Tube heaters

[Nikia]

Hi all,
My boat is toasty warm except for the very bottom of the bed in the forecabin . This is because it's next to the chain locker (no, not the pub ). My question is, would it be safe to install a small tube heater in the locker under the bed?

 

[jac]

Hi all,
My boat is toasty warm except for the very bottom of the bed in the forecabin . This is because it's next to the chain locker (no, not the pub ). My question is, would it be safe to install a small tube heater in the locker under the bed?

With all the usual provisos about proper installation, nothing coming into contact then I would say it should be fine.

Just wondering about the word "install" Is this intended as some semi-permanent installation as most tube heaters are placed in situ when it gets cold and then removed when the threat of bad frost is past.

 

[Vanilla]

A hot water bottle would be safer, easier, cheaper and a lot warmer for your poor old cold toes! I've gone one further with an electric blanket when on shore power...but got the hwb for emergencies

 

[pvb]

A hot water bottle would be safer, easier, cheaper and a lot warmer for your poor old cold toes!

And socks...

 

[maby]

I don't think there is any danger in it, but I would not expect it to make much difference to the temperature of your feet. I assume that that locker is effectively the bilge space at the bows and is surrounded by sea water - at a pretty steady four or five degrees at this time of year. Your hundred watt tube heater is not going to make much progress against that, I fear.

Still, they are not expensive and if it does not warm your feet up, the engine bay will be grateful for it - you only need to raise the temperature there by a couple of degrees to eliminate the risk of freezing the cooling system.

 

[Halo]

Its hard to see how a heater under the bunk will help when its under a matress.
I suspect cold air coming down the panel of the chain locker like a katabatic wind is the root cause -in the days of single glazing this was called a draft !! Ideally need to warm one side of the panel
Is there room to get the tube heater alongside the berth close to the panel (and your feet) whilst leaving some safety margin ?
Could you heat inside the chain locker?
If neither of the above I think a electric blanket or more whisky would be a better option.

 

[Oldfellah]

A hot water bottle would be safer, easier, cheaper and a lot warmer for your poor old cold toes! I've gone one further with an electric blanket when on shore power...but got the hwb for emergencies

That's my solution and very comforting it is to.

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

Could you not insulate the panel on one of the two sides. It's much better than throwing heat at it

 

[Nikia]

Many thanks for your replies. I didn't really make myself clear. It's not my feet which is the issue. The very end of the bed and cabin sides tend to get a bit damp, and it's that which I'm trying to improve.

 

[Nikia]

Could you not insulate the panel on one of the two sides. It's much better than throwing heat at it

Hm, that's a possibility.
Thanks

 

[sarabande]

any form of heating (tube rad, electric tape, lightbulb) will cause some form of convective heating in the end, but if it is in a closed space, the dampness will not be dealt with.

To remove atmospheric moisture you need a dehumidifier, or better ventilation.

 

[Niander]

electric tape?

 

[Poey50]

To remove atmospheric moisture you need a dehumidifier, or better ventilation.

On the advice of a friend I have a winter washboard with one of these installed on it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SOLAR-VEN...100650?hash=item2590247e2a:g:knkAAOxyJypTlW~g

The stern of the boat (out of the water) faces south so when the sun shines and the air is drier it draws air through the boat. The washboard is just at the right angle to meet the winter sun. This is the first season I've tried it but my pal reckons his boat is always kept dust-dry inside.

 

[Halo]

Well.... If the problem is damp from water ingress then the sensible approach is to stop the leak - lots of threads on this on the PBO side. If the problem is damp from condensation then insulate the panel and get more air through or better still seal her up and get a de humidifier going.

 

[Hadenough]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstitial_condensation

Heat will probably create condensation as above, I'd say you need to insulate with closed cell foam.

 

[pagoda]

Hm, that's a possibility.
Thanks

Fine idea. Given that cold is more of a problem in the UK than heat! You can get self adhesive closed cell foam sheet from Hawke House. It needs a clean surface but it is effective. (Done the entire inside of the boat- so no cold hull condensation any more)

Graeme