Which heater?

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have Ebersapacher on my current boat and have been terribly disappointed. Despite regular light useage both the heater itself and the controller failed shortly after the warranty expired. Eberspacher couldn't care less and their local agent was "difficult" to put it mildly.

I am now specifying a new boat and my temptation is to go with Webasto. Am I simply about to go from the frying pan into the fire?

Any Webasto user's comments would be appreciated.

 

[rosssavage]

I have a Mikuni (poss rebadged webasto?) on a 20yr old princess.. use the boat as a liveaboard and run the heater day in day out over winter.. I find it about 98% reliable, sometimes requires two attempts to start in half heat mode if I haven't used it for some time, but generally very reliable. 3.5kw unit heats a 38' boat no problems.

 

[BrokerBen]

I have an Eberspacher D4 and share your opinion I have to say...

I would suggest after some reasearch that Mikuni is the way to go, the electronics seem better and the ducting is of much higher quality.

I believe the service people are more friendly too!

 

[ozcruiser]

We installed a Webasto Airtop 2000 4 years ago. Its run nearly every day for the last 3 winters as we liveaboard. Never had a problem and it starts first time. Just flashed it up yesterday to check it as its been switched off all summer. No problem. One of the best pieces of kit on the boat.

 

[wiggy]

Another vote for webasto, great piece of kit.

 

[pheran]

Webasto. No contest. Eber not in the same class.

 

[lw395]

I have an Eber, water heating type, heater itself is ok, fitting kit was really quite poor!
It's been mostly neglected for 5 yrs, still works whenever given clean diesel and volts. Air in the diesel or poor 12V supply will kill either eber or webasto.
Hope that helps.

 

[GrahamC]

Without a doubt ,Webasto with the water two speed fan matrix, Speak to Toby of Keto at North Road Poole , they are the daddy for supply and after sales service.
Fitted this last year in my Moody 27 , easy job and the more its used the reliability is guaraunteed
REgards
Graham

 

[030350]

Have you guys looked at a Refleks ? I've had one for 20 years, it's absolutely reliable, safe and uses no electric.

 

[markdj]

That refleks sounds interesting. we don't have a diesel heater on our current boat but from past experience, I'd recommend Mikuni.