Faversham Stove Heat Output?

[CaptainBob]

Wondering what approx heat output we might get from a Faversham solid fuel stove?

I asked direct to the manufacturer and the only figure they could give me was an estimated 1.5kW which was based on a test done by a magazine some years ago, but they have not conducted any tests themselves.

I had hoped it might be a little more than that. Third hand evidence makes me think it might be.

I was hoping, and of the belief, that it would be capable of producing at least 2kW for sustained periods of time.

 

[pvb]

So, you've asked the manufacturer, and they don't know but quote an estimate of 1.5kW. But you were hoping for 2kW. So if people here say "oh yes it'll put out 2kW" you'd buy one. But if people here say "oh, 1.5kW is optimistic" you wouldn't buy one. Sounds a bit random to me. How do you think people might accurately judge the real heat output?

 

[CaptainBob]

So, you've asked the manufacturer, and they don't know but quote an estimate of 1.5kW. But you were hoping for 2kW. So if people here say "oh yes it'll put out 2kW" you'd buy one. But if people here say "oh, 1.5kW is optimistic" you wouldn't buy one. Sounds a bit random to me.

Edited to make it sound less random. But basically the manufacturer was unable to give definite figures and I hoped people who had used them might be able to be more accurate.

We have two devices which kick out near exactly 1kW each aboard. Neither is capable alone of heating the space I'm wanting to heat, when it's a bit chilly out, so 1.5kW is not going to cut it I don't think. Which is a shame as I've fallen in love with the look of the Faversham, have found many positive reviews, and most importantly think it will fit our boat with relatively little modification.

 

[Kukri]

I don't own one but have sailed with one; a nice well made stove, which, installed in an old fashioned 35 footer (say, modern 28 footer) kept the saloon pleasantly warm. I realise this is not a very scientific assessment.

The truth is that the heat output of a solid fuel stove will vary with the state of the fire, the quality of the fuel, the type of flue and the strength of the wind.

 

[CaptainBob]

Thanks Sarabande. Interesting that it's mostly down to surface area. Do you think that's because it's natural rather than forced convection, coupled with radiated heat, with a realistic maximum temperature limit?

Do you think one of those flue heat exchanger things you can install to reduce the flue temperature, and grab some additional heat out of it, would effectively be increasing the surface area in your calculations?

Only example I can find at the moment is the Dickinson Marine Heatex, which is installed with additional ducting and a 12V fan - which is not something that appeals as I'm trying to avoid power use and have no room for additional ducting. Here it is anyway:

http://www.dickinsonmarine.com/heatexdiagrams.html

Presume some metal fins on the flue might have some benefit though.

 

[nortonmotors]

I've had a Faversham in my Spray 28 for the last 13 years and the biggest problem I've found is keeping the output down when there's a breeze blowing.
At a rough guess, burning Brayzier smokeless in F4-5 is about 3kW.
With no wind across the deck, it is a bit sluggish and needs topping up 'little and often' rather than filling to the top as that often smothers it.
The best mod was to machine a recess in the door to fit a fireproof glass; now I can see the fire as well.
This is my flue and deck cowl. The tatty bit of rope is to stop the jib sheet getting caught behind the 'milking stool'.