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Atomic Heater for cabin heat

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/14/2011 : 20:42:41

Is there anyone of you who has had experience with an Atomic Heater in a boat cabin, truck, cabin or camper? Seems that it would heat-up the interior of a C250 pretty quickly with little or no moisture problems

http://www.atomicheater.com/

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2011 : 21:13:38

Henk, we purchased a Coleman catalytic heater for JD several years ago.

Works great and using standard Green gas bottles.

[url="http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=3000&product_id=2000004166"]here's a link[/url]

Paul

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2011 : 23:24:37

I have a Coleman catalytic installed in a Force 10 heater with a chimney. Our rule is no heater when sleeping and there is a CO2 detector. Shore power electric heater with tip over protection is also on board. Moisture is now not a problem. It is 33 F as I write.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2011 : 00:27:47

Thank you guys... just one more question
1) Where do you safely place the unit and
2) How have you vented the unit... any photo's?

Too bad not more of you people will attend the what looks like a week-long fun event... It'll be our pleasure to cover the "Lake Havasu 2011 Pocket Cruiser Event". Thank you all for your well wishes

Edited by - on

britinusa
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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2011 : 08:49:45

Henk, we just place the heater on the cabin floor. It's very stable and we would really have to heel hard to tip it over. We have a carpet between the galley and the head, so there is virtually no tendancy for it to slide around.

The biggest issue is having anything on the floor, not a lot of room. Have never considered 'mounting' the heater for stability/safety reasons. If we did, it would most likely have to be attached somehow to the steps facing forward. The concept is available in several models that employ different bases.

FYI, we rarely turn it to full heat! Normally (but this is Florida) we turn it on for an hour or so before turning in.

The stove heats the cabin during dinner prep.

But as I said, this is Florida - most folks laugh when we tell them we have a heater onboard.

Paul

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2011 : 08:51:44

In Sailing World magazine, there is an ad for a 2-burner stove that doubles as a heater/dehumidifier, leaving the cover in the down position. Looked interesting.
For shore power use, I've got one of the low profile West Marine heaters, works well, and I leave it running at the "just above freezing" setting during the winter months.
For away from the dock, I've read several recommend the Mt. Buddy heaters.
Here's an interesting one from Brinkman:
http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=261808

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/15/2011 08:55:43

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2011 : 11:12:55

We use the Mr. Heater Buddy. Very satisfied. Only use it when we are awake and it quickly heats the cabin. The unit Paul has is more compact which is nice.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 01/16/2011 15:26:40

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2011 : 20:37:11

We have the next size down of the Mr. Heater with a single burner & propane bottle. I like that is has both a low oxygen sensor & automatic shutoff if it gets knocked over. We used to use a Coleman catalytic heater designed for golf carts, which worked well, but I never liked how exposed the burner was. The Mr. Heater is bigger, but I feel much better about having it in the cabin. I haven't actually mounted it anywhere yet, I'm not sure I'm going to, but I've thought about on the front side of the head door, but that seems like it'd be in the way.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2011 : 07:34:09

We liked our Heater Buddy on our C25. Now we have a diesel heater that burns one gallon a day under full time use. Keeps a 40' boat warm even when the temps dip below freezing. I've seen frost on the dodger in Miami! Anyway, this one would be a perfect install and be safe too. The tricked out C25 in our marina - that I keep forgetting to take pics of - has one of these.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_24498_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=24498

Pony up and you can sleep safely with it on... Home Depot variety, uhhh - not so much! And that car heater apparatus thingy - whoa! The liability issues associated with that product should scare the pants off of even the swarmiest lawyer.

sten

Edited by - redviking on 01/16/2011 07:38:34

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2011 : 11:46:34

I just read the Atomic site & realized they only provide the ventilation part not any heater. So if you have to pop for both a heater (at least $50), and then the ventilation thingy (another $50), I'd just get a nicer heater. Like Sten said, yikes. You can find the Mr. Heater I've got for about $90 US, and Randy's is about $130 US I think if you want more heating ability.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2011 : 15:25:39

Oops. David we have the same smaller unit as you. Plenty of heat for a 25' boat and good safety features.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 01/16/2011 15:28:16

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2011 : 14:12:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 In Sailing World magazine, there is an ad for a 2-burner stove that doubles as a heater/dehumidifier, leaving the cover in the down position. Looked interesting.
For shore power use, I've got one of the low profile West Marine heaters, works well, and I leave it running at the "just above freezing" setting during the winter months.
For away from the dock, I've read several recommend the Mt. Buddy heaters.
Here's an interesting one from Brinkman:
http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=261808
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
This may be the product you refered to, seen there info on "Sailnet", but know nothing else about it: "Wallas Marine Heating and Cooking Systems
- brought to you by Scan Marine Equipment, importer and distributor for North America http://www.scanmarineusa.com/

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2011 : 15:25:01

Yes, it is a Wallas heating and stovetop system. It has a blower lid that, when closed, converts the stovetop to a heater. Interesting product, but I bet it is pricey. Same site as you referenced, then click on stoves.

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/19/2011 15:29:02

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2011 : 10:03:44

Not only the cost of the unit, but there’s also the expense of setting up a correct and safe propane system. Considering the amount of time I need to heat the boat, when I’m away from the dock & shore power, it isn’t on my “A” list right now. At dock I use an electric ceramic heater that is plugged into a dedicated receptacle controlled by a “Line Voltage Thermostat”. This thermostat is mounted on the opposite side of the cabin

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 06:22:19

One of the tricks cruisers use for heat if they have no other options is the use of an inverted flower pot on the stove with a fan funning nearby to circulate the air...

sten

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 06:58:21

The Wallas unit I was looking at uses kerosene or diesel, not propane, and burns 3-5 oz. per hour. It has a smooth top cooking surface and vents to the outside (running that plumbing could be an issue). The blower lid cannot be fitted to the gimballed model, however.
I'll stick with my butane single burner for now, and if I need more, I've got a stainless propane 2 burner camp stove from Academy Sports that I bought last year on sale for about $45 that I haven't even taken out of the box yet.

