Mechanically robust Webasto ducting?

[[3889]]

My heater is mounted, poorly IMHO, in a cockpit locker and the first metre of warm air ducting has broken repeatedly as fenders etc. come in and out. Any suggestions for an alternative ducting material which is strong enough to be supported by straps or clips and remain reasonably cool to the touch? Maximum bend in the run is about 40 deg.

 

[Slipstream 34]

Try eBay. Search for silicone or neoprene ducting.

 

[thalassa]

My heater is mounted, poorly IMHO, in a cockpit locker and the first metre of warm air ducting has broken repeatedly as fenders etc. come in and out. Any suggestions for an alternative ducting material which is strong enough to be supported by straps or clips and remain reasonably cool to the touch? Maximum bend in the run is about 40 deg.

Mine also 'resides' in the locker, and the run to the cabin goes through a piece of PVC drainpipe. The space between ducting and the pipe is filled with isolating foam.

 

[BlueChip]

My heater is mounted, poorly IMHO, in a cockpit locker and the first metre of warm air ducting has broken repeatedly as fenders etc. come in and out. Any suggestions for an alternative ducting material which is strong enough to be supported by straps or clips and remain reasonably cool to the touch? Maximum bend in the run is about 40 deg.

I've used galvanised flue pipe for the first section, like you I find the normal heater pipe very vulnerable and as it ages it gets brittle.
My first Westerly, a Fulmar had the complete cockpit locker section boxed in and insulated which was by far the best solution

 

[David2452]

Depends on the diameter , there are some really robust and yet flexible options that we sometimes use to overcome poor initial installations, they are not available for the smaller heaters though, only 80mm, 90mm & 100mm.

Link to semi rigid ali duct http://www.i-sells.co.uk/semi-rigid-aluminium-flexible-ducting-3m-80mm?gclid=CjkKEQjw4_ubBRCArMWr6avk_J8BEiQAIj43tQFn9eJsnNJjW-cTz--NyQroH7RLewtBHvtTlHQKPanw_wcB cover it with thermo duct sleeve and it will remain cool on the exteriorand improve heater output too.

 

[[3889]]

Thanks for all suggestions. I'm not sure of Ø: if suitable I like the idea of the Aluminium ducting on the grounds of minimum effort on my behalf to convert.
Cheers
Andy

 

[David2452]

What model heater do you have? the 80mm will fit at3500 with an easily available and cheap hood reducer but for an at5000 you really need to stay with 90 or 100mm.

 

[[3889]]

What model heater do you have? t

Don't know On board tomorrow so will check it out. Thanks for info.

 

[[3889]]

It's an Airtop 3500. If I can call on your help further, I measured the outlet as 80mm - do I need a reducer?

 

[zambant]

How about protecting it with a length of plastic pipe or guttering ?

 

[[3889]]

How about protecting it with a length of plastic pipe or guttering ?

I was concerned about melting but hadn't considered oversized pipe packed with insulation, as mentioned above so that is an option. Preference is for ally ducting, though.

 

[NormanS]

I would protect it with a simple guard made from S/S Weldmesh or similar.

 

[David2452]

It's an Airtop 3500. If I can call on your help further, I measured the outlet as 80mm - do I need a reducer?

No, you obviuosly already have the reducer hood fitted so 80mm semi rigid will be a perfect fit.

 

[[3889]]

Thanks