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Topic Title: Use & Safety of Propane Heater
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Created On: 11/20/2007 08:00:04 AM

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11/20/2007 08:00:04 AM
potis Member Posts: 83 Joined: 08/07/2007	We have a 1976 Kayot, which we just purchased this past summer. The boat has a built in propane heater for the cabin. I have no information or documentation on the heater. It appears to be an originally equipped item. It is a propane unit, cut into one of the cabinets in the kitchen area. I have operated it and it appears to work fine. I don't know exactly how it works. It seems to be like a radiant type of heating in that the only time I actually see any type of flame is when I first start it. I don't know if it is vented in any way to the outside. The only time I have actually used the heater has been early morning just for a brief warm up, not more than 30 minutes or so. My question is this; is anyone familiar with this heater and is it safe to operate this type of heater throughout the night with the cabin closed up when we are onboard? We always leave a small window opened just for a bit of fresh air. The boat does not have any CO2 monitoring system of other "life safety" monitoring systems of any kind. I know I should have more info. about the heater type and installation etc. before posting, but I don't at this time. But, I wanted to post this thread because my family and I plan on being on our houseboat over Thanksgiving, and I'd like to be able to keep things nice and warm if possible, but am obviously concerned about the safety factors. Any tips or info. will be very much appreciated. Thanks.
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11/20/2007 09:32:51 AM
jimg Admiral Posts: 367 Joined: 08/13/2006	Those heaters put out a lot of heat and are quite safe, but it is my opinion that any heater running off of any fuel should have sufficient ventilation, and you should always have a CO2 alarm. they are pretty cheap insurance for you to have on board. Remember propane is heavier than air and seeks low spots if you have a leak(which in most cases you can smell). Check your tank and lines, if they are good and the heater is not flaming up after heat up, you should be ok. BUT, get that CO2 alarm. ------------------------- Riverliver
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11/20/2007 11:24:44 AM
ted655 Admiral Posts: 424 Joined: 02/09/2007	I hesitate to give advice, not knowing the type of heater it is.. Here are some rules of thumb. 1. Combustion results in byproducts, a remote window cracked may not be a good vent. 2. A, CO2 monitor is cheaper than a funeral. 3. Tracing a vent is not hard. Boats have few holes. 4. There are some real "handy" fellows who can make installations look professional. The real question is: Did they ALSO know all the issues & safety requirements that needed to be included in the job? 5. Find a ID plate, or at least a name & drop a dime. Get it straight from the manufacturer, then you know for sure! 6. Let all us well meaning guessers know the straight skinny when you find out.
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11/20/2007 11:36:38 AM
potis Member Posts: 83 Joined: 08/07/2007	Thanks for the sound advice. I do already plan on doing all the items recommended. I was just looking for any info. now that I could have in hand when I am on the boat this weekend and won't have access to the internet. I have checked, by sniff test and spraying all the joints, for leaks in the propane systems throughout the boat. No problems there. I do plan on getting a CO2 monitor as well as looking for the vent and any nameplate on the heater. This is a great forum!!!!
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11/20/2007 02:17:50 PM
WattsBarbarians Member Posts: 87 Joined: 08/16/2007	Without meaning to be picky, you need a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, don't you? We have one in the master cabin to monitor CO from the gen set exhaust. It's plugged in to 120 volt outlet but has 9 volt battery backup. Wonderful device but a PITA when the battery runs low and it starts beeping, which seems to