boat heating

[sphynx]

Hi all...
Before it gets too cold we've got to install a decent heating system on our boat! So far we've narrowed it down to a diesel fired system of around 9 KW using 5 or 6 radiators. Only thing is WHAT MaKE to go for?
We have priced Webasto, Mikuni, Kabola and Bubble -
Can anyone give some info / pros and cons on these makes and what might be preferable?

Cheers and thanks....



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[Talbot]

Just how big is your boat. 9kw is massive. presume you are talking about a hot water pumped system. Why not go the whole hog and fit under floor heating so that your feet are warm when touching the floor!

Seriously for a minute, the starting curent on a 9kw system may be too large for most shore power systems.

I have a 4kw warm air eberspacher which warms my boat pretty well

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[robind]

What boat and what power supply(how many watts), (How about a small Lpg converted condensing boiler set up if you run a small generator, or 240v ac from 12dc thingy?) need more information.
Regards
Rob

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[sphynx]

Ahh! silly me.... forgot to mention the size....she a 70ft barge by 15ft wide - we have shore power (32 amps) and a 24v system - and yes, if we could run the hot water and heating off the same sytem -bonus! cruising only in summer - so heating on the move is not really an issue.
Robind, can you tell us more about lpg condenser systems?

cheers......

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[robind]

Hi ! They are basically the same as for domestic use. the condensing boiler takes the latent heat out of the expelled fumes as well so more efficient. the system is sealed (or not as required) repairs are by shoreside mechs so poss cheaper than marine types the system runs with hot water pipes and radiators and domestic or marine calorifier that can also be heated by the engine with a twin coil(ie one for the boiler and one for the engine) plus immersion heater. the system is pumped with the pressure held by the occasional topping up from the main or in the case of the marine use I guess that it can be done by the domestic pump. Boiler costs 400 to 700 pounds rads say 300 pipes calorifier and fittings etc say 400 total say £1800 for the bits then you have to fit it but should last and last etc.
Rob

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[Sea Devil]

When in colder places I have tended to head for a marina - once in I use the cheapest domestic electrical blow heater I can find.. I carried a 110 for ages in the states and used a 220 in in the med. Hate being on anchorage in the real cold!!!

<hr width=100% size=1>If you have time please visit my web site -
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing>http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing</A>

 

[willis01]

Have a Webasto in our boat with force air fan heaters that use a small computer type muffin fan for air circulation. Easy install with small diamter tubing. We used some of the new "PEX" type tubing. Little bit stiff to install but very easy to push past bulkheads etc. Connection takes a special tool and fitting but guess what? NO LEAKS. Extended into hot water tank via heat exchanger. System was expensive but really works great.

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[Knut]

A silent system is to prefere, since forced air makes you crazy in the end of the day! (what a relief when the fan in your computer is turned off)! As long as you can hook up to the domestic, a normal power consumption is not a problem, but try to find out wich system allows you to run it on a low output without fuming! I use a Taylor with pressurised Diesel from main tank, (silent, + hardly any power consumption) and/or Eber forced air (20 amp start, 5 amp running and a lot of noise) So choosing a heating system can make a tremendous impact on your batteries!
Knut


If you have time, see my web page (in English, German and Norwegian) http://www.yachtmaster.no/

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[TonyMS]

Nothing to beat a solid fuel stove on a barge. Warm as toast for affordable cost, and no condensation

Tony

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