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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Dec 2011 : 22:31:08
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Has anyone on the forum fitted a Propex to their Norman (or Teal or Dawncraft or whatever)?.
I intend equipping our own "Hunky 'B'" with a 2000E unit (dual gas/240v) early in the new year as we are already suffering withdrawal symptoms from missing our weekend trips. I plan to install the unit in the bijou "wardrobe" (generous description really) located just inside the front cabin, with the inlet/exhaust conduit led out to the hull fitting just under the gunwales and the (2) hot air outlets fed from trunking T-eed in the centre hold.
Any other experiences which people are willing to share, however, would be most appreciated as I want to get it right first time - new concept for me!
The gas fitting and commissioning will be by my trusty surveyor and gas engineer, Graham Freeman of Tayman Services - usual disclaimer. For anyone in the Northampton area, I can thoroughly recommend Graham who is as willing to explain what he is doing and why he is doing it as I am ready to learn the whys and wherefores.
Many thanks in anticipation
Stan Owen |
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sm0129
33 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2011 : 19:20:41
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I've got one in a Princess 32. It is fitted in a cockpit locker and it used to wake me up when it fires up. I don't think you will get much sleep at all if you fit it in the cabin- they really are quite noisy and throughout the night can fire up about 8 or 9 times.
My advice would be to fit is as far back as you can. |
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adi-n-chez
United Kingdom
1980 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2011 : 19:28:05
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Having looked extensively at the Propex system , most recommendations were to fit into the cockpit (Under the floor) - Closer to the gas locker & easier to power from the batteries (less risk of voltage drop)
Still not done it yet - Chez won this yr & preferred new windows !
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2011 : 20:51:40
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I have an Ebersplatter, same idea, only runs on diesel.
Top tips, get it as far away from you as possible, route the exhaust away from the living area. out of the back (transom) would be good if nothing is in the way.
Insulate the hot air ducting! The air delivered to the cabin will be twice as hot.. yes, really!!
You don't have to use expensive 'approved' insulation, old jumpers and string work just as well. Just be careful with the first foot or so as it exits the heater, nothing too combustable!!
Pick up cheap extension hose and fittings from ....http://www.leisureshopdirect.com/caravan/home/Truma_fires/Spare_Parts_for_Truma_Blown_Air_Heating.aspx
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 21:22:41
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I fitted mine to my Viking 23 2 years ago and slept on the boat, comfortably, in minus 10 ish last winter, and was warm and cosey. Graham is a good friend of mine and, I know as a fellow examiner, will not give bad advice.
regards
Ollie |
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adi-n-chez
United Kingdom
1980 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 21:37:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Deano
I have an Ebersplatter, same idea, only runs on diesel.
You don't have to use expensive 'approved' insulation, old jumpers and string work just as well. !
Typical Ousy boater - No wonder the farmers not only brand their sheep they protect em with barbed wire....
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 22:18:31
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Ollie
Minus 10! You don't stick forks in your legs between courses as well do you (with acknowledgments to Blackadder)? Seriously, there is a Nauticus moored just down from where I am and the owner fitted a Propex a few weeks ago (Graham did his magic with the gas fitting) and was telling me the other day that, from 6 degrees on arival, the Propex pushed the temperature up to 18 degrees in less than half an hour. I was working on "Hunky 'B'" today and I could have done with some of that!
I shall be seeing Graham next week when he is planning to reroute some poorly-installed gas pipe for me (and putting in the T-piece for the Propex) ad I'll remember you to him then.
Regards, Stan Owen |
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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 22:33:48
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Deano
The back transom is something of a no-no as there are three bulkheads plus the rear cabin in the way before you even reach the transom! I als understand that there is a recommended limit for the inlet/exhaust and with my current plan these will each be on a 0.75 metre length of the stainless trunking, properly lagged with the wife's cast-off unmentionables which are certainly non-combustable, at least when I am around.
Regards, Stan Owen |
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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 22:43:43
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adi
The cockpit is a great idea except that on the Norman 27, most of the space above deck is taken up with the boxes to hold(?) the legs of anyone so foolish as to sleep in the back cabin. Furthermore, "Hunky 'B'" has the gas locker on the port side of the cockpit, mostly above deck. Below deck, most of the "hold" space is taken up with twin water tanks. Therefore, at least on our boat, the "wardrobe" is pretty much the best of a bad job as regards location. It is, at least, next to the gas pipe to the cooker and I am taking advantage of the project and am moving (well Graham, is moving) the bulk of the gas pipe feeding the water heater to the inside the "wardrobe" (it is currently screwed to the outside of the front cabin bulkhead, as is the heater).
