| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 19:32:57
|
Hi all
Soon I will be trying to answer some questions, instead of asking them all the time... but here we go again....
Our Norman 23 is being delivered next week, and we are keen to use it through the winter.
Anyone had a Webasto/Eberspacher/Propex heater installed, and how much did it cost?
Any alternatives?
Just in case it sways the replies, boat has 15hp Honda outboard and 240-volt and 12-volt electrics.
Would love to think we could run the heating overnight on low safely, and heat both the cabin and the cockpit if we choose.
Thanks
Steve |
|
|
Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 20:43:01
|
Eber/Propex/Webasto are the Rolls Royce of boat heating. Large amounts of cash, but lots of lovely warm dry air. It is the only way to avoid condensation.
Your only problem will be battery power. A diesel fired heater requires about 25 Amps to start up (15 seconds) and a continuous drain (much lower) to power the blower fan when running. If the battery is slightly down on volts, it will not fire up.
The Propex does not need the massive startup current but will still need the low current to drive the blower fan. I'm not sure with an outboard charging system you will be able to get enough back in the battery??????
Propex tend to be cheeper than the other two and better suited as it removes the need to have another fuel onboard. With the down side of being slightly more expensive to run. I would imagine for the number of times it will get used, not really a major problem.
Don't forget to factor in the costs of the ducting and vents, it is amazing what they cost. There are cheeper alternatives.
They are fine on all night, in fact that is exactly what the Ebber and Webasto were designed to do and they have many safety features built in with that in mind. Although they do benefit from a good thrashing for an hour before shutting down to clear the carbon build up. Propex burn clean so shouldn't suffer that problem.
As for alternatives, anything where there is combustion inside the cabin will create masses of condensation, so any gas powered heating or putting the oven on will make an already bad situation much worse.
Shore power is probably the only sensible alternative, an oil filled radiator running all night is far better than any other heating system.
Did I mention that the diesel heaters roar like a jet plane at full heat - make sure you hear one before buying. Some marinas consider the noise as antisocial as a generator!!!
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
 |
|
|
df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2011 : 22:16:01
|
It's better to run the heater on a timer at night so it cuts off when you are in bed and have a good duvet if you have limited battery power, that said I used to run a webasto on my old norman with a 9.9hp mariner doing the charging and 2x 110Ah batteries, never had power problems even with the fridge running but used warm pubs as part of the evening heating system.
You can use a portable outboard tank for the fuel on a bayonet fitting, even better run on parafin as they smell better outside and run cleaner, you can get an exhaust baffle to quieten them down a bit.
They are best if you can duct the cabin air back to the heater unit so the same warm air circulates through as most detect the air temp in the heater unit itself which can mess the temp control otherwise.
Mikuni also do a version when pricing up.
As Deano says gas heating = water.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
|
|
|
Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2011 : 21:23:22
|
I have had a propex lpg heater fitted for 2 years and slept on the boat in the middle of winter. It is a room sealed unit so no condensation and the warm air keeps the boat toasty. Gas consumption is given as 30 hours continuous operation on a 4.5 kg bottle. Once you get the temperature where you want it the 'cycling' on / off of the unit doesn't even keep me awake. 2 x 90A leisure batteries powering that and the lights and invertor for laptop have always got me through the night and a third 90A on the engine start always gets me going. My 15 hp OB charging at about 6Amp for a few hours a day seems to keep everything topped up. Otherwise an electric fan heater when on shore power also keeps me warm and with the cost of power at out marina !!! the gas is probably no more expensive.
regards
Ollie |
|
|
|
Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2011 : 09:19:29
|
Hi Ollie
Thanks for that - exactly what I wanted to hear.
Now I need to find someone who will install one in my 23 for a tenner
Seriously, if anyon ehas a recommendation of someone on the Southern Broads that will install, names and numbers please.... |
|
|
|
Boatmad
United Kingdom
1092 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2011 : 18:27:56
|
Most good auto electric companys can supply and install these heaters as they are now a standard feature on LGVs you should also get a better price than a marine dealer.
pagreenwell |
|
|
|
Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2011 : 19:00:11
|
Thanks Boatmad
Have found Norfolk Marine in Wroxham have an offer on a 2.0kW Propex with the marine kit for 600.00.
From what I have seen so far, this is a good price.
Just need to find someone to fit it now - good call on the LGV fitter.
Cheers
Steve |
|
|
|
Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 25 Oct 2011 : 13:06:04
|
You can do the ducting yourself. Just watch for the gas connection, check with BSS regs carefully. Also worth a note is the siting of the heater. I believe the exhaust length and routing needs careful consideration. As you are outboard engined, it should not be much of a problem. Just make sure the heater is well away from the petrol tank, BSS regs or not, it makes good sense!!!
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
|
|
|
DaveGu
United Kingdom
21 Posts |
Posted - 26 Oct 2011 : 09:14:58
|
Dean is absolutely right about careful placing of the unit itself. The flexible exhaust has to be bent because it exits the unit vertically and then has to be routed in a swan neck shape to come down from above the unit into the skin fitting. The shaping uses 30+ cms and the total is limited to 1 meter. The exhaust pipe inside the boat gets very hot too! I hope that makes sense but you can download the Marine version fitting instructions here http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/support.php?content=downloads I have just finished fitting a 2800 Propex without too much difficulty and the guy who did my recent BSC is returning to check it. My 38ft cruiser is toasty warm in 10 minutes!
Good luck
Dave |
|
|
|
DaveGu
United Kingdom
21 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2011 : 09:20:46
|
I should have said the exhaust exits the unit vertically downwards, which make a big difference!
Dave |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Heating - comfort or budget?
