Webasto

[Csail]

I think im going to get a webasto airtop 3500. Our current boat is 32' with 3 cabins so the airtop 3500 seems a bit ott but seeing as i'm trying to sell the boat i would remove the heating to put in new boat (38' ish)
How easy is it to fit and remove and where is the cheapest place to buy one?

 

[pcatterall]

I dont think that 3500 is over the top especially if you want to heat all 3 cabins.
Installation may be a fiddle but should not be difficult technically.
Where will you site it? Exhaust needs speciall consideration, commonly through the transom using a heat proof skin fitting.
Problem then is that the heat has to be blown the whole length of the boat, siting in the centre is good if you can sort out the exhaust.
Fuel is next, if you can site the heater within 8 horizontal and 3 (top of my head figures) vertical feet from the base of your fuel tank then you take fuel from there, alternativly tap into your fuel line somewhere within the same distances, or use a seperate tank. Elecricity ? no probs but you need substantial cable if leads are long.
Ducting?... careful planing needed, sharp bends and lack of insulation will reduce the heat available, mount vents low to get heat arounsd the tootsies.
Once the installation is done it is a simple matter to remove and replace the actual heater, you can sell the boat as 'fitted for heating owner just needs new unit' !!
You will see webastos on e bay the larger sizes are rare, there are some ebers of this size always available, pay £350 for a good second hand one then ducting, skin fitting on top.
Hope this helps

 

[Csail]

Very helpfull....cheers

 

[steve6367]

I have a 2000 on my 33' boat - was sceptical at the time but even in cold weather with it heating all 3 cabins I have had no problems. Keto recommended this as they are more reliable when running at a higher hotter setting apparently. I have the thermo duct insulated ducting on my install which means more of the heat gets to the cabin rather than lockers etc.

With regard to removing it I would think the ducting, fuel pipe etc would not be worth it but the heater unit couple be removed. Or maybe just include in the sale if the buyer is paying a reasonable price?

I found Toby at Keto in Poole very helpful and well worth a phone call for advise.

Steve

 

[johnphilip]

I would hardly be impressed as a buyer of your current boat.

LARGE HOLE in transom ( from exhaust )
LARGER holes in bulkheads from removing ducting
HOLE in top of fuel tank from removing fuel supply
HOLE in instrument panel from removing control unit
I don't think you have thought this through. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Csail]

mmmmmmmm....true!

 

[pcatterall]

I suggested that if he really wanted to take the heater with him then he could easily remove just the heater leaving an easy fit for a future owner to just slot in his unit.

 

[bobgoode]

Hardly worth it as most now come as a kit. That leaves the option of a second hand unit and now it's getting messy. Fit it, use it and sell the boat easier with the heater intact.