Propex blown air gas heater

[LadyJ]

Winter approaches and the to do list is started. I'm an outboard petrol driven small boat (25 foot) and looking at heating options. As I have gas on board and no diesel I was keen to research the Propex offering. Some have advised against but with no real rationale hence the post. Has anyone experience with these or similar and any advise. If any have fitted then I'd be keen to know what size of boat and see the instal if possible. Many thanks in advance.

 

[AllanG]

I own a Finnmaster 61ca (20ft) outboard powered motorboat that is fitted with a Propex heater, and find it is an excellent source of heat, though the fan can be a little noisy, especially as my unit is installed inside my cabin in a locker underneath the helm seat. If you PM me your email address, I can send you some photos.

Cheers, Allan

 

[omega2]

We have one rarely used but when required it fires up on the button every time, and soon warms the wheelhouse up. Our preferred heating is by the vanessa though, as the kettle is permanently on and the oven does the pies, bacon rolls, sausages as well. TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE LOL

 

[galeus]

We've had one for 15 years on our 26 ft Colvic Northerner and it is very good and reliable.
Did change the thermostat a few years ago and the new one was slightly different and now it seems to turn off too early; might be my memory though but I have thought I should have relocated the t'stat in a low position.

 

[maby]

They are more expensive to run than their diesel bretheren but, apart from that, they are excellent little machines. A lot will depend on your pattern of usage - we spend several days per week on the boat the whole year round and a Propex heater would probably bankrupt us - if, on the other hand, you are thinking of one day per week, then it is a very viable option. Gas burns cleaner than diesel, so maintenance should be cheaper and less frequent too!

 

[Bouba]

I am also interested in the outcome of this thread. On our motorhome the hot water, central heating and fridge were all gas and the fridge automatically changed from gas (if parked) 12v (if driving) or 220v (if plugged into the mains at a camp site). It worked brilliantly and I often wish that gas was more widely accepted on boats, it seems only a few stubborn old yachties will use it, even though everyone has gas stoves and hobs. Its a pitty as gas bottles last a long time and gives real autonomy.
Also the Propex website is interesting in that they say its for boats and they have an interesting model that is both gas and electric for when on shore power. Its also potentially a lot cheaper than a diesel heater. However even though the site talk-show about vehicle movement it doesn't say anything about a pitching boat.
So, are they safe would anyone use one?

 

[Bouba]

I didn't say 'talk show' I wrote 'talks' damn predictive text

 

[maby]

I am also interested in the outcome of this thread. On our motorhome the hot water, central heating and fridge were all gas and the fridge automatically changed from gas (if parked) 12v (if driving) or 220v (if plugged into the mains at a camp site). It worked brilliantly and I often wish that gas was more widely accepted on boats, it seems only a few stubborn old yachties will use it, even though everyone has gas stoves and hobs. Its a pitty as gas bottles last a long time and gives real autonomy.
Also the Propex website is interesting in that they say its for boats and they have an interesting model that is both gas and electric for when on shore power. Its also potentially a lot cheaper than a diesel heater. However even though the site talk-show about vehicle movement it doesn't say anything about a pitching boat.
So, are they safe would anyone use one?

Well, I don't see why they would be more dangerous than a diesel Eberspascher - structurally the two are pretty similar. Personally, I would not run our Eber with the boat pitching around in open ocean and I probably would not run a Propex under such contitions either.