Has anyone utilized your forced air diesel heater for a clothes dryer?

[Sam Woodbridge]

I’ve been wonder how I can use my Webasto forced air diesel heater as a clothes dryer. Has anyone rigged something up that works well?

I’ve been searching the internet looking for some kind of clothes tumbler that spins (using very little power). That I can route my ducting to from the Webasto, which will simulate a dryer without the heating element inside.

Thank you - Sam

[BillKny]

And where the hot, humid air coming out of the drum go?

[Sam Woodbridge]

Originally Posted by BillKny

And where the hot, humid air coming out of the drum go?

Outside through ducting. It’s a portable idea really.

[goboatingnow]

Nothing wrong with the idea , the devil is the plumbing , exhaust extract etc

[thinwater]

Also shoe/boot drier. I use the heck out of boot driers at home. Fights smell and I hate cold, wet shoes more than anything. But moisture in the cabin is not great. Maybe run the hose into the cockpit.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Nothing wrong with the idea , the devil is the plumbing , exhaust extract etc

Hmm, I think finding some kind of clothes tumbler is the hardest thing. I just want a small barrel type canister that rotates with opening for duct on both ends.

Maybe I’m over thinking it. Amazon lists different ideas or solutions. But I have a superb heat source just waiting to be ulitilzed. (Webasto)

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by Sam Woodbridge

Maybe I’m over thinking it.(Webasto)

Perhaps, but perhaps not. How large is a typical load?

If the load is small, why not just hand them up and use a duct to direct the warm/hot air over the clothes? In no time they will be dry.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

Perhaps, but perhaps not. How large is a typical load?

If the load is small, why not just hand them up and use a duct to direct the warm/hot air over the clothes? In no time they will be dry.

ArmyD, thank you for the reply. I agree with you and that would work. I’am however leaning towards a super small clothes dyer, with the intent to take out the heating element. I think once the heating element is out my boats inverter will power it enough to keep it spinning.

And a typical load is just a pair of pants and some socks. Just small loads.

Thanks again -Sam

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by Sam Woodbridge

ArmyD, thank you for the reply. I agree with you and that would work. I’am however leaning towards a super small clothes dyer, with the intent to take out the heating element. I think once the heating element is out my boats inverter will power it enough to keep it spinning.

And a typical load is just a pair of pants and some socks. Just small loads.

Thanks again -Sam

Good luck with your project. You may wish to add a tennis ball to the dryer. The ball helps quite a bit with making sure the clothes don't bunch up. I was surprised how well it worked. Fair winds!

[Phyrcooler]

Easy - use your head (or shower if it’s separate.). (Meaning the smallest space on the boat.) Route a duct in there - it’ll be a nice addition anyway! Hang the clothes you need dry in there - spaced out. Open the port light, or crack open the hatch - whichever is appropriate. Ensure you have maximum heat flow into the head - damping or closing other outlets as appropriate for your air flow. You don’t want to over pressurize the system. No - it’s not a tumble dryer… but it’ll definitely speed up the drying of clothes. Warm, moist air will be vented out of the boat.

[Hermia II]

Originally Posted by Sam Woodbridge

I’ve been wonder how I can use my Webasto forced air diesel heater as a clothes dryer. Has anyone rigged something up that works well?

I’ve been searching the internet looking for some kind of clothes tumbler that spins (using very little power). That I can route my ducting to from the Webasto, which will simulate a dryer without the heating element inside.

Thank you - Sam

Sam, this I've done many many times. But you don't need to tumble. If you have a snug or not so snug toilet where you can open a hatch or a window, pull your ducting to it and you have a perfect dryer.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Thank you ArmyD, Phrycooler, and Hermia.

All very interesting ideas. I like them all and I’m considering the options you have set forth!

Thanks again -Sam

[Don Sloma]

Yes. I put heat vents from my aft mounted Webasto furnace near the floor of two of my Beneteau Oceanis 445's small head/showers. Each has a small, opening 'window'. I extend a retractable clothes line back and forth two or three times across the top center in each head. Running the furnace 30 to 45 minutes dries a full set of heavy weather gear, 2 wet towels, gloves, sox, and boots. Running the furnace while I shower and dress also makes for a comfy, dry place to do my morning business and to enjoy a cramped, but warm shower, after which I have a warm, dry head. I sail in Puget Sound and the inland waters of British Columbia. So warm and dry inside my boat means an extra couple of months of comfy cruising each year.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Hello Don, we are somewhat neighbors. Thank you for your post and explaining what your doing with drying clothes.

The diesel heater (Webasto) sure make cold damp boats much more comfortable!

Thanks again - Sam

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

Good luck with your project. You may wish to add a tennis ball to the dryer. The ball helps quite a bit with making sure the clothes don't bunch up. I was surprised how well it worked. Fair winds!

We use those at home. Actually fabric balls made for the dryer, but they look like tennis balls. Put a couple large safety pins in them and they will short out any static electricity that builds up. Sounds weird but it works. Replaces dryer sheets and fabric softener.