Agree with Jim Hiller, propane is another viable option. We looked at this option, newer style heater are much safer to operate, IE. no spill or open flame potential. Since we have two propane tanks on our BCC, it would be an easy conversion to use the starboard tank to feed propane to a propane heater to replace the Force 10.
Tend to agree with opinion of stink, soot and fire potential of Force 10 heater, we used the same Optimus burner in our backpacking stoves for 20 years. As a camp stove, they work great, not to worried about emissions, open flame and fuel spills. Not thrilled about open ignition source in a confined space.
We use a Dickenson Newport diesel heater in our other boat, Pan Oceanic 46. While not large enough to keep the ends of a 46' boat toasty, it does take the chill off; in a smaller boat it would work great, unfortunately space for installation and unobstructed passage is a factor in this boat. The Dickenson works so well, wish they made a smaller diesel heater to replace the Force 10.
When we purchased the POC 46, we had 240 gallons of incredibly old diesel fuel on-board, local hazardous waste guys wanted $5 per gallon to dispose of it, we ran it through the diesel heater, while not the most efficient form of heat, it did keep us warm for nearly two years while we went about refit the boat.
We opted for the Dickenson diesel heater for the higher BTU output per pound of fuel, being fed from the main diesel fuel tank there is no spill potential.
Even with the closed system of the Dickenson diesel heater, there can be some smoke and smell emitted when starting. The access door when closed is not sealed, when lighting and using the fan to help get the combustion chamber up to operating temperature faster, some smoke will escape through the joint in the door.Using the fan is essential in high wind conditions as the flame tends to go out before coming up to temp due to down drafts. If you don't use the fan, it will take a little longer to come up to temp, with little or no smoke. We run the Dickenson 24 x 7 without fear of burning the boat down and the fuel consumption is low considering other types of fuel.
Marty Chin, BCC Shamrock
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 06:58:26 -0400
From: Jim Hiller
Subject: Re: Force 10 cabin heaters
Propane is certainly a trouble free way to heat the boat but in very
cold climes it just doesn't produce enough BTU's. Kerosene or Diesel
will produce roughly twice the heat and do so with less moisture. The
downside of course is the stink and mess particularly if you fail to
preheat properly.
Most people who cruise the real cold areas use diesel heaters like
Webasto , Glembring, Dickinson, Espar or Reflex. Our litle force 10
heaters are ok to take the chill off but not ok to leave on 24 hrs a
day. I think the propane heater will empty the tank in less than one
day.
Jim
On Sep 29, 2004, at 12:21 AM, richard smith wrote:
> Marty: refitted Sentient with a Force 10 propane heater and stove
> after "inheriting" the same equipment in the kerosene iteration. We
> placed the propane tank in the forepeak in an enclosed box with an
> overflow, as required. I am pleased to get rid of one more volatile
> and the inconvenience of dealing with another liquid fuel which had to
> be stored, poured, etc. I also feel that the risk of fire is
> diminished in my case. In my hands the stove was out of control
> sometimes vs the propane which turns on and off as I direct.
>
> This may not be entirely on point but this was my way of dealing with
> the same problem.
>
> Best,
>
>
> Richard Smith
>
>
>
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 06:58:26 -0400
From: Jim Hiller
Subject: Re: Force 10 cabin heaters
Propane is certainly a trouble free way to heat the boat but in very
cold climes it just doesn't produce enough BTU's. Kerosene or Diesel
will produce roughly twice the heat and do so with less moisture. The
downside of course is the stink and mess particularly if you fail to
preheat properly.
Most people who cruise the real cold areas use diesel heaters like
Webasto , Glembring, Dickinson, Espar or Reflex. Our litle force 10
heaters are ok to take the chill off but not ok to leave on 24 hrs a
day. I think the propane heater will empty the tank in less than one
day.
Jim
On Sep 29, 2004, at 12:21 AM, richard smith wrote:
> Marty: refitted Sentient with a Force 10 propane heater and stove
> after "inheriting" the same equipment in the kerosene iteration. We
> placed the propane tank in the forepeak in an enclosed box with an
> overflow, as required. I am pleased to get rid of one more volatile
> and the inconvenience of dealing with another liquid fuel which had to
> be stored, poured, etc. I also feel that the risk of fire is
> diminished in my case. In my hands the stove was out of control
> sometimes vs the propane which turns on and off as I direct.
>
> This may not be entirely on point but this was my way of dealing with
> the same problem.
>
> Best,
>
>
> Richard Smith
>
>
>
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