Got Heat?

[kmclemore]

I just found this really nifty marine heater I'm dying to try... don't know how much the sucker costs (probably $$$!), but from what I can tell would work great in our Mac's. Doesn't seem to draw a lot of current, runs on relatively safe (in boating terms) diesel fuel, has a pretty small footprint, automatic low-battery cutoff (@ 10.4 v), automatic over-heat shutdown, and it even comes with a 2 yr/2000 hrs warranty.

Espar Website:
http://www.espar.com/htm/applies/marine.htm

The one that seems to fit our boats best:
http://www.espar.com/htm/Specs/airtronic4.htm

Brochure for Espar Marine heaters (Adobe PDF file):
http://www.espar.co.uk/images/MarineAir.pdf

Picture of an installed unit (Googled):




Heat Output -BTU/hr(KW/hr)
13,600 (4.0) Boost
10,200 (3.0) High
6,800 (2.0) Medium
3,400 (1.0) Low

Fuel Consumption - Gal/hr (L/hr)
Diesel 1, 2 or Kerosene
0.13 (0.51) Boost
0.10 (0.38 ) High
0.07 (0.25) Med.
0.03 (0.13) Low

Electrical Consumption - 12V model shown
3.3 amps (Boost)
2.0 amps (High)
1.1 amps (Med.)
0.6 amps (Low)

Air Throughput
85 cfm (Boost)
69 cfm (High)
50 cfm (Med)
30 cfm (Low)

Weight
9.9 lbs. (4.5 kg)

Dimensions
L= 14.6" (37 cm)
W= 5.5 " (14 cm)
H= 5.9" (15 cm)

They're made by the same folks who've made auxilliary VW and millitary heaters for ages, so they're not some Johnny-come-lately to the market.

Does anyone here have experience with these units, or have ever seen one installed in a boat?

[richandlori]

I have, use, and love this relatively low price heater air heater shown above for our Mac. About 2-5 minutes of run time warms up the cold cabin and makes everyone happy. It is a ON or OFF system, but its simplicity fits the Mac and for the price, it was the way to go. I also have their Hot water Heater and LOVE IT. We used it out at Santa Cruz Island. Do you know how great is was to be able to wash the kids off after swimming on the beach and even wash down the admiral with WARM WATER! They have it listed for $129 but I bought it on Ebay for that price.

www.zodi.com

[RandyMoon]

Captain Rich, is that something that you set outside and pipe in?

[Graham Carr]

I priced the Espar Airtronic D4 two years ago at the Seattle boat show. I think it was around $1400.00. I was talking to a guy that installed one in his fishing boat in Alaska and he said it works great and is worth every penny. I would like one some day, I would mount it aft of the head. Then run two 3" ducts one forward and one aft. I would mount a vents near the v berth and one in the head.

Graham

[richandlori]

Captain Rich, is that something that you set outside and pipe in?

Yep Randy, I put the heater unit in the cockpit and run the hot air outlet line into the cabin. It is amazing how fast it will warm up the cabin. I am also VERY careful about the placement of the inlet air line to make sure it is FRESH non-CO contaminated air! I usually run it a few times in the evening and DEFINITELY in the morning to take the chill out of the air. Of course I only use it at anchor, because I use my electric/shore power when in a slip.

The below photo also shows the "Joy" of using the hot water wash-down. I hang the unit from the back of the boat and wash away.

[James V]

Some of these heaters put CO2 into the cabin. You may want to get a CO2 sniffer to be safe. Don't know how cold you want to sail or sleep in but there is hand warmers for the sleeping bag for about 1 dollar a night and should help you get through the night.

[Eric O]

The Espar heater is probably better suited to larger boats with bigger battery banks and budgets. Minimum cost for everything needed is about $2400 - installation is extra.

A similar less expensive alternative is the Wallace 1300. Less than $1000. It is available from Scan Marine in Seattle. http://www.scanmarineusa.com/W1300.htm

They also offer a dual purpose - cook and heat unit that I believe is even less expensive. http://www.scanmarineusa.com/W800.htm

Both Wallace heaters, like the Espar, vent to the outside.

[Jeff Ritsema]

I have the Wallas heater and single burner setup. Been pleased with the duel use of the heater and the stove. Is over $1000 given installation costs and accessories: mine was 1200-1300 range as I recall. If interested I can get more specific on costs. Does require external venting. Fuel is universally available and safe: mineral spirits. Pricey, but worth it to get both needs covered.

[Catigale]

Im pretty sure I had an Espar heater (gasoline) in my old VW bug, Thing, and early 'owl face' Microbus....

Never got completely comfortable with the idea of gasoline burning on my lap...

[kmclemore]

Im pretty sure I had an Espar heater (gasoline) in my old VW bug, Thing, and early 'owl face' Microbus....

Never got completely comfortable with the idea of gasoline burning on my lap...

Espar makes two types of heaters - gas and diesel. The one I suggested, above, is diesel. Of all the fuels you could use, I'd venture to say that's one of the safest for a boat.

[kmclemore]

Some of these heaters put CO2 into the cabin. You may want to get a CO2 sniffer to be safe. Don't know how cold you want to sail or sleep in but there is hand warmers for the sleeping bag for about 1 dollar a night and should help you get through the night.

A CO2 sniffer is always a good idea, and I'd have one with any sort of heater. However, the Espar heaters have been used for years in many different applications - trucks, boats, cars, etc - and the ducting setup is pretty safe.

[bill barchard]

All heaters that use oil ,propane.natural gas,wood coal etc. can be unsafe if not vented. Producs of combustion are co2,H2o.and if recirculated in the flame produce poisenous co Many people have used unvented infrared heaters and are still alive. The picture of the heater on this subject takes air from outside and is vented so it is OK,but it uses power and could flaten your battery.

[richandlori]

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=570

I think a smoke/CO alarm is a must if overnighting on the boat. This unit was from Home Depot for about $40.