Boat Cabin Heater

As you know, when you are moored, you can not use much electricity. So I need a gas, Keroscene or something heater, the problem is it can not vent to a small confined cabin.
If I am staying on the boat for 3 days, what can I use??? Also any other power ideas???

depending on how much ya wanna spend, and if this is just a 1 off or something you will need in the future again, one solution could be to get a suburban, or atwood furnace, found in RVs. a look on ebay or maybe down your local rv dealership might turn up something cheap.
they are LP and 12volt, LP fueled, and need 12volt for the fans etc. however, they are not vented inside, the burners are sealed from the inside and air is blown over them. obviously to work in an RV.
just a suggestion, not cheapest way and not much use for just a 1 off

2006-12-29 07:19:17 by ebiz1@sbcglobal.net

- West Marine Melt away the morning chill! This ultra-quiet heater is perfect for boats, homes and offices. Versatility and simplicity with three ...

I have a 19.5' boat with a cuddy cabin that I would like to air condition when we 'camp' overnight in the boat. I would prefer a unit that runs on Direct Current (DC), but I can use an inverter to run an A/C model if need-be.

The problem that I have been having is that all of the models I have found so far are WAY to big for my small space application we are talking about. The total volume of the cuddy cabin is only about 144 cubic feet (4.07 cubic meters), so something in the 500-1,000 BTU range would be more than sufficient. Most of the marine air units that I'm finding are 5-8,000 BTUs and are designed for a boat with a full cabin. I do not not need a heater function on the unit, but if it has one, its not a deal breaker.

Other specs... there is an overhead 12" x 12" square hatch (with rounded corners) on the ceiling of the cuddy, and a vertical bi-fold door approximately 2' wide by 3' tall. Ideally a unit would fit in one of those, but I'm willing to construct some ductwork or baffles if need be. I can do any wiring needed, and can add extra batteries if need be. I'm even willing to some light modification on the unit if it is otherwise acceptable.

So, does anyone know where I can get such an air conditioning unit? I have been searching online for nearly a month and have not found anything that comes close to what I'm looking for. With all of the cuddy cabin's out there I'm astonished that I'm the only who seems to want an A/C on board.
I'm actually going to have to respectfully disagree with you about it being impossible. In the last 24 hours I posted this question in another place and several people have pointed me towards several 250W 1000BTU units a 250W unit should run for at least 6 hours continuously on the 160Amp gel-cell we use for house power. That's more than ample to cool the cuddy overnight for sleeping. before charging the battery back up with the motor. I've recently found some DC solutions designed by people wanting to run solar-only. I'll post what I've personally found after the question expires.

You are certainly not the only one that wants A/C on board.

The problem is not so much the A/C unit, but the electricity requirement to run it. And, in a vessel under about 26' it becomes an issue of space, weight, and economics, as well as electrical demands - and even for a small cuddy cabin, it is a quite different and more complex issue then (say) the air-conditioning for your car.

For example: The problem with spending "cool & comfortable" tropical weather nights in your boat anchored out with no shore power... is of course, having enough electricity to run the A/C unit.

My vessel has 2 banks of 6 x 12v batteries, plus to 2 "house" batteries for a total of 14 batteries (which weigh over 2,200 lbs. (162 lbs ea). In addition I have a roof-top 10' x 20' array of solar panels and a 6 kw generator for back up. My 2 banks of 6 batteries are wired in a series to produce 144 VDC power source which is converted to 110ac. Anchored out at night running the A/C, my generator will kick on every 4 hours and run for about an hour.

Now granted, I live full-time and cruise aboard my boat. And while you can do with a smaller A/C unit, you still need to produce and store the same amount of electricity - which means, either your generator is running all the time your A/C unit is running (which is not good for either fuel or noise) or you need the space and weight capacity for a ton (literally) of batteries.

This is why so many vessels under 40 feet can only operate their A/C with shore power or while their generator (if they have one) is running. And why you are having such an impossible time of finding a suitable A/C unit for your vessel.

