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Heat underway ?

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/30/2003 : 13:42:09

Before I catch a lot of flack from our northern family ...
I know that heat and cold are relative to what we are accustomed to.
Here in southern South Carolina one would think I wouldn't be concerned about cold weather. After all, average temperatures here in December are maybe high 30's at night and can reach mid 60's in the afternoon. (Sounds like sailing weather eh?)

I have been hired to ferry some friends to a neighboring island (no bridge access) for a wedding Dec. 20th. It could be cold and windy crossing the sound, and since I have strict time limits, I'll probably be motoring directly there and back

(maybe an hour each way).

I don't want my friends to be uncomfortable. There will be 4 or 5 people below. I know body heat will help, but how can I heat the cabin while underway? I do not have a power (AC/DC) inverter. I do have a cigaret lighter receptacle and my engine provides charge to my batteries.

I thought of using a few candles in secure locations (like my two sinks) to provide ambience and some warmth.
Without going to much expense, what suggestions do any of you have for heat just in case it is a chilly, grey and windy day?
Thanks

Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 16:08:39

I use a buddy heater from Mr heater,

http://www.mrheater.com/seriesdetail.asp?id=147

It has mounting points on the back and is zero clearance to the rear and has limited clearance above and to the sides. I believe it is 6 inches to the sides and 6 inches below and 18 inches above. It's a pretty good little heater and keeps the cabin toasty. It has two heat levels and a pilot light which allows it to be somewhat self tending.

I have used it for two seasons while sailing in Canada where even in the summer the evenings can get chilly.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 16:14:56

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">There will be 4 or 5 people below. I know body heat will help, but how can I heat the cabin while underway?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Instead of heating the cabin, why don't you keep lap blankets handy in case it gets nippy.

Although I've never used them and can't attest to their effectiveness, you could buy 12 volt electric blankets to keep the guests warm...

Road Pro® 12 Volt Electric Blanket / Throw

Features
Plugs Into Your Cigarette Lighter Socket
Low amperage draw - 4 Amps
Built in thermostat
Made of a Comfortable and Durable Cotton Blend
Large 60" x 42" Wrap Around Blanket
Convenient, Extra Long 6 foot Cord
Replaceable 5 Amp Fuse

Approx $40.00 -$50.00

Edited by - dlucier on 11/30/2003 16:24:11

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 16:42:24

I have friends who swear by their gimbled oil lamp. They have proven to me that it will add a lot of heat to a cabin. I have some disposable oil lamps from a camping supply, they have nice stocky hurricane chiminey. Fire on a boat is very dangerous, but for cheap heat a Coleman lantern may be the ticket.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 17:02:30

While underway we use our Princess stove and an Origo Heat Pal when tied-up.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 21:17:46

One thing to consider is that even a very small amount of 'fumes' may make some people seasick if underway and confined to the cabin. (Such as the odor of lamp oil, a stove, or even burning candle wax).

Since I'd rather have a chilly guest than a seasick guest any day, that makes some nice cozy blankets sound like a good idea.

For people with 'sea legs' or in a quiet cove, the above is probably not a bother.
BTW... I've always wanted to try one of those 'Buddy' propane heaters.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2003 : 23:59:07

my oil lamp heats the cabin up nicely. Make some hot coffee, chocolate, or whatever before and carry it in a thermos. Put a clay flowerpot upside down on top of your stove burner. It makes a very nice radiant heater (remember to leave the companionway hatch slightly open).

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 08:58:17

"...Put a clay flowerpot upside down on top of your stove burner... "

I have never used my alcohol stove.
Where do you get the alcohol? Is it difficult?
Is it pressurized like a Coleman Cookstove?

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 10:57:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ddlyle
 "...Put a clay flowerpot upside down on top of your stove burner... "

I have never used my alcohol stove.
Where do you get the alcohol? Is it difficult?
Is it pressurized like a Coleman Cookstove?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'd try to locate a copy of an owner's manual. What brand is it? Are you familiar with the term "curtain burner?" You will be after you've been initiated

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 11:15:23

Although I have a brass lantern that burns lamp oil, I bring out the Coleman lantern when I need a better reading light. These late night readings have also shown me that the Coleman lantern is an excellent "cabin heater". I have used a tent catalytic propane heater when it gets into the 20's, but the Coleman actually heats better. The fleece blankets I keep on board for the possibility of a MOB, do double duty on deck when it turns cold. Making hot chocolate while underway is a great way to pass the time, as well as heating the cabin. Hand warmers can be purchased at any sporting goods store for hands and feet. Keeping everyone occupied with a game, sing alongs, in - flight movie, etc., can help the time fly and divert thinking about the cold. Sounds like you will be creating some great memories. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 13:01:40

