Electric Cabin Heater

wchevron · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008

i'd to re-stain some of the cabin wood on the boat in the next couple of weeks. the daytime temps have been in the 50's with nighttime lows in the upper 30's. i was thinking of keeping the portable electric heater running for a day or so to keep the cabin somewhat warm so the stain will dry but i'm a little nervous to keep it on while the boat is unattended. any thoughts? the heater is one of the $60 portable ones you see in WM.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008

Use one of the big clunky oil filled radiator style heaters. They're far safer than the forced air ones, which can cause a fire if they tip over and the interlock doesn't shut them down.

Trekka · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by wchevron

the heater is one of the $60 portable ones you see in WM.

If you mean the WM labeled Caframo that is wide and low, it should be fine while you are away.

xort · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

The problem with fan driven heaters is the fan. I've had 2 that had fans fail. If by chance your fan gives up while you are away, will the heater shut off? Maybe if the thermostat works right. On my recent heater failure, the heater kept heating with no fan running.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

No moving parts on the big oil radiators... they're large and clunky...but pretty much fail proof.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xort

The problem with fan driven heaters is the fan. I've had 2 that had fans fail. If by chance your fan gives up while you are away, will the heater shut off? Maybe if the thermostat works right. On my recent heater failure, the heater kept heating with no fan running.

christyleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trekka

If you mean the WM labeled Caframo that is wide and low, it should be fine while you are away.

I've been using a couple of them (the original black ones before WM had them painted gray) for going on 15 years for winter projects or just to sleep warm on the boat with no issues or fear.

sander06 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

With all due respect to where you do your shopping, just because something is going to be used on a boat doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be purchased at a marine supply store such as West Marine (the most expensive source available IMHO). We have a little heater from Walmart that is very adequate. However, it's your money, spend it as you see fit.

Cheers.

canadianseamonkey · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

I have an oil filled electric heater that I use and it's great...1500 watts. You can get them at a hardware store. They are very safe and about $50.

Sapperwhite · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

You mean this one

That will be fine. I lived aboard last winter with one running all the time. I would set it lower while i was out and turn it off if i left the boat for more than a few days. Its wide and low, can't tip, heats well, comes on and off when its supposed to.....over all a good product. At full blast it kept the cabin at mid 70's when it was below freezing outside.....toasty.