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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Cabin Heat - Force 10?

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lovelady007
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/05/2010 : 09:02:04

Hello All,

Wondering if anyone has installed a Force 10 propane heater in their 25 and if so, how did you handle the lack of a proper propane locker above deck? We're in Oregon and while cabin heat isn't 100% essential, it would sure be nice when anchored out in the early spring and late fall.

I'm considering buying a low pressure adaptor so I could just use 1lb disposable Coleman bottles on the Force 10 (something that I could store above and only bring below when needed) but a longer term solution would be great if anyone has figured one out.

Last but not least, I looked into diesel and solid fuel heaters, but it seemed like the clearances necessary were much greater than the propane model, and I'm not sure I could find enough space on one of the bulkheads since we have a traditional cabin layout (I have seen some folks with dinettes that seemed to have made it work). Although if I'm wrong here, I'd love to hear it. In any case, hoping someone has already cracked this nut! Thanks in advance for any advice!

Cheers,
Mike

Mike Lovelady
s/v Lethe
1982 25 #3149 FK/TR
Portland, OR

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2010 : 11:40:10

Mike,
A Force 10 would be a nice addition, but if you don't have proper propane storage, you might look into a [url="http://www.jcwhitney.com/portable-buddy-indoor-safe-propane-heater/p2020588.jcwx?TID=8014524FT2&utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=CSE&utm_content=product-29303G&zmam=15972153&zmas=18&zmac=129&zmap=29303G"]Mr. Heater Portable Buddy[/url]. It has a low oxygen sensor, as well as a level sensor so it shuts itself off if the oxygen level drops below a certain threshold, or if it gets knocked over.

I didn't know these existed so I bought a big Coleman golfcart heater which works pretty well, but has no inherent safety mechanisms.

Obviously you still have the propane-in-a-boat problem, but I still think it's a good option.

Also it's not anywhere near as sexy as the Force 10

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2010 : 12:22:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 Mike,
A Force 10 would be a nice addition, but if you don't have proper propane storage, you might look into a [url="http://www.jcwhitney.com/portable-buddy-indoor-safe-propane-heater/p2020588.jcwx?TID=8014524FT2&utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=CSE&utm_content=product-29303G&zmam=15972153&zmas=18&zmac=129&zmap=29303G"]Mr. Heater Portable Buddy[/url].<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'm sitting next to this [url="http://www.lowes.com/pd_122001-2156-F273415_0_?productId=1125903&Ntt=mr. heater&Ntk=i_products&pl=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=mr. heater$y=10$x=20"]Mr. Heater [/url] as I type this in my always cold basement. I just got it a couple of weeks ago at my local Lowes. It was being clearance for $69. Works pretty well. Be careful about the times they quote for each tank. They're quoting on the low setting. Mine has Low, Med, High settings along with the pilot. I usually put it on High for just a couple of minutes then down to the low setting for as long as I might be down here. I'm going to take it to the boat for early spring clean-up.

BTW they also had a smaller one that only held a single 1lb tank for $39 that heats 200 sq ft. EDIT: Sorry, the one in the link IS THE SMALLER ONE. The one I have holds 2 1lb tanks. It heats up to 400sq ft.

Edited by - John Russell on 03/05/2010 12:38:08

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2010 : 19:37:53

I have the Mr Heater Buddy with one tank. We use it on our C250 and it works great.

[url="http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=41&id=24"]Portable Buddy[/url]

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2010 : 01:07:53

I installed a Force 10 with a catalytic burner. I changed a kerosene 10 to a Colman catalytic burner which fit with some adaptions and fittings. The Force 10 uses a chimney and a cap and I installed it on the right side of the forward bulkhead with a propane line behind the cushion all the way up and out of the cockpit through a hole drilled in the open storage compartment. I have the 1.8 gal tank with an upside down plastic bucket on the cockpit floor. Rules of operation are: Carbon monoxide detector in cabin, use only while moored or anchored, only hook up hose when in use and don't use while sleeping. Randy, Julie asked why didn't I install this a long time ago. It made the cruise very nice this last time.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2010 : 13:41:22

Checked stock at both of the local Lowes, they're all gone for the season, so I'm stuck with my Coleman for a while longer. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not optimal in my opinion. There may be other clearance sales going on, so I'll keep my eyes open for deal on them.

We found a 9 volt CO detector and installed it long ago. I've replaced the battery a couple of times, but never seen it register any values. Hopefully it (A) never does, and (B) is working properly.

Edited by - on

lovelady007
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2010 : 11:21:32

Gents,

Thanks for all the feedback! Sounds like I'm not the first person to wonder about this and wont' be the last ;) Seems like the Heat Buddy's are a great option, I'll hunt around and see if I can get a deal on one.

Thanks!

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2010 : 12:39:43

We have a kerosene fired Force 10 and just hate it. It's noisy and doesn't put out much heat, even with a fan above it blowing what little warm air it makes around the cabin. It looks nautical and everyone who comes on board comments on how cool it is. That's what it is: cool. Dratz, it should be HOT!

We bought a Coleman catalytic heater that works on the propane bottles. Works great. Almost as good as a 1500 watt electric heater, which we use when plugged in.

Of course, no one goes to sleep with these things on. That's why they invented blankets and sleeping bags!

Between the catalytic heater and our trawler lamp it's enough to get the chill off even when it's down to the mid or low 40s.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2010 : 13:47:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mikeydmxz
 I have the same one as Nauti Duck, it works great, although I never sleep with it on, only use it while anchored or moored, and I store the bottle in the cockpit overnight.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ditto that.

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2010 : 07:51:00

I used a Weems and Plath lamp.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.