How to heat the cabin for winter projects

[johnjen50]

Looking to see what folks use to heat the boat if they do interior projects in the winter. Really just asking folks in the northeast, as it's pretty cold up here in jan and feb.

[Toolsntoys]

I am doing some interior work this winter. My boat is in ct. I will probably just use a couple electric heaters to try and take some of the chill out in the area that I'm working in. My boat also has build in electric auxiliary heaters installed but not sure if they can be run while the boats out of the water so I'll have to investigate that. I've seen on defenders website the desiel fired heaters but I doubt I am going to install one

[Boatsb]

Whatever you use be careful of fumes. Either the build up of toxic fumes in a closed area or explosive fumes it's not a good thing to have

[Walter P]

I have used propane (Mr Heater), kerosene, and electric heaters and each had it's own unique application. If using propane, be sure you have a source of fresh air coming into the area, such as down below. It should have safety devices that turn the unit off if it detects low oxygen levels or tips over. Electric does not usually give off enough heat when it's 15 deg outside unless you have lots of them but then you run the risk of electric overload. Kerosene heaters have their own set of issues, such as incomplete combustion causing soot to get onto everything including carpet and headliners so I would limit them to enclosed aft decks.

However you decide to heat your boat, be sure to keep watch on your environment as a fire on a boat is not a pretty thing,.....and keep a few larger fire extinguishers handy throughout the boat.

Walt

[34Hatt]

Walter is spot on I found this to be one of my best options and it has the low oxygen shut off which is very sensitive which is a GOOD thing


Mr Heater Big Buddy can use small bottles or a 20 lb which I put on the forward deck and run the hose in through the hatch also get the attachment for the fan.

[SEVEN]

Oil filled electric heaters are the safest.

[krush]

The big Mr heater is great. So is the little one. You can pull the back cover off the big one and install a female mini USB port and then use a USB charger to power the fan. Works for running off 12v too using cig-lighter USB charger (use 1 amp)

[johnjen50]

Thanks guys! This is just the tip I needed. How long will the Big Buddy Run on a 20 gal bottle Dan?

[johnjen50]

Just answered my own question. 108 Hours on a 20lb bottle. That thing is mine! Thanks again for the tip!

[Avenger]

There's also a great deal to be said for good quality insulated coveralls. Heating an uninsulated boat is a frustrating and expensive endeavor, and they're handy for doing other winter jobs like running snowblowers (one with a hood helps a lot with that).