Heater

[Crabnbutter]

Looking into cabin heaters for 28' cruiser. Any fuel recommendations? Propane or solid fuel for beach combing burnables? Is venting an issue? Cost? Looking to use my boat more year round but need heat!

Crab man

[djmarchand]

I would use a portable propane fired radiant heater. If you have a propane stove you can plumb it to that source. Olympia Wave makes several sizes. Another choice is a portable kerosine room heater.

Neither are vented and I wouldn't leave them on overnight. Make sure that you have a working CO detector on board. Crack a hatch for a bit of ventilation.

[Crabnbutter]

Thanks. My need is greatest at night. When on the hook, it gets pretty chilly. I have electric for dockside. Propane sounds like a good way to go. Looks also like I will be putting in a vent!

crab man

[rebel heart]

Chances are if you're running a heater you're not going to have a hatch open letting in cold air. Get a proper marine heater that is vented correctly. When I was ten the neighbors in the house next door all died on a power boat in Lake Powell from CO poisoning.

[thinwater]

I made the effort to put in a vented heater and have been glad.
Sail Delmarva: Let There be Heat!

Not difficult, if you already have propane.