Remote heater control for hot air systems + low level extended running?

[Phildorset]

Is anyone using remote heater starting and temp monitoring on their boat? I'm looking at fitting a Webasto air system and am thinking that this would be good to include from the off perhaps - any experience, good or not?
Also, can I expect a Webasto air system to run on low settings for extended periods during the coldest snaps, I know some setups don't like running at slower speeds for long periods.

Any advice gratefully received
P

 

[jrudge]

Assuming you are on shore power some sort of electric heating ( tubes for example) may proove better as something to run for long periods unattended

My AC ( like most) has a long term de humidifier action but similarly it is a complex bit of kit with pumps, compressors and so on so I prefer to keep it simpler.

A tube heater has little in the way of wear and tear and not much that can shut it down.

 

[rafiki_]

Like J, I also use tube heaters with thermal plugs set to on below 5C. I have found digital plugs to be less than reliable, so have switched to simpler analogue jobs for now. I also use a dehumidifier on a timer, running for 3 to 4 hours a day, depending on time of year. This also provides some heat, and ensures Rafiki does not get a musty smell internally.

Phil, there is a contingent from The Solent cruising to Poole tomorrow, so best deploy a few more fenders . Unfortunately Rafiki not involved this time.

 

[Phildorset]

Like J, I also use tube heaters with thermal plugs set to on below 5C. I have found digital plugs to be less than reliable, so have switched to simpler analogue jobs for now. I also use a dehumidifier on a timer, running for 3 to 4 hours a day, depending on time of year. This also provides some heat, and ensures Rafiki does not get a musty smell internally.

Phil, there is a contingent from The Solent cruising to Poole tomorrow, so best deploy a few more fenders . Unfortunately Rafiki not involved this time.

Cheers for that, that's what I do also at the moment, am adding a Webasto diesel air heating set too so as to enable us to make more of the calm but chilly days = won't need to run the generator at anchor.

Well done those coming to Poole this weekend - they've chosen great weather!

 

[rafiki_]

Cheers for that, that's what I do also at the moment, am adding a Webasto diesel air heating set too so as to enable us to make more of the calm but chilly days = won't need to run the generator at anchor.

Well done those coming to Poole this weekend - they've chosen great weather!

Phil, do you have reverse cycle a/c?
Rafiki has an Ebersbacher warm air heater. Works brilliantly, taking about 15 mins to make a real difference to the saloon. The front cabin takes longest to benefit, I guess because it is quite a long way from the heater, and the ducting probably loses much of the heat before it gets to the cabin.

 

[maby]

We've just had a Webasto fitted and I did consider having the remote control included, but I held off until we could try it out. Based on experience, I don't tv think we will proceed with it - the boat heats up so q quickly that I really don't see the need for it.

As far as low power running is concerned, Webasto is far and away the best device on the market. We had an Airtop in our last but one boat and left it on all winter on its lowest setting to keep the boat dry - it never complained. The Eberspacher in our last boat would die within a month with the same treatment.

 

[Phildorset]

Phil, do you have reverse cycle a/c?
Rafiki has an Ebersbacher warm air heater. Works brilliantly, taking about 15 mins to make a real difference to the saloon. The front cabin takes longest to benefit, I guess because it is quite a long way from the heater, and the ducting probably loses much of the heat before it gets to the cabin.

yes, reverse cycle system - it works much better as an air con cooler than a heater with UK winter water temps, hence me looking to add the Webasto. Great to know your similar warm air heating is doing the job, I might go for two units and have one dedicated to the forward section & the other to the saloon and master under it... not quite sorted that bit yet.

 

[Phildorset]

We've just had a Webasto fitted and I did consider having the remote control included, but I held off until we could try it out. Based on experience, I don't tv think we will proceed with it - the boat heats up so q quickly that I really don't see the need for it.

As far as low power running is concerned, Webasto is far and away the best device on the market. We had an Airtop in our last but one boat and left it on all winter on its lowest setting to keep the boat dry - it never complained. The Eberspacher in our last boat would die within a month with the same treatment.

Thanks Maby, useful to know, I'm thinking I'll do the same re remote start up etc, probably not really necessary for me.