Flue stove in a catamaran ?

[frederic_b]

Hi all.
We have this plan to adapt an aluminium catamaran to cold conditions sailing.
There will be an hydronic system all-around, but we'd like to backup this with a fuel stove (our best pick would be Refleks 2000).
It's not only backup, as we like the atmosphere as well.
The stove would be connected to the general heating piping, and might in fact become the main heating source, after the initial heating provided by Webasto or Eberspächer hydronic system.

The french boatyard has had bad experiences in the past with fuel stove in their monohull range, and they're not being very supportive.

Fact is it's not an obvious thing, given the constrains.

So the freezing question here is : have anyone ever heard of a catamaran equipped with a fuel stove in it's central living area ?

[BillKny]

Why would you expect a catamaran to be any different?

Most difficulties with this type of heater stem from not following the makers recommended design for the chimney as far as height, diameter and so on.

If your boatyard has not been able to successfully install one on a monohull, they will very likely not be able to install one on a cat. But the issue there is the competence of the boatyard, not the heater itself.

[frederic_b]

Yes, sure, and thks for your answer.

Obviously you're right on the yard assessment, although since some time passed, they might be able to change somewhat their approach, or benefit from a better support from the stove maker.

Anyway, was this a general comment, or have you heard of an installation in the central part of a catamaran? (there are quite some differences with the living area of a monohull, especially as far as usable partition are concerned, or steering).

[JPA Cate]

Perhaps it will help to think more about the difficulties involved. Where on deck is it okay with you to have the top of the stove pipe? Where in the saloon is there room for it? You have to be able to keep the jib sheets and people out of its way. You don't want it to interfere with access to the mast. And you should have good access to it for cleaning.

On our monohull, the last part of the flue comes out for passages, which wouldn't work as a solution for you if you want it for warmth underway under sail in cold places. Our installation has also had added to it, a small computer fan on the bottom (to help the draft) and an improvised cover for the Charley Noble (the windbreaking item at the top of the flue), which points the opening aft, so that downdrafts do not cause fireballs below, which I find scarey as hell, although we only have had two, and neither did any damage. So, our Fab All (a Dickinson copy) works perfectly since its "hat"--thanks Wayne--but it is something that we has been an issue for the whole 18 yrs. of owning this boat.

SeaworthyLass and Noelex77 have a Refleks heater in their Bestevaer 49, perhaps one of them will put in a word here, or you could send him a PM. They and their boat have been cruising in the north, above 60 deg. n. for most of the Covid 19 period. Quite knowledgeable, and forthcoming with sharing information.

Ann

[fxykty]

Catamaran salons generally do not have a nice bulkhead to mount a heater like that, and as Ann points out regarding the flue, most cats will have a boom that is too low for a flue of sufficient height to exit the salon roof. But if you only want to use it when anchored/moored/berthed then a removable external flue like Ann describes would be a good solution.

The hardest part would be to find a location in the salon where you could mount the stove. We’ve thought about it for our boat but there’s nowhere we could put it.

[jakkum]

Originally Posted by frederic_b

Yes, sure, and thks for your answer.

Obviously you're right on the yard assessment, although since some time passed, they might be able to change somewhat their approach, or benefit from a better support from the stove maker.

Anyway, was this a general comment, or have you heard of an installation in the central part of a catamaran? (there are quite some differences with the living area of a monohull, especially as far as usable partition are concerned, or steering).

Yes I have. My 16 m cat had a Woodstock in the starbosrd float, An oistove on the bridge deck and in the floor of the bridge deck 1000 watt electric heating floor of the bridge deck is the coldest part

Draft could be a problem.