What do you think about this heater?is it safe?

[Fishtank]

Been looking at this thing every time I take the cover off under my dash. Finally today I decided to try it out with the propane tank from the barbecue and it worked to my surprise.just needs a duct to bring heat to the upper part of my dash. it has a exhaust screwed into it and the tube is welded to the boat leading outside. Just wondering are these heaters relatively safe?

i could put the propane tank on the outside sect here

 

[scott craven]

If you decide to go with it, make sure you always have adequate ventilation.
A closed cabin with a propane heater = trouble !!

 

[wolf]

I think under the marine rules and correct if im wrong you cant have a tank enclosed it has to be on top or in an open space...like Scott said

Good luck Wolf

 

[Skipjack]

Propane is heavier than air, so the tank must be in a locker where the low point is vented outside of the hull. Ive been considering putting something like this either at the back of my cockpit vented to outside or on the swim grid:

http://www.marineoutfitters.ca/index.cfm?category=10202|11253&product=20361244&code=702978

It has a shut off solinoid the is hooked up to a switch or gas detector, either being correct i believe. As far as your heater goes, it would be nice but the byproduct of burning propane to heat the cabin is lots of moisture. That might defeat the purpose of keeping the windows defrosted.

 

[wolf]

yes ive seen those on the back transoms of boats...

 

[Fishtank]

The picture of the propane tank is on the back deck under the bench seat maybe I should throw a couple vents in it but if defiantly isn't air tight

 

[trophywife]

put a vent in at the bottom of the propane locker at a minimum, or get a complete propane locker kit ., install a shut-off solonoid valve. you said it is exhausted to the outside? must be an air to air heat exchange, so if the exhaust is outside it will not be "wet" heat. read up on transport canada regs for propane use.. pretty sticky and straight forward..

 

[Fishtank]

Yes it is exhausted to the outside and it felt hot and moist

 

[coastalmarinesafety]

Is it on a pleasure craft or guide boat? Below is a section from the Small Vessel Regs that talks about LPG appliances. You'll see that for guides boats (passenger-carrying vessels), the Small Vessel Regs won't allow propane appliances (heaters, BBQ's, etc.) to be used on board, at all.

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/page-28.html#h-107


604. (1) No person shall install a fuel-burning appliance or system on a vessel unless the appliance or system and its installation conform to the recommended practices and standards.


(2) No person shall install on a passenger-carrying vessel a fuel-burning appliance or system that uses gaseous fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or naphtha.


(3) No person shall install a fuel-burning appliance or system that uses gaseous fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or naphtha on a vessel in a manner that permits or is likely to permit ingress or trapping of the fuel or vapours below deck.


If it's on a pleasure craft, then what others have said about ventilation overboard, measures to ensure leaks go overboard, etc. are covered by the ABYC standards for LPG installations on a pleasure craft. Some links of interest: http://www.lackeysailing.com/utility/technical/ABYC A-1 LPG Systems.pdf
http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/Safe Boat propane Installation.htm

 

[finaddict]

Oh yeah, it looks fine........ should be no problem (post smells strongly of sarcasm)

 

[Fishtank]

Well it's installed so.. previous owner didnt blow up,installed new tank,hose,bigger vent were tank is stored and regulator. Only plan to turn on the tank when heater is running.