Boat heating by hot water system

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gianenrico

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Gentlemen,
while it seems that hot air heating is the most common solution on the market, aside from any technical problem in specific installation, in my mind I keep thinking of the many advantages of hot water systems:
simpler after sale installation, (e.g. with Speed Fit),
small pipes instead of large tubes,
possibility to well insulate the hot water circuit,
no risk of condensation forming within the air ducts and, thus, lesser risk of holed tubes,
quieter running as no large amount of air is moved in the small boat volume.

Only downside I can see: probably larger heat up time.

Am I missing something?

Any advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Gianenrico
 
Hi Gianenrico,

No, heat-up time does not need to be longer. We have a water heating system in Heerenleed and used "convecting radiators". these are relatively small, but have a large number of lames to enable them to give off their heat quickly. Another advantage is that these radiators are small compared to normal radiators.

Another advantage of a water heated system is that the temperature remains more stable. We installed the ratehr large system ourselves, if you need any specific info, let me know

cheers
 
Wet systems are also very efficient, the new ones on the market use less gas than the old ones and give a much more constant heat. However, the more you pay, the quality does go up and so do the economics of the boiler.

You can also purchase convector rads that have fans on the back, these basically replace the hot air blowers and use only a 12v supply (most of them anyway)

Yes, the systems are relatively easy to install, but we always recommend it be tested by a Corgi reg'd gas installer after you've done it. You can also run the hot water pipes through a heat exchanger in the engine bay (assuming you have an inboard) which will assist in heating the water. The water heating time for ours is 12 mins from standing (cold)

I hope this helps
 
We use an Eberspacher D4W in a 32ft boat. Runs two matrix fans plus heats the hot water in the calorifier. Can operate all or just one of these at any time by simply opening/closing the appropriate valves. As you say, maintenance is easy with pushfit fittings. Also runs off the main diesel supply and uses very little.

Calorifier works off 240v mains via an immersion heater, engine hotwater or Eberspacher. As such it needs to be twin internal coil. Came with the boat so can't say what make.

Hope this helps
 
I've got the same Eber, D4W, as you,in our 29 ft Konsort Duo, only mine heats up two radiators, and the calorifier. As to the make of calorifier, I have just (finished today) fitted a dual coil, immersion heater upright calorifier. The only place I could get a reasonably priced unit from was ASAP Supplies.

Tried it after fitting, and the water was hot enough to shower and wash up after half hour. The boat felt really warm and comfortable. I'll get the immersion wired up next week and try that from the yard supply. The engine heating will have to wait until in the water - the yard water hose is a bit long to lug up to the engine inlet.
 
the convector radiators that blow use the inside "old" air. Instead, we did indeed install a heat exchanger in the engine room that blows heated air around the boat. mind you, heated outside fresh air. This keeps the condensation at bay.; We live aboard Heerenleed in the Netherlands and are very pleased with the system..
 
Hi Gianenrico,

the english version of my site is under reconstruction.

We used vasco radiators and a Kabola B8 heater. The piping was made of Tylene (plastic) using very easy to install push-on couplings. Every radiator has its own supply and return pipe, because these convecting radiators need the water to be as hot as possible. We have a heat exchanger in the engine room to blow hot and dry (outside) air into every corner to keep condensation at bay. Thi works very well.

I did make a longish post about this item a long time ago,. I'll try and find it and let you know.

cheers

Peter
 
he barge is on hot water heating, where as my boat is air. ( dont ask) The trouble with the barge is. That where as the radiators may get hot in an hour or so. It takes all day to warm the boat through. Mainly warming up the cold wood, leather and steel.

Where as, with hot air. It's powerfull enough to melt ice caps instantly.

Agree that radiators are more stable though

Think alot depends on type of boat, how much glass. Dont think radiators would be sucessfull on my boat. To much glass and big doors to loose heat through when open. The hot air can cope, even with doors open all the time in -xx.
 
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