved very carefully, it will trip which is comforting.

Although much more expensive, but useful for many other purposes, has a high quality power inverter with an electric heater crossed your mind?   I don't have one but, it's a future consideration.

[Stu Jackson]

Bus heater, from the tech wiki, many others have done this:

https://c34.org/wikiwp/?rdp_we_resource=http%3A%2F%2Fc34.org%2Fwiki%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DCabin_Heater

[Ron Hill]

Kyle : I'm not to sure about "underway", but at anchor I use a "tent safe" propane heater. 

Look in the "Camping Supply" Stores

A thought

[Bill Shreeves]

Bus heater, from the tech wiki, many others have done this:

https://c34.org/wikiwp/?rdp_we_resource=http%3A%2F%2Fc34.org%2Fwiki%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DCabin_Heater

That's a great solution!

[waughoo]

at anchor I use a "tent safe" propane heater. 

Didn't even know these were a thing: safety shut off gas heaters.  I might have to consider this for our boat until I can swing the cost of the furnace I want to install. 

[Jon W]

I use a Mr Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater - 9,000 BTU MH9BX that I heard about from Mick on this forum. Safe for indoor use, and does a good job of warming up the cabin. I have not used it while underway. Not sure if heeled over too much would it trigger the shut-off? When not in use, I store it under the V-berth using it's mounting holes and bungee.

[LogoFreak]

I would stay away from propane heaters, they produce a lot of humidity and also burn the oxygen you're breathing. An indirect forced air diesel heater in my opinion is a far better solution. I used the Chinese eberspacher knock off with great success. I think it was $220 Canadian shipped to my door, this was on my previous boat a Catalina 30 and it kept the whole boat warm in the winter. They work just fine.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : As I said the little "Black Cat" indoor propane heater takes the chill off (at anchor) until we can get the oven ON making muffins!      

A thought

[KWKloeber]

Jon

About how much time do you get out of a cylinder? Or do you use the hose adapter?

-ken

[mark_53]

I used the Chinese eberspacher knock off with great success. I think it was $220 Canadian shipped to my door, this was on my previous boat a Catalina 30 and it kept the whole boat warm in the winter. They work just fine.

Like this?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5KKFNB/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Thanks for the tip.  Looks like a great way to replace my 30 y/o Webasto.  At $140 worth a shot.

[Jon W]

I use 1lb bottles. I bought a transfer valve to tap into the stove line from the propane bottle, but decided not to go that direction.

A 1lb bottle lasted me around 4 hours on low. In high 40's F outside, the temperature inside the boat was comfortable. The bottle does sweat so I started putting a paper towel under it to soak up the small puddle that forms. I did not notice humidity or any issues from reduced oxygen. I think it's a good low cost boat warmer for occasional use. Keep in mind I haven't used it underway, so don't know if the auto shutoff would give you a lot of nuisance shut off's. There are screw holes in the back to mount it if you wanted to mount to a bulkhead.

[Kyle Ewing]

Thanks all for the feedback!  I think I'll try the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy this spring.  The mounting holes should make it easy to safely secure.  Clearance requirements are 30" at the top, 24" in the front and 6" on the sides per online manual so maybe lash to mast or in galley area.  It looks like it shuts off at a 45 degree tilt based on a YouTube review I watched.  While underway I'll close the hatch and keep the boards off so I"m not worried about excess humidity or low oxygen.

[Rick Roberts]

You can get one of those nice heater similar to the Espar or Webasto for about $185 to $200 USD. Works great and fairly easy to install beside the diesel tank tap. It barely use power and sip diesel directly from your diesel tank ;)

Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/SUPERFASTRACING-Diesel-Heater-Thermostat-Trailer/dp/B07KMQ9VWY/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=diesel%2Bheater&qid=1610416143&sr=8-6&th=1

[mark_53]

Works great and fairly easy to install beside the diesel tank tap.

Rick, any photos/description of the install?  How were exhaust and ducting lines run?