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garyfdl · 26-03-2021, 16:44

So, I recently looked at a boat, and I noticed it had one of those bulkhead mounted cabin heaters. "Nice touch" I thought. Then I opened it and found it was a 'solid fuel'. Seriously?

Now years ago (the 70's) I heated a house I owned in Pennsylvania with 'solid fuel' - first wood as a primary source - and later coal as a supplement to oil/hot water. And in my experience, it's a major PITA. It's extremely labor intensive (especially wood - cutting, splitting, drying) and very dirty and messy. Considering diesel or propane fired are so much 'easier', why would anyone choose solid fuel?

Thoughts?

sv_pelagia · 26-03-2021, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyfdl

So, I recently looked at a boat, and I noticed it had one of those bulkhead mounted cabin heaters. "Nice touch" I thought. Then I opened it and found it was a 'solid fuel'. Seriously?

Now years ago (the 70's) I heated a house I owned in Pennsylvania with 'solid fuel' - first wood as a primary source - and later coal as a supplement to oil/hot water. And in my experience, it's a major PITA. It's extremely labor intensive (especially wood - cutting, splitting, drying) and very dirty and messy. Considering diesel or propane fired are so much 'easier', why would anyone choose solid fuel?

Thoughts?

Here in British Columbia, there's so much driftwood on the shores, heating with wood is "free" for some.

Not my cup of tea. As you say, dirty, too much work, etc.

fox9988 · 26-03-2021, 16:56

With the right stove, wood supply and knowledge, it can be Very enjoyable.

WoodenKetch · 26-03-2021, 17:20

The smell and ambiance of a wood fire is so much nicer than burning diesel. Nothing drives the damp from your bones on a cold wet night like a real fire.

For some it is worth it. For everybody else they make fireplaces that turn on with the flick of a switch...

If you like things at the flick of a switch, or if you aren't surrounded by plentiful fuel it might not be for you.

ttex · 26-03-2021, 17:26

Self sufficiency would be why I would get a wood stove. It is my plan to do so eventually.

I don't mind work and dirt, though.

rbk · 26-03-2021, 17:38

On top of the benefits of wood you can throw some charcoal or briquettes in there for a cleaner hotter burn and can find charcoal almost anywhere for cheap.

Emoyeni · 26-03-2021, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodenKetch

The smell and ambiance of a wood fire is so much nicer than burning diesel. Nothing drives the damp from your bones on a cold wet night like a real fire.

For some it is worth it. For everybody else they make fireplaces that turn on with the flick of a switch...

If you like things at the flick of a switch, or if you aren't surrounded by plentiful fuel it might not be for you.

Agreed. Plus diesel fumes cause pancreatic cancer. Tom Cunliffe has a great video on YouTube where he talks about the merits of solid fuel.

mlydon · 26-03-2021, 19:23

In addition - solid fuel is a very dry burn. Propane gives off lots of moisture, diesel stinks.....

Matt

rslifkin · 26-03-2021, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlydon

In addition - solid fuel is a very dry burn. Propane gives off lots of moisture, diesel stinks.....

Matt

Propane doesn't give moisture in the cabin if the combustion exhaust is vented outside.

Scubaseas · 27-03-2021, 09:18

Because there is some primal satisfaction in having a wood fire on a cold, wet day. Wood can be a pain, moving it three times before you burn it but it's nice to watch and comforting heat.

Methersgate · 27-03-2021, 09:19

I had one (well, two, the first one wore out) over 29 years. My main reason was safety; I would not dream of having a propane heater - I routinely put the cooker gas off at night - and diesel can flood the pot and start a conflagration if not watched, so it’s not safe to leave on if the whole crew are asleep. But with a carbon monoxide detector it’s safe enough to bank up a solid fuel stove and leave it in so you wake to a warm dry cabin.