Propane heater

[pkrainert]

Does anyone use propane heaters on there boats?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Propane heater

You need to be careful with propane since it is heavier than air, it sinks into the bilge, where it can explode. Most newer boats use natural gas which is lighter than air, for safety purposes.

 

[pkrainert]

Re: Propane heater

I see. I was talking more about one of those mini heaters that run off of a small propane tank. Like you would take camping. On a regular ski/fishing boat. I usually fish late night when its freezing. I bring a sleeping bag when its freezing and thought a heater would be to dangerous to use on a boat.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Propane heater

You might browse a marine catalog to see if they have propane heaters for boats. That would be the first choice.

Obviously the one you mentioned is not intended for marine use. if you have an outboard powered boat without a bilge to trap vapors, and you are careful, you will likely be OK.

 

[buckeyboy]

Re: Propane heater

propane gas is very safe used properly. we use them in hunting blinds.
they sell a product called buddy heater which produces no carbon monoxide so you can use tem in a somewhat enclosed area. just follow the instructions and you should be OK. use caution with all and any fuels. I prefer warm clothing and enclosures. be safe.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Propane heater

on the deck or in the cabin?

 

[pkrainert]

Re: Propane heater

on the deck, I do have an outboard.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Propane heater

.... if you have an outboard powered boat without a bilge to trap vapors, and you are careful, you will likely be OK.

Outboard powered boats still have a bilge that collects vapors. If you want a heater, the only choice you have is a marine unit. Otherwise you are putting yourself and others in danger.

Propane is used on boats, but the tank must be in an enclosure that has gravity vents to the outside of the hull so any leak will leak out, not in.

 

[marquette]

Re: Propane heater

i don't want to testify to the safety but here in minnesota we have been using propane sunflower heaters for years in duck boats. now the MR Buddy heater has replaced the sunflower because it doesn't tip over as easy and less likely to melt something. most duck boats are outboard powered with 6 gal portable tanks and the bilge is something your last cookie always falls into. so we may be talking differant kinds of boats but i haven't seen a duck boat blow up yet.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Propane heater

a lot of people use the mr. buddy http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_122+770345+155629

 

[pkrainert]

Re: Propane heater

awesome I hate being cold lol.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Propane heater

I was thinking large heaters with separate propane tanks and plumbing in my earlier post. If you are talking about duck hunting, fishing from small boats, and are talking about using something like this:

I really don't see the danger as long as its placed in such a way as not to tip and start a fire. I think the propane danger is minimal to non-existant with something like this type of heater. A C clamp could even be used to keep it attached to a bench seat to prevent tipping.

In fact, I might be tempted to use something like that in the boat with the hard top!!!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Propane heater

Around here in the winter it can be hard to find a boat without a heater of the same type M42 posted.

 

[buckeyboy]

Re: Propane heater

propane gas is very safe used properly. we use them in hunting blinds.
they sell a product called buddy heater which produces no carbon monoxide so you can use tem in a somewhat enclosed area. just follow the instructions and you should be OK. use caution with all and any fuels. I prefer warm clothing and enclosures. be safe.

yep mr buddy thats the one they have several models

 

[Bondo]

Re: Propane heater

Ayuh,...

I've got 1 of the Big, but not the biggest Mr. Buddy heaters,...

It'll run almost 8 hours on a 1lb. tank,+ keep the cabin of my boat almost warm enough, so you Can't see your breath, at 25? outside....

I just use Caution, because a leaking 1lb. propane cylinder is Just as dangerous as a larger leaking tank...