Catalytic heater in power boat?

[artburr]

Is it safe to use a catalytic heater in an outboard power boat?

 

[moderator1]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

Moving to Boat Topics an Questions, not Repair Topics

 

[JB]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

Hi, Art.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />There are probably a lot of unsafe ways to use one in an outboard boat, so I am unwilling to say it is safe. The consequences of one mistake could be too horrible to contemplate.<br /><br />Maybe a Firefighter or a Coastie can chime in here with some expert advice.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cajun555]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

I'm with JB on this, One mistake and "poof". It really depends on what boat you have, tank location, ventilation.<br /><br />I use a coleman lantern when night fishing secured to a pole. <br /><br />Alot of using a catalytic heater is using your common sense. If you smell gas I would not use it. Make sure it is secured, don't leave it unattended.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

I use a Coleman PowerCat all the time, to heat the cockpit area of a 30 foot sunbridge boat. The PowerCat uses radiant heat as well as fan-forced heat. I always have a window cracked open. That thing really puts out the heat.<br /><br />The Mr. Heater "Buddy" is much the same, has more BTU output (but uses gas 3X faster), has no blower fan and has a low-O2 sensor that shuts the unit down if this occurs.<br /><br />I would never use one overnight however.

 

[dy168]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

I don't think they make PowerCat anymore. The newer model is called ProCat. I recommend ProCat rather than Mr. Heater if you are using it on a boat. A light wind will blow the flame off from Mr. Heater. The flame of the ProCat can withstand stronger wind. I have used ProCat on my boat and I like it. Cheapest place to get one is from Sport Authority.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

I use a mini coleman lantern.I keep a window cracked opened and put it on about 1/2 hour before bed. warms everything up nice, and can be used for light also. I don't think I'd sleep with one on though.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[fireman57]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

The problem with either of these items is oxygen use and CO2 output. Do not use either of these in an unventilated area. They are great for general heating in an area that is not even close to airtight. Cuzner is right that you don't want to go to sleep with one running. The problem is that you might go to sleep because of the carbon monoxide/diaoxide even if you don't mean to.

 

[llfish]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

The aforentioned items are not rated for sleeping quarters.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

Art<br />I used one for many years and had no problem. It is the only way wife can stay warm when winter fishing for Sturgeon. Of course if you have a fuel leak do not light it. We use ours in the covered area of our runabout. Only time I feel unsafe with it is when lighting on the back of the boat on windy days. Once lit and the gas has burned off I feel very safe. Also used it on my 14 foot open boat when duck hunting. Sure helps warm up the hand after grabing a bird out of the cold water.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

One more thought.<br /><br />Combustion products from propane, as well as being toxic, also contain large quantities of water in the form of vapour.<br /><br />Probably doesn't matter a jot on an open boat, but if used in an enclosed space the vapour will condense, especially on absorbent materials such as bedding and cushions. Result? They feel damp and go mouldy more quickly.<br /><br />Another reason for airing everything properly.<br /><br />Ciao.

 

[artburr]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

Originally posted by Boatist:<br /> Art<br />I used one for many years and had no problem. It is the only way wife can stay warm when winter fishing for Sturgeon. Of course if you have a fuel leak do not light it. We use ours in the covered area of our runabout. Only time I feel unsafe with it is when lighting on the back of the boat on windy days. Once lit and the gas has burned off I feel very safe. Also used it on my 14 foot open boat when duck hunting. Sure helps warm up the hand after grabing a bird out of the cold water.

 

[artburr]

Re: Catalytic heater in power boat?

This is probably the most useful response (to me)since I would be using it in a 16 ft. open boat and shouldn't have any trouble having "burn off" before leaving the dock. Maybe my wife could use it under a poncho!