[alctel]

Hi guys,

Does anyone use one of these, and if so, can you tell me how it is?

I was set on getting one but then read several horror stories such as My Final Thoughts Dickinson Heater - Cruisers & Sailing Forums this one and heard that the production quality has gone downhill in the last couple of years.

I chose it over the propane one because I thought it'd be good in winter to help cycle my diesel tank fuel. I also looked at the forced air ones, but they are x3 the price and you lose the ambiance of the flame

 

[deniseO30]

I don't have one but know the type of burner they use and it's not anything new. The old Coleman and perfection type oil heaters used the same type of burner. Mostly it's owner error. These types of burners need to heat the fuel to vaporization in a cage, wick, drum,pot of some sort. I call it a smudge pot. When burners are turned down low is when the problems start. Also there needs to be "draft" if the ex pipe is real short it may not induce enough draft either. the "carburetor" is a type of drip or flow controller and it has a needle valve that can coke up from the hot fuel. Why it's mounted away from the burner.

Pressurized burners work well but again they coke up from the super heated fuel on the metering or feed devices
.

 

[hpeer]

I have a Dickensen cook stove in my hunting cabin. I like it well enough there but can't see having on in a sailboat. Fishing boat, yes.

I have each boat set up the same way...kero cook stove, Espar D-4 heater running diesel or kero, kero bulkhead heater as back up heat. No propane.

I know, Neanderthal.

 

[PaulinVictoria]

I have one, haven't got it working yet (came with the boat) but I think the valve needs servicing. I get fuel to just below the burner and no higher.

 

[StormBay]

Had one on our last boat. It always worked well for us during those cold NY winters. It took us a little time to learn to get it lit correctly but once we figured it out, we never had an issue. The light from the flame is something my wife and I both miss.

 

[mitiempo]

I have owned a Newport diesel on a previous boat. As long as the installation is done properly they are very efficient and work well. They do prefer not running on low for long periods of time.

The Dickinson propane heaters (9000 and 12000 models) are good for weekending but if you are a liveaboard you will be filling the propane tanks very often in the winter.

I do not agree the production quality has changed at all. The Newport model currently sold is exactly the same as the one I owned in the early 90's.

 

[Capt Len]

40 years with Dickinson Adriatic cook stove. Primus on top in the summer. Best constant heat ever for Canadian winters. Turn it too low and it will soot up bad. Usually changed over to stove oil for cold dock side. Burns cleaner. Carb has to be the right height above the bottom of the burner (too low and nothing/ too high and it can flood and flood if the fire blows out. and for and aft if the boat is going to heel.A pulse pump will give good results and the click tells how fast its burning. If draught over cockpit is just right it will pull smoke wrong way out of stove,, not good. Big dia (5 in) pipe 4" for the little wall mount no bends or elbows and keep an eye on the deck iron water. I made my own deep dish to protect thick wooden deck and beams The new carbs are nearly foolproof and will melt a shut off plug if overheating.Burn about a gallon a day, no way around that so I really liked the home made wood stove in the salon which cost nothing to run.

 

[sailak]

Friends here lived aboard in Seward tear round for 15 years with a Dickenson. Their boat is always cozy and dry with the Dickenson working.

I have an Espar now, seriously considering the Dickenson if we stay in northern latitudes.

 

[bvander66]

I installed one 8 years ago and used it extensively for the first four and periodically since. Rock solid performance, never had a problem with it. Key is to install iaw the instructuons and start it as per I structions. Use the stone filter to reduce chance of carb fouling.
Dickinson quality in bbq and heaters substantially higher than other similar units.
If live aboard then definately opt for diesel as propane a pain to redil in winter.
Make sure you have a fan near the top of the heater to mobe the warm air around or you end up with a heat island.

 

[alctel]

Thanks guys. I guess the couple of people with problems speak louder than the many satisfied customers, which is always the way. I'll pick one up soon

 

[elgatosunrise]

I've been impressed with Dickenson Newport Heater. However, I opted for the wood burning stove. This is very cool if you plan to be off the beaten path, as I was. It kept me warm on my way to Alaska, burning driftwood.http://www.captaincurran.com/2009/10/dickinson-newport-solid-fuel-stove.html