I want to heat my boat - recommendations ?

[ColinHuggins]

Internal volume (cubic feet) x 15 = BTU's required.
It's pretty crude, but it seems about right.

Any more second-hand Eberspacher/Wallas kits around? Could be interested.

 

[Signed Out]

Yes Dave, sorry, I'm not good at the quote/refer thing, and I know what you mean. But... I still don't think marinas are ever very peaceful, although, admittedly, far more so in winter when these are supposed to be used. Lucky I'm not marina based!

That sounds a good deal on a used Eber... if my bill is too big, I may be nosing around for something like that.

Jem.

 

[Avocet]

We've had a Propex for years and it's OK as long as you don't expect too much of it. As has been said, it won't work when the weather is really cold because the Butane freezes! Propane should make it better bt we've never bothered because we don't sail much in those temperatures. Other drawback is that the fumes can get a bit smelly outside the boat but so would diesel fumes I guess. Other than that, nice and cheap and low(ish) power consumption.

 

[homa]

Thanks for all the replies to date.

Consensus seems to err for the choice of a Webasto or eber.

My thoughts are going towards a second-hand Diesel blown air heater as I already have the mounting bracket, ducting and exhaust from the previous set up.

Cheers
Homa

 

[homa]

That's interesting but...

All the diesel air heaters I've seen are rated in Watts

How do you convert BTU's to Watts

 

[Avocet]

Not sure that you can directly convert them. Naturally, I'm (ahem!) far too youthful to know what a BTU is but I think it's a unit of energy. You could convert "BTUs-per-hour" to kW - (or any BTUs per unit time) to kW or you could convert BTUs to Joules. One Watt is one Joule per second.

1BTU per second is (I think) about 1kW if it helps!

This might be useful too:

http://www.unitconverterpro.com/product.html

 

[DaveNTL]

[ QUOTE ]
That's interesting but...

All the diesel air heaters I've seen are rated in Watts

How do you convert BTU's to Watts

[/ QUOTE ]


1kW = 3414 Btu/hour

or, if you're talking cooling 1 ton (refrigeration) = 12,000 Btu / Hr = 3.5kW

 

[TheBoatman]

My boat has an Eberspacher - brilliant - no probs in 10 years, fires up first time, heats and dries the boat - keeps me comfy when it's cold outside!

You pays yer money and takes yer chances /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Peter.

 

[markdj]

http://www.quadlock.com/about/unit_converter.htm

Free unit converter that does everything.

 

[RutlandMike]

I'm in the same position - ancient Webasto removed, all ducting in situ and bad experiences with the Eberspacher on my last boat. Don't know what to do - but I'm thinking about fitting under carpet heating for use when moored. Have a look at http://www.allbriteuk.co.uk/underfloor-heating/underfloor-heating-overview.asp . It should just roll up with carpet when access to the engine is needed. Anyone know of any reason not to go this way? Totally silent, no cold floor, no moving parts.