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/21/2011 07:10:39

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 16:45:50

Thank you for all your input...

Ended up buying a True North Deluxe Heater Model 9206 which is the same we've used for the last 6 or 7 years. It is a low profile, build for the marine environment to withstand a knock or two and has 600, 900, 1500 watt settings with a two speed fan including frost & fan only settings and is thermostatically controlled. The fan's lowest setting is a soft whisper and welcome during night hours. Lowest price including a standard 5 year warranty is CAN $69.00

We're planning to carry a small 1200 watt gen set for use with the on-board, still experimental, 700 watt micro wave and/or heater.

http://www.caframo.com/marine/marine_products_heaters.php

If all fails we'll try Sten's suggestion of using a 6" clay up-side-down flower pot on the princess stove in conjunction with a small battery operated fan.

Edited by - zeil on 01/22/2011 16:49:00

Nautiduck
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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 16:56:53

Make sure that the exhaust from the generator cannot get into the cabin. Install a carbon monoxide detector. A few year ago we were docked alongside a boat where the occupants got carbon monoxide poisoning. They were in the cabin and the outboard motor was the source. Trip to the ER and a very close call for them.

[url="http://www.boatus.com/boattech/FumeCOdetectors.htm"]Carbon Monoxide Poisoning[/url]

Edited by - Nautiduck on 01/22/2011 17:00:18

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 17:25:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Make sure that the exhaust from the generator cannot get into the cabin. Install a carbon monoxide detector. A few year ago we were docked alongside a boat where the occupants got carbon monoxide poisoning. They were in the cabin and the outboard motor was the source. Trip to the ER and a very close call for them.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thank you for the heads-up Randy... much appreciated information!!

We will make certain to install a carbon monoxide detector next to the existing propane gas detector. BTW a cable goes from the detector to a sensor mounted below the galley's cabinet and just above the hull...

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2011 : 10:56:46

All who have wanted a safe way to keep the boat warm but didn't want to shell out $1000, here's your chance!!!!

http://baconsails.biz/fo10prhe.html

Would be a VERY nice upgrade for a C25!

sten

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John Russell
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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2011 : 12:21:33

That looks like a great choice, Sten. Unfortunately, the lack of bulkheads in a C250 would present a challenge for mounting it. Maybe just forward of the sink if you were to extend the cabinet upward. Venting the Charlie Noble has its own issues with the movable pop top but not un-solvable. It could also be mounted on the wall between the head and the ladder and stick the exhaust out through a modified hatchboard using insulated ducting made for chimney exhaust. No holes cut in the deck then. Would complicate egress, though.

Edited by - John Russell on 02/02/2011 12:22:31

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 02/02/2011 : 13:31:18

That North Deluxe heater looks like the same one WM sells, only a different color. I've got the WM version and really like it. This time of the year, I keep it on the no-frost setting. Keeps the cabin air dry, too.
Last year I kept it on the cutting board, but this year it is on the floor by the keel trunk.

Edited by - on

redviking
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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2011 : 06:00:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 That looks like a great choice, Sten. Unfortunately, the lack of bulkheads in a C250 would present a challenge for mounting it. Maybe just forward of the sink if you were to extend the cabinet upward. Venting the Charlie Noble has its own issues with the movable pop top but not un-solvable. It could also be mounted on the wall between the head and the ladder and stick the exhaust out through a modified hatchboard using insulated ducting made for chimney exhaust. No holes cut in the deck then. Would complicate egress, though.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hence my complete dislike for the C250... Frank&Co ruined a perfectly good boat. Why? Why oh why? Bulkheads are on almost every vessel that cruises. On a C25, the heater can be mounted on a bulkhead and since the Charlie Noble will be installed flush with the deck with a cap when not in use, the pop-top cannot interfere unless you are showing off your heater in the summer with the pop-top up???

sten

Edited by - on

John Russell
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Response Posted - 02/03/2011 : 07:46:53

I don't know, Sten. I like my 250 and the absence of bulkheads makes for a much roomier cabin below. It's not really a "cruiser" and was never meant to be one, really. I've described it as a pop-up camper on the water. Anyway, putting a big hole in the deck becomes problematic on the 250 since there isn't that much deck. There are no side decks and lines routed back to the cockpit and the jib track take up a bit of walking space. But still, Charlie could be mounted to the side of the pop top. Somewhere.

Edited by - on

redviking
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Response Posted - 02/03/2011 : 08:14:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 I don't know, Sten. I like my 250 and the absence of bulkheads makes for a much roomier cabin below. It's not really a "cruiser" and was never meant to be one, really. I've described it as a pop-up camper on the water. Anyway, putting a big hole in the deck becomes problematic on the 250 since there isn't that much deck. There are no side decks and lines routed back to the cockpit and the jib track take up a bit of walking space. But still, Charlie could be mounted to the side of the pop top. Somewhere.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The C25 is a cruiser. We lived on ours for 6 weeks once and there is one at my marina fully tricked out for cruising and has a bunch of mileage under her keel. To each their own.

Sten

Edited by - redviking on 02/03/2011 08:16:38

Prospector
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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2011 : 12:28:17

Anyone have one of these? They look like a great idea but the pricepoint is a little steep for me. Maybe there is an economy version - or a sheet of aluminium waiting to be formed into a gimball someplace...

http://ca.binnacle.com/p7903/FORESPAR-MINI-GALLEY-HOT-SPOT-GIMBALLED-STOVE/product_info.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HOI-2YrlFs

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