Propex heaters - noise?

[Ric]

I have been through the back-threads and decided that a Propex heater would be a better choice for me than a diesel heater on my boat. Firstly I won't need it that often at sea so gas consumption is not too much of a problem, and when on shore power I can run it on mains power. They also seem fairly reliable, minimal maintenance, installation seems a bit easier, and 12v current draw is small. However, I have not found any information about noise levels. So are they noisy compared to (say) an Eberspacher?

 

[cindersailor]

I think a lot obviously depends on the installation and how close it is to the living space. I installed an HS2000 last year on my 27 footer under the quarter berth with no additional insulation. You can certainly hear it and the noise is a combination of the fan motor and the hot air flowing through the duckling. However, it is not intrusive an blends into the background with normal conversation, music etc. Probably if installed in a cockpit locker it would be less evident. However, I have to say it has transformed my comfort when sailing in the cold (most of the time it seems). The 2000is just about adequate for my boat with just one outlet in the saloon. However, if you have anything much bigger or want multiple outlets in different cabins I would suggest that the 2800 would be the one to go for. I would imagine that an EberBasto would not be any quieter, it still has a fan that moves air through ducting after all. Been quite happy with gas/12V consumption.

 

[AllanG]

I have a HS2000 with a single outlet on my 6m motorboat and as the unit is located inside a locker in the cabin, you can certainly hear the fan noise. Whilst it is acceptable during the day, I think it would be a bit too loud to have running whilst trying to sleep onboard, but as this doesn't apply in my case, I'm not too bothered.

For the size of the unit, it certainly pumps out good heat though, in my experience, the thermostat isn't as accurate as an Eber. Also been happy with the gas consumption.

Whereabouts are you located, 'cos if near Southampton, you're more than welcome to come and have a listen to mine running.

Cheers, Allan

 

[C08]

I think the HS2000 is about the same noise level as Ebers/Webas inside the boat but much less intrusive exhaust noise outside.

 

[LittleSister]

I installed an HS2000 last year . . . . You can certainly hear . . . . the hot air flowing through the duckling.

I shall report you to the RSPCA!

 

[cindersailor]

Oh, forgot to mention I use it for cooking too.

 

[pcatterall]

I think the HS2000 is about the same noise level as Ebers/Webas inside the boat but much less intrusive exhaust noise outside.

+1 and no pump clicking away

 

[Alpha22]

What you won't get it the tick tick tick of the diesel pump that you do with an Eberbasto....

 

[Laundryman]

There is an air intake of a similar size to the output. Where the air is drawn in to pass over the heat exchanger before it is sent hot to the cabin. Some recommend taking the source from outside so that you always have heated fresh air. The downside is that the heater has to work harder to maintain the heat. Some recommend taking the source from somewhere inside the cabin so that it isn't as cold and may perform better. Beware, the intake is far more noisy than the output so you should consider carefully where you put it. Just to make it very clear, I'm talking about the air to be heated, NOT the combustion side of the heater which must remain outside the boat.

 

[fredrussell]

...So are they noisy compared to (say) an Eberspacher?

I've had Propex and Eberspacher and be in no doubt - the Propex is WAY louder. An eberspacher on full chat is as noisy as the Propex, but the important difference here is that the Eberspacher has three fan speeds, the Propex just one. Once the Eber has raised cabin temp to desired setting it goes into low output fan speed and is nearly silent. 'Tis true the fuel pump ticks away but with a bit of clever positioning you should be able to minimise that.

Also, are you really considering paying £200 extra for the 240v heat option on the 2000e? Why not just buy a bog standard HS2000 and use a £15 fan heater when on shore power?

 

[Seajet]

My parents camper van had a Propex heater, it was a bit noisy, just about tolerable if sleepy; about the same as Eberspachers I've known.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Interesting, I just fitted the HS2000 and its as quiet as a mouse. I couldn't actually hear it running at all in the cabin, is IS installed out under the deck though in the cockpit.

http://www.albinballad.co.uk/how-tos/fit-a-propex-heater/

PBO published the above (no accounting for taste) in Junes edition if you are interested.