So for overnight camping on your boat with air-conditioning, you will need a generator as well as the A/C unit. Your 20' cuddy will not have the capacity to carry 12 x 12v deep cell marine batteries. And the fact is, there just is no economical way to do this on a recreational weekend use vessel, and that's why these small boat manufacturers don't do it.

Good luck,
John

2010-07-25 22:36:05 by Brian G

Price: $149.00

2 D Cell Battery Ignition
Minimum Flow Rate of 0.3 Liters Per Minute
Needs 20-80 PSI of water pressure

What must an operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch do?

a. Attach the lanyard to the steering control.
b. Attach the lanyard to the impeller.
c. Attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or PFD.
d. Attach the lanyard to any other person on the PWC.


# What hazard may occur when a PWC passes too closely behind another vessel?

a. The PWC may be sucked into the other vessel's engine.
b. The PWC may overturn and put the operator at risk of being run over.
c. Wake from a large passing vessel could throw the PWC into the closer vessel.
d. The other vessel may create a blind spot and block the PWC operator's view of oncoming vessels.


# Which of the following meets PFD legal requirements in Georgia?

a. having a Type IV or V PFD available for every person on board
b. wearing an inflatable PFD while operating a personal watercraft
c. substituting a Type V PFD if it is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the activity at hand
d. substituting a Type V PFD on a child weighing 80 lbs.


# What provides the best protection against carbon monoxide poisoning while boating?

a. Operate generators only at night.
b. Use a breathing tube when swimming near the boat.
c. Keep fresh air flowing through the boat.
d. Keep doors and windows closed while using a cabin heater.


# What is the first thing you should do to help someone who has fallen into the water from a dock?

a. Swim to the victim with a line.
b. Row out to the victim in the nearest boat.
c. Throw out anything that will float.
d. Try to talk the victim to safety.


# In Georgia, the law says you may not operate a boat or PWC at greater than idle speed within what distance from an anchored boat, a dock, a person in the water or a residential shoreline?

a. 500 feet
b. 250 feet
c. 200 feet
d. 100 feet


# What should you do if your boat capsizes and remains floating upside down?

a. Stay in the water close to the boat.
b. Climb onto the bottom of the overturned boat.
c. Swim away from the boat, and tread water.
d. Swim up under the boat to stay out of the wind.


# Which is an example of unlawful operation in Georgia?

a. anchoring near a shoreline adjacent to a full- or part-time residence
b. allowing passengers to ride on the bow if there are railings
c. operating a vessel according to the navigational rules
d. jumping the wake of another boat close to that boat


# What should a sailing vessel operator do when overtaking a power-driven vessel?

a. Maintain present course and speed.
b. Do whatever is necessary to stay clear of the power-driven vessel.
c. Sound a danger signal on a horn or whistle.
d. Adjust speed to run alongside the power-driven vessel.


# Which statement about non-native aquatic pest species is FALSE?

a. They provide vital nutrients for native plant and marine life.
b. They are transported by riding on vessels and trailers.
c. They can upset the balance of the ecosystem and harm the environment.
d. They displace native species and damage the water resource.


# What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water?

a. Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped.
b. Remove any unnecessary clothing.
c. Tread water or swim around to generate heat.
d. Try to float on your stomach with legs extended.


# What is the main function of a PWC's ignition safety switch?

a. to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard
b. to shut off the engine when the PWC is beached
c. to prevent operation by unauthorized personnel
d. to prevent theft when the PWC is left unattended


# What is the most important thing to remember about steering a PWC?

a. It is very responsive to the steering control.
b. It responds slowly to the steering control.
c. You must exert considerable effort to turn a PWC around.
d. You lose all steering control when the engine is idling or shut off.


# In what weather conditions does the capacity plate that indicates the maximum weight and/or maximum number of persons a boat may carry safely apply?

a. all conditions
b. racing
c. winds up to 54 knots
d. good weather


# When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?

a. shift into reverse gear
b. use your arms and/or legs
c. use the boat’s rear brakes
d. toss a mooring line around a cleat


# What does a white marker with red vertical stripes indicate?

a. danger area; keep out
b. safe water; OK to pass on either side
c. mooring buoy; OK to tie up here
d. junction of two channels


#

c-b -a-c-c-c-b -d-b-a-a-a-d-a-a-?

2009-01-13 11:43:06 by Semir B

Price: $35.78 $28.62

Satisfaction Ensured.
Unique design.
Highly Recommended.

What provides the best protection against carbon monoxide poisoning while boating?

a. Operate generators only at night.
b. Use a breathing tube when swimming near the boat.
c. Keep fresh air flowing through the boat.
d. Keep doors and windows closed while using a cabin heater.


# Which color navigation light must show on the starboard (right) side of a power-driven vessel operating at night?

a. red
b. green
c. white
d. yellow


# What is a leading cause of fatalities among paddlers (those who operate small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts)?

a. capsizing
b. improper clothing
c. vessel leaks
d. severe weather


# Vessels which are NOT required to be registered in Indiana, include which of the following?

a. vessels under 16 feet in length
b. personal watercraft
c. non-motorized vessels
d. sailboats under 16 feet in length powered by an outboard motor


# What should you do first if your boat runs aground at high speed?

a. Check to be sure no one is injured.
b. Look for help to get pulled loose.
c. Put the engine in reverse, and gun it.
d. Make a MAYDAY call on your VHF radio.


# What should you do if you see a white buoy with orange bands and an orange crossed diamond?

a. Slow down to no-wake speed.
b. Watch out for dangers such as rocks or stumps.
c. Follow directions to nearest services.
d. Keep out of the marked area.


# What does a backfire flame arrestor on a gasoline inboard engine prevent?

a. flooding the fuel pump
b. flooding the carburetor
c. igniting vapors if the engine backfires
d. igniting spilled gasoline


# What safety feature was designed into PWC fuel tanks?

a. to be as lightweight as possible
b. to be filled to the top
c. to keep spilled fuel within the bilge
d. to leave space for the fuel to expand


# When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout?

a. the operators of both vessels
b. the operator of the stand-on vessel
c. the operator of the give-way vessel
d. the operator of the smaller vessel


# What is the first thing you should do to help someone who has fallen into the water from a dock?

a. Swim to the victim with a line.
b. Row out to the victim in the nearest boat.
c. Throw out anything that will float.
d. Try to talk the victim to safety.


# What should you do with the float plan for your weekend water outing?

a. Mail it to your home address.
b. Stow it with the vessel's registration papers.
c. Fax it to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard station.
d. Leave it with a friend or relative.


# Who must ensure a skier(s), being towed behind a vessel, is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) designed for water-skiing?

a. skier(s)
b. vessel operator
c. Coast Guard officer
d. onboard observer


# When boating on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction, vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board which sound producing device(s)?

a. a bell
b. a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal
c. a loudspeaker
d. a horn AND a bell


# In Indiana, it is illegal to operate a motorboat or PWC if the operator's blood alcohol level is what level?

a. 0.12% or greater
b. 0.10% or greater
c. 0.08% or greater
d. 0.05% or greater


# While towing a skier with a personal watercraft, the PWC must be rated for how many people?

a. one
b. two
c. three
d. four


# What does a red flag with a white diagonal stripe indicate?

a. diver underwater in the immediate area
b. swimming area, restricted to all boats
c. outer limits of a pump-out station zone
d. the center of an environmental survey area


# While underway on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction, which statement would be TRUE?

a. Anyone being towed on water-skis must wear a Type V PFD or ski belt.
b. Children under 13 years of age must wear a PFD except when below deck in an enclosed cabin.
c. Only children under 13 years of age who are unable to swim must wear a PFD, except when below deck in an enclosed cabin.
d. Anyone towed on innertube or other inflated device is not required to wear a PFD.


# According to federal law, which type of boat requires a capacity plate?

a. single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length
b. personal watercraft (PWCs)
c. boats from 16 to 28 feet in length
d. boats less than 24 feet in length


# Indiana law states that an unlicensed driver 15 years of age must successfully complete what c

the purpose of the boating test is to test your knowledge of boating. the correct answers are in the boating review section, please go back and read the information over again. it's very important that you learn this info prior to operating a boat.

your safety depends on this.

hope this helps

2009-11-28 09:20:51 by WakeSnowB

A Peace from the End

It started as a thought then progressed into a dream and then it

became an action that now is a nightmare. I overreacted, and became

too bold. I took a month off of the work, and flew down to the southern

most tip of Chile. The first of the month was when I would emerge

myself in the culture, and then the second part was an upscale

camping trip. The first part was great. Everything the typical young

American did I did. Perhaps I had too much fun because when it

came to the camping part I was a wreck. Two days into the outing I

fired the guide, which wasn’t the best idea considering I had no

knowledge of the area. She left all the equipment that I would need;

the only thing lacking was the instruction manual to it all. The first

night was fine, the second one not so much. It’s November, and

although I’m in South America it’s cold. The second night it rained,

and the tent wasn’t properly set up for rain, so it leaked. After this

incident I grabbed a map and hiked toward the ocean. Land wasn’t

treating me well. Once there I bought a small boat and planned on

taking it easy on the ocean blue. So much for that keen idea.

Most everything I knew about ocean currents came from my

freshman year of geography. It just so happens that I didn’t pay

attention too much in that class, so most of my knowledge is

conflicting therefore incorrect. But I always enjoyed winging it. Now

here I am in the middle of some ocean on a boat with just enough

water to get me through a few days and the only food is that in my

backpack. I don’t know how to properly drive a boat. This place that

was a paradise for me several days ago is now my lovely killer. If the

cold doesn’t kill me the loneliness will. After trying all the controls

written coincidentally in Spanish. I try the radio, but showing those

poor Mexicans how livid I am doesn’t seem to help. It just makes my

throat and head hurt. Then it gets me thinking about how I’ve treated

people my whole life. It’s best not to get started on some deep,

personal self-evaluation I tell myself, but I know the topic will again

come up. Best now to drift off to sleep on this cold stiff bed the only

thing between the unforgiving crystal clear haven and me.


A new outlook has been bestowed upon me. I’ve decided to just

take it easy. The scenery is astounding; one can just imagine the

outline of the land, but it truly is gone. Today is much warmer than the

previous days. The sun is shining brightly, and my spirits are high. I

lay on the bow of the boat dreaming about what I wish would be. I

imagine that I’m on a yacht on a warm day off the coast of the Virgin

Islands. The crewmen come by and ask,” Is there anything I can get

for you?” “I’m good on the sushi, but could you get me another one of

these?” I reply tapping the tall thin glass nonchalantly. The life is

good. This boat is hardly a yacht. The fish are hardly crewmen, and

dingy water is not even close to a chilled cocktail. Aside from the

melancholy reality today is a great day. And no clouds, rain, or icy air

can change that.


The dew covers my fingers, frost covers my hair, and my bones

are stiff with cold. Guess that’s what I get for passing out on the

deck. This boat is small with a cabin in the bottom. It has a clumsy

heater, but a nice stash of blankets in the closet along with a cheap

hot plate. I’m wondering if I should try using hot plate; a cappuccino or

some hot chocolate would really do the trick. But there’s a chance it

could start an electrical fire. Maybe first I should check if there’s a

lifeboat. If I’m stuck in a lifeboat I will surely die; a hot drink or

potential death? I grab the hot plate. As I sip the hot chocolate and

curl under the blanket I think of how to make this situation even

better. Some music I decide would just make this day. Turns out the

radio that I yelled at the Mexicans through only plays music. If only-

oh wait I got it- some English music comes on. I lay there sipping hot

chocolate, curled with blankets, and listening to the hottest songs

wondering what the other people are listening to this very song right

now, and what are they doing. Are they driving, at a party, getting a

phone call, or being idle just as I? I just think of all the resources they

have. I wouldnt’ but gray skies and blue under it. It scares me. Here I

am in the presence of no one. It’s just me out here. Me against

myself.

The warmth is all gone along with my hope. I know now that this

adventure will surely end in my demise, but I am at peace with it. I

know the end, yet somehow I am perfectly content with the verdict.

As the good book says,” Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we

die.” I shall certainly do the latter two for

Thats really good...................continue it!

2009-11-05 21:47:10 by Cara.XXo