Heating.......can I leave the oven on????

[vyv_cox]

A maladjusted pressurized fuel burning stove of any kind can produce CO in fatal quantities, if the oxygen flow to the flame is insufficient so that the fuel is not completely burnt, resulting in a reducing environment in the flame. This has nothing to do with the ambient oxygen level - it is to do with rates of flow and cooling rates in the flame. It is, regrettably, a cause of several fatalities in the Polar regions in cases where there was insufficient ventilation to carry the CO produced by a maladjusted primus away (cf THIS).

Yes, I know. Several others don't seem to. There seems to be an assumption that leaving a perfectly maintained oven turned on inside a nominally closed boat will result in CO production.

 

[pagoda]

Normally have some great day sails over the winter but was hoping to have a couple of overnighters at anchor, only problem is we dont have a heater and was wondering about possibly leaving the oven on low with the door open, have a gas detector system just in case but wondered what others do in the winter.

I spent several nights last winter in the yard at maybe -6C? In between a folded duvet I ended up too warm eventually! It took a while to warm up mind you.
I'd be much more concerned about staying warm while sailing rather than sleeping.
Wear layers and adjust as need be. Forget portable heating meantime- or go to bed shortly after finishing cooking!

 

[Heckler]

Thanks for all the tips, will try the hot water bottles and tea lights me thinks! quite like the idea of waking up the next warning
Unfortunatley I am at that stage where we will possibly change the boat next year so dont really want to spend alot of money on a heating system for someone else to enjoy next winter!

Carbon monoxide is produced when you burn carbon in a low oxygen environment.
Most things that we burn are made of carbon and hydrogen in different ratios. When we burn the hydrocarbons, the oxygen combines with the hydrogen part to produce water, the carbon bit, if it has enough oxygen produces carbon dioxide. If there is a low oxygen level then the process produces carbon monoxide. That includes gas, petrol, diesel, AND candle wax! The low oxygen environment is produced when peeps close off all draughts to keep the heat in.
So it doesnt matter whether you burn candles or Calor gas, the result can be the same!
Stu

 

[millbeach]

Heating cabin..

"ROLL ON".
I think i will rap up with layers on.
Though i have used the odd T lite candel in a pan i might add.
Will reconsider from now on..

 

[Alfie168]

The answer is to get a good fug up before you turn in then turn everything off. Yes to HW bottles, hats, socks, base layers..put the damned lot on. As long as you've got a decent sleeping bag or decent duvet, you will be warm.
If you want warm feet the next morning put your footwear in bed with you..in a bag if necessary. It works believe me.

Its not just low 02 level than can initiate CO production. An incorrect or chilled flame can do it. The tipping point from complete combustion to flame vitiation where CO production dramatically increases is quite sudden.

I like the flower pot idea. You could similarly put a couple of bricks in the oven before you turn it off and use them as a storage heater, but I doubt they'd be that effective.

Tim

 

[pete]

We used to have trouble with domestic cookers years ago when people used their ovens with the door open to heat the kitchen, the heat from the open oven door used to dry up the grease in the taps (above the door) making them tight and eventually leak.
pete

 

[seanfoster]

I smoke two cigars a month and drink whisky or wine almost every night.

Dylan

I'd rather die young and happy, than old and miserable!!!