Oil Lamps in Med

[RJD]

Can anyone comment on suitability/usability of cabin oil lamp on a boat based in the Med please? I have one in my boat here in UK and find it excellent for ambience/warmth on summer evenings. Freind of family is buying boat in Med and I have suggested an oil lamp as a memento/gift but on reflection wonder if the heat generated is going to make its presence unwelcome... any comments appreciated. Tks
TonyP

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[tcm]

A lamp of some kind is certainly a good idea - lots of warm evenings when the daylight goes at 7pm sharp or earlier. As for the warmth they give out - how big were you planing to get? And is there any way that they can give out heat AND keep away flies like with lemon flavoured stuff?



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[kazbaz2]

there is a lamp oil you can get that is safe to use even on those little brass decor effect lamps and it has an added lemon that keeps nats away and other airbourne insects available from most camping shops...although i forget the name of the stuff they will know what you mean

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[Adrian]

I think its called Citronella (SP??)

<hr width=100% size=1>Adrian
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[Gordonmc]

Yup,
Citronella it is. More expensive than paraffin, but gives a fragrance which keeps bugs away. We use it in the hope it keeps away midges.
I wouldn't worry too much about heat generation as it can get chilly in the med after the sun goes down.

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[Con_Brio]

I have an oil lamp - one of those little Gipsy Moth things - in my boat, which I kept in Turkey for nine years and wouldn't be without it, both for the pleasant glow and to spare the batteries (not to mention times coming aboard in the boatyard late after a long drive down when there were no batteries aboard). Don't worry about heat generated - we never noticed it. Don't know how much good the insect repellent oil would be - I don't recall noticing the mosquitoes until bedded down with lights out.

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[steve_cronin]

Citronella......

in a hurricaine lamp is what we use in the Med for a riding light. It is just refined kerosene with the citronella oil added. It really does keep the small sandflies away. Problem is though that it is difficult to get the oil in Greece so we have to take out a supply from the UK . B&Q sell it in litre & half litre bottles.

Two boats ago we wnt through the Brittany Canals where the flying fauna will eat you alive at night when you moor up by the bank. The citronella was used in a "Fastnet" cabin lamp but the light attracted bigger bugs whiulst keeping away the little ones.

As to heat, some of the lamps with 1inch wicks do give out a relatively high level of heat so ventillation is vital.

Steve Cronin

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[RJD]

Many thanks to all for your comments, - an oil lamp will do nicely and perhaps enhance a modern french yacht...
Citronella sounds tempting, a visit to B&Q is scheduled!
Thanks
TonyP

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