WalkAround Cabin Heat? How?

[Skiboat Dave]

I am looking at a new 23 foot Polar (Don't tell LoonyToons)

I live in Mass. It gets cold up here!

If I want to spend an overnight late in the season, how can I heat the cabin?

Or if I have the kids with me on a colder and windy day and they want to warm up a bit, how can I heat the cabin?

The boat I am looking at will be rigged with outboards, so I don't think a heatercore type set up won't work.

Is there a heater that can be used while underway?


I did a search for cabin heat and heaters and nothing came up. I don't want to over ask the same questions time and time agian,,,like "Whats the best oil?"

Cold Skiboat Dave

[Porkchunker]

If it is outboard, there aren't many options beyond propane, butane, alcohol, or other similar fuel burning heaters. Problem becomes oxygen consumption, CO2 production, ventilation, and safety (fires and explosions).

If you had an inboard or IO, then there are a number of options for tapping into the cooling lines, running lines into the cabin, and attaching an automotive style heat coil. A number of vendors produce them for the marine environment.

As for me, I have a "Mr. Heater Buddy" that uses one of those 1 lb Coleman propane bottles. I don't put it in the cabin directly, but inside the vinyl enclosure. I use it to take the chill off and for warming hands when fishing--not for sleeping.

[ReelNauti]

You might find the cabin can be warmer overnight than you think. My cabin is actually pretty comfortable in the spring and fall.

The relatively small space will warm up with just you in it. I get a little bit of heat from my laptop which I use to watch and even the cabin lights can provide some heating.

A good sleeping bag and I'm all set. If the wife is with me and it gets too chilly she'll just snuggle up close .

I've had no problems with nights down into the low 50's even the occasional upper 40's. Lower than that I'd probably bring an extra blanket just in case.

As for heat for the kids while on the water sometimes just getting out of the wind is enough. Have a blanket on board they can use. On a sunny day with full canvas up it can actually get very warm.

I would stay away from anything propane with kids around. It's just not worth the risk!