CNG cabin heater.....?

degreeoff · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010

Well I guess I am just posting this to see what general concensus is on the above as I just bought a new old stock Force 10 CNG heater (though they have not been produced in a while). Does any one out there have one? What can I expect from a full tank in the way of hours used?

The reason I bought it is because my Catalina 30 had the CNG oven/stove and I wanted a little complication with fuel's as possible.

DId I just make a HUGE mistake? I am able to get the tanks refilled here locally so the availability of gas is not an issue and I am going to buy a second tank to keep on board when running low.

Thank you for your input

Josh

JohnRPollard · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010

Hi Josh,

I don't think you made a mistake in choosing a CNG heater, if you have CNG readily available. CNG is a great boat fuel for stoves/ovens/heaters -- much safer than propane as it is lighter than air. It's one of those unfortunate things that CNG didn't become the norm/standard for boats instead of propane, but there you are.

However -- I am not a fan of that Force 10 Cozy Cabin heater, if that's the model you purchased. I am not keen on the open flame, and it's heat output rating is not very high.

Also, the propane version of that heater is notoriously "wet", meaning it tends to release a lot of moisture into the cabin as a by-product of propane combustion. But I have no idea whether this is an issue when using CNG as a fuel -- I would be interested to hear from others who might know more about the by-products of CNG combustion.

We've been discussing/debating heaters a fair bit in this other thread recently. Might be worth reading to hear about some of the pros/cons of various heaters and fuel sources.

For bulkhead-mounted heaters, I and some other owners really like the Dickinson units which have sealed combustion chambers and double-walled chimneys. I can't remember whether they are available for CNG fuel or not (would suspect "yes"), but I do know diesel versions are available if that's the fuel for your engine. Some feel diesel is the best choice for a fuel, because of its higher btu output and lower consumption.

Good luck in any case!

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010

Any hydrocarbon fuel will produce moisture as a by product of combustion. If these products of combustion are not safely vented outside then they may accumulate in the heated space, with inconvenient results like elevated moisture levels, and/or deadly results with buildup of CO.

The Force 10 heaters referred to above essentially have an open flame under a flue... no guarantee that these products of combustion will all go up the flue. As JRP can attest, the Dickinson heaters are far superior and totally safe.

Certainly CNG is the safer fuel..in some areas availability becomes an issue.

degreeoff · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010

OK so does anyone know how long a tank of fuel will last? I have been told 28 hrs for cooking. The usage rate for LPG is 3.3hrs per pound but how would I convert it to cubic feet and how many cubic feet is in my tank (I believe its a 20lb tank @ 2250 psi)......I have searched the net and found little to nothing on this! I feel I am a good surfer too?

Josh

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010

Are far safer, but not totally safe. No combustion heater is completely safe.... they require proper use and maintenance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

Any hydrocarbon fuel will produce moisture as a by product of combustion. If these products of combustion are not safely vented outside then they may accumulate in the heated space, with inconvenient results like elevated moisture levels, and/or deadly results with buildup of CO.

The Force 10 heaters referred to above essentially have an open flame under a flue... no guarantee that these products of combustion will all go up the flue. As JRP can attest, the Dickinson heaters are far superior and totally safe.

Certainly CNG is the safer fuel..in some areas availability becomes an issue.

stevelink · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2011

Where were you able to find a CNG Force 10 heater? I would like to convert my Force 10 to CNG but have been unable to find a retrofit kit. Do you know where I could purchase the parts to refit my heater for CNG? It's a great fuel for boats.

Thanks

kc7ckc · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011

If you are still looking for a force 10 cng cabin heater, i have one new!
and i am looking for a propane one for my boat

Joel
sv Gypsy Wind
Tacoma WA