As regards noise, it will be in a cupboard and my intention is to "box in" the front of the unit with some sound insulation on the inside to reduce any excessive noise, and the front panel will also carry the fused spur switch for the 240 volt feed for when we are at the marina.
Finally, being of advanced years, though totally lacking in wisdom, my hearing is very much not as it was!
Regards, Stan Owen |
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Lester Mayo
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2011 : 23:14:38
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From speaking to someone about these heaters it seems there is a skin fitting with the exhaust and inlet combined, as in a room sealed house boiler. So I am not sure you have to have the inlet and exhaust .5 apart but best to check to confirm this with supplier.
sorry if I am getting mixed up with this.
Just re read the posts and I am getting confused so just ignore me on this one.
Don't take life too serious, it's not permanent |
Edited by - Lester Mayo on 13 Dec 2011 23:20:57 |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 07:47:43
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Hmmm! Interesting! I have just bought a Propex 2000 triple kit and am scratching my head a lot as to where to mount it (Norman 23).
My initial feeling was in the wardrobe immediatley forward of the helm on the port side so I could have an outlet on my feet!
I have heard several people saying about noise so am now re-thinking things.
I have a Mercury 15 outboard, so plenty of space under the cockpit floor, even with 2 water tanks, but if you install by the transom does this not make the duct runs too long to get anywhere near the forward berth?
Stan, I'm with you, I suspect we could be a long time regretting a hasty decision here. |
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Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 12:46:35
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Steve, Mine is exactly where you suggest, albeit on the Viking. Yes I can hear it running but it isn't annoying - Infact it almost comforting to hear it cycling on and off during the night. And by having it in the wardrobe it keeps the air delivery hose to a minimum length and any heat lost from the hose is actually into the wardrobe. The burner inlet and exhaust are to the combined skin fitting with the exhaust lagged as that does get hot. I then 'boxed' the unit over to prevent any clothes etc. falling onto it with plenty of space around the heater it works absolutely fine.
Stan,
Thats about right. Mine maintains 18 to 20 degrees C easily in the day and I turn the stat down to about the 1/3 position to hold 12 to 15 degrees over night. I've never had the stat right up to maximum.
regards
Ollie |
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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 13:48:16
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Lester
I do confuse things don't I? The hull fitting has, as you say, two spigots for inlet and exhaust. The 0.75 metres refers to the (minimum) length of stainless trunking between the output spigots on the heater body and this hull fitting. I shall be looping mine down and then up so that I can get the requisite length without losing a lot of space at the back of the "wardrobe".
Looking at my near neighbour, the Nautilus, whose owner has just fitted a Propex, his hull fitting is quite low down on the hull. This fitting, although stainless steel, looks fairly lightweight so I shall be fitting mine just under the gunwales to minimise the risk of a clonk against bank piling or a concrete mooring. I have considered getting some hardwood "deflector" plates made to fit fore and aft of the hull fitting although these are unlikely to look particularly attractive and will further reinforce the belief of others that I am no style vulture!
As to noise, there are various posts on the net where some find the unit noisy and others do not - it may well be that some fans produce a more noticeable whir than others. I am prepared to live with whatever noise impinges on my compromised hearing and besides, I sleep like a log.
Regards, Stan Owen |
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Stan the Man
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 13:54:05
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Steve
I understand from the Propex website that the maximum length for inlet/exhausr ducting is 2 metres but please check that I have not got things completely round my neck. I believe the kit comes with 1.5 metres of this ducting so you get the bare minimum and would have to order more, no doubt, expensive ducting should you need more.
I will be collecting my unit Friday, with a bit of luck, and will spend a day or so just ruminating with it (i.e. the heater) in my hand to work out exactly how and where the installation will be. "Fit Propex in haste..." as I'm sure no one ever says.
Regards, Stan Owen |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 19:03:04
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Thanks Ollie
Back to plan "A" then, and a nice warm wardrobe instead.
How much room did you give the unit when you boxed it in?
I figured that the very short duct runs needed from this position would make sure all my nice warm, dry air would be in the cabin/cockpit and not under the floors.
Stan - get mine Friday too - so off to the boat to sit with all the bits and see where it all looks OK.
The forecast snow for the day should sharpen the mind to make the decisions
Steve |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2011 : 19:42:39
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I would try and run exhaust and inlet trunking down to skin fittings so water can run out, burning gas produces a lot of water and rain has ways of getting anywhere, the exhaust on my webasto used to need draining from time to time due to the shape of the run.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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Experience fitting a Propex?
