I would like to add heat to my 31 Commander Salon. The area below the setee seating looks like a good location for a hydronic unit. I am thinking using the port engine closed loop cooling. Any suggestions and photos would be great. I could extend my cruising season by 4 months!
top of page
bottom of page
From the cheap seats: I've not seen but heard of a truck heater core and fan spliced into the hot discharge side of an open system. I'd guess easier for a closed system.
John, Before you go thru all of that I would suggest that you consider a stand alone alcohol heater designed specifically for that purpose. When I was Up North I invested in one for my 31 and it worked great clear thru November before I hauled the Boat. I still have it (I think) and have no further use for it now that I'm in Florida. If you are interested please let me know. Tim G.
Tim how didd you deal with venting the combustion gases?? Having been a sailboat guy the alcohol stoves always freaked me out being you can’t see the flame. I would be concerned about tipping over??
John, the unit I am talking about is called a “heat pal”. They are available at West Marine for about $160 new. It is not a stove but essentially has a removable canister with absorbent material that you put sufficient amount of alcohol in to last through the night. It has a very small flame that provides enough heat to keep the inside of my 31 warm. Don’t worry about venting your boat since it’s draftier than you think! Also not to worry about it tipping over either as once you see it you will know that that’s not a problem. If you are interested in trying a used one, and if I can find it, I’ll sell you mine for 100 bucks plus shipping. It’s almost like new as I only used it for two seasons before I moved to Florida.Tim G.