I can recomend the Mr. Heater. No smell or fumes. Just be sure whatever you use keep ventalation. If you have never used you stove its not a good time to try it. They are a learning experiance to say the least. Secondly any of the small radiant propane gas heaters will work. Just assign someone to monitor it.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 17:40:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Todd Frye
 Making hot chocolate while underway is a great way to pass the time, as well as heating the cabin. Hand warmers can be purchased at any sporting goods store for hands and feet. Keeping everyone occupied with a game, sing alongs, in - flight movie, etc.,
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Man Todd, can I come sailing on your boat sometime

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2003 : 17:55:34

I was thinking of using my Coleman lantern because I know they get hot.
(I didn't learn the first time I grabbed the hot handle, but I did finally learn to pick up a Coleman Lantern carefully).
But I'm not sure where I would suspend it so it doesn't fall over.
Maybe I could put it in the sink in the head and secure the handle to the towel rack.
I think I have the owner's manual for my curtain burner. I'll have to go read it.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I feel like having some hot chocolate now!

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 23:40:57

I came across this in the camping section of the local Kmart...spoke to a fellow shopper who said he used it in his tent up north and it worked great. I bought one and fired it up tonight, sitting in the cockpit of the boat was toasty, states safe for indoor use with proper ventilation. Uses mini propane tanks (states one mini tank will last 8 hrs.) Not cheap ($38.) But handy.
Just a thought...

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 23:46:16

Opps,

the price is actually more...$48

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 07:57:02

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ddlyle
 I was thinking of using my Coleman lantern because I know they get hot.
(I didn't learn the first time I grabbed the hot handle, but I did finally learn to pick up a Coleman Lantern carefully).
But I'm not sure where I would suspend it so it doesn't fall over.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

use an "S" hook and hang it from one of the pop-top supports.

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 14:19:40

I have the unit that Suzie shows. We use it in the cabin all the time. The Mr. Heat unit is the same but has a fan to help circulate the warmth. Watch out where you set this little guy down. If you touch any part of the heating element you will get burned. Been there, done that!! We generally put it under the dinette table when moving or there is activity in the cabin, at night we place it on the center line facing the V berth where we sleep. There are so many gaps in the main hatch on my boat the ventilation issue is not an issue.

Edited by - on

albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 15:16:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimB517
 my oil lamp heats the cabin up nicely. Make some hot coffee, chocolate, or whatever before and carry it in a thermos. Put a clay flowerpot upside down on top of your stove burner. It makes a very nice radiant heater (remember to leave the companionway hatch slightly open).
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

What size clay pot?

Do you use 1 or 2 pots?

Will the flame last all night? What setting do you use for the flame? I'm not sure how many hours a full Origo canister will burn at high.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 15:53:09

I have a small propane camping stove permanantly mounted where the alcohol stove used to be. Lighting it and putting a small, 4 inch clay flower pot upside down over a single burner heats the cabin up quickly - with the overhead hatch cracked open slightly.

I wouldn't run this all night. I've never needed it for more than 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are running a combustion source for a long time inside I'd get a Home Depot battery powered CO detector.

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 21:14:38

Just a thought: The 6-8" flowerpot makes a good radiant alright, but in my experience, the alcohol stove makes a poor heater, mostly because it burns so WET. I am left with incredible condensation inside the boat.

I have not yet used the propane heater ideas, but I suspect they would be much drier. Can anyone attest to that?

Gary B.
Encore! #685 Sk/SR
Vice Commodore

Edited by - on

dhunt
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2003 : 22:40:03

We spend about as much time on the anchor as we do sailing. I'm using a "Sportcat" catalytic heater from Coleman and it heats the cabin just fine (but only at anchor). The problem is finding a safe place to put it - it's got a round base and is top-heavy. I like the tripod version shown in the earlier post better for it's obvious stability . . . I also like the idea of a portable buddy heater hung on the port side of the companionway.

I also have a three candle camping latern that I wouldn't be without. 4" diameter and 9"high - provides good light and you can boil a cup of water on it.

Warm moist air will always condense on chilled surfaces - don't think propane would be any better than alcohol.

Edited by - on

cvwall
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2003 : 13:35:50

Be sure to have plenty of fresh air or you risk Carbon Monoxide poisoning. A portable, battery-operated CO detector is a wise investment.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2003 : 15:09:05

Moisture adsorbtion on the hull liner was a terrible problem for me this fall. I am considering carpeting the hull liner in my vee berth.

Edited by - on

cvwall
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2003 : 12:18:06

You may still get condensation, and the carpet will then become an excellent mold factory.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2003 : 13:08:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by cvwall
 You may still get condensation, and the carpet will then become an excellent mold factory.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I agree . . . it will also retain odors. We have one boat on our lake that has carpet on the hull liner and they wish could remove it.

Edited by - on

capn rick
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 12/30/2003 : 14:58:43

My suggestion:

Change the wedding location to oh, St. Vincent in the Grenadines and invite all the Catalina 25/250 guys.
Capn Rick
"Cavale" #2458

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