December 2005 Newsletter

Heating systems onboard boats

Winter is here and the weather centres are all predicting it will be a very cold one so in this months newsletter we are going to look at ways of keeping yourself and your boat warm. From my experience having spoken to many liveaboards the choice of heating system on your boat is a personal one and everyone seems to have their favorite. For this reason I can not recommend a single type or make but I can tell you about the different types of systems to help make up your mind.

So what are the most common types?

Solid Fuel Stoves

These are popular on residential boats and can burn coal, wood or both. The stove has a flue going outside the boat to ensure the smoke does not enter the living area.

The good points.

• These stoves are simple and reliable and give out a nice dry comfortable heat. Fuel can be purchased almost anywhere and it is possible to find wood for free in many places.
• Silent in operation
• Do not need a power supply to run.
• Good for heating open plan boats

The bad points

• The heat output is difficult to control.
• Storing the fuel aboard your boat can be difficult and take up valuable space.
• Clearing out the ashes can make a mess inside your boat.
• Depending on the size of your stove it may not last throughout the night so you may wake up in the morning to a cold boat.
• Many people do not like to leave a lit stove un-attended so may not be as flexible as other options.
• Not good at heating boats with many cabins.

Diesel Fire

These types of fires are popular as most boats already have the fuel aboard to run the fire as well as the boats engine.
Stand alone fires are similar to solid fuel stoves with a flue pipe extending outside the boat. Diesel is feed to a metering valve on the fire commonly by gravity and this valve puts diesel into the base of the fire where it burns when ignited.

These fires are reasonably safe to use and the heat output can be controlled. They come in many sizes, heat outputs and designs so you should be able to find one to fit your required space.

The good points

• Fuel storage is already on your boat.
• Silent in operation
• Do not use any electrical power
• Heat output can be easily controlled
• Clean burning, no ashes to empty.

The bad points

• Stand alone fires not good at heating boats with many cabins.

Forced air heating system

These types of heating systems are common on recreational use boats to provide heating aboard so the season can be extended. You do find these systems on residential boats in the smaller sizes.

The system consists of a heater unit with a fan that is run on either diesel or LPG gas. From the heater unit metal ducts are run throughout the boats cabins with an outlet set close to the floor. In operation the heater unit produces heat and the fan blows hot air through the ducts and out of the outlets in each cabin.

Units come in different heat outputs to suit your size of boat.

The good points

• Can be configured to heat boats with many cabins
• Fuel storage is already on your boat for diesel or include a gas bottle for gas fueled systems
• Heat output can be easily controlled
• Some systems have a timer for switching on and off so you can set the heating to come on before you get home and be nice and warm.
• Clean burning, no ashes to empty.

The bad points

• Uses electrical power from your batteries for starting and when in use.
• Not silent in operation but noise levels are acceptable.
• Will need frequent servicing that can be expensive.
• Parts are expensive if the unit goes wrong.
• Not designed for constant use that is typical of a liveaboard so could be replacing the unit sooner than expected.

Central Heating systems.

Larger boats can have a conventional central heating system with a boiler running on diesel and radiators throughout the boat. Systems are more or less the same as house systems although the boiler is normally built for marine use.

The good points

• Can be configured to heat boats with many cabins
• Fuel storage is already on your boat
• Heat output can be easily controlled
• Some systems have a timer for switching on and off so you can set the heating to come on before you get home and be nice and warm.
• Clean burning, no ashes to empty.
• Generally reliable system good in constant use

The bad points

• Uses electrical power from your batteries for starting and when in use. Some require a mains supply to run the circulation pump.
• Not really a practical system for a smaller boat.

So now you know what the common types of heating systems are for the liveaboard boater to keep you cosy and warm you can make an informed decision on what is your preferred system.

--------------------------------------------------

© 2005. Living On Boats.
www.livingonboats.co.uk

Martin Chinery has lived on boats for over 7 years. He writes articles for and runs the Living On Boats website.

** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners **
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include this resource box.
If you do use the material please send us a note so we can take a look. Thanks.
-------------------------------------------------

'Bargain Basement'

I often look around for boats that are for sale at a reasonable price and could make a suitable liveaboard boat. It is surprising what you can find so I thought I would feature one vessel in each edition of the newsletter to show what can be found. I'll call this 'Bargain Basement' and see what little jems we can come up with.

This months 'Bargain Basement'

FOR SALE: 55ft Forbes ex Seine netter, 1967 built £8,500

Built in Fraserburgh, NE Scotland in 1967, larch planks on oak frames carvel hull. Very well built boat, watertight hull. Accomodation for 6 crew, sea toilet, plenty of storage cupboards. Last commercially used in 2000, (note: winch and trawl gear gone, still has masts, booms, refrigeration plant etc) Propelled by a Volvo Penta TAD121c (turbocharged) developing 325hp, fitted with a twin disc gearbox. Steering is engine assisted hydraulic (will work without engine) Boat is fitted with 240v shaft generator, this does need attention though. There are various small jobs needing completion and some wiring and painting, this is reflected in the price however.

This vessel would need some work doing to make it a comfortable home but you have a working engine, a tight hull and some basic accommodation to start with.

As a comparison below is a similar vessel that has been converted to a liveaboard boat and is now moored in the south of England. I am sure you can see the difference in price which could make the hard work of converting pay off in the resale price of the conversion and bringing to vessel to the South.

For Sale: 50 ft M.F.V, Forbes built 1951 £46,000.



Larch on oak, Kelvin K4 engine, rebuilt 2005.
8 berth, gaff ketch rigged. Ideal liveaboard. Wired for mains, hot & cold water system. Must be viewed. Lying Thames, West London

--------------------------------------------------

I hope you enjoyed this months newsletter. Please do visit the website for more information about Living On Boats

www.livingonboats.co.uk

Don't forget to use the Forum to ask questions and join in the discussion. Your input really does make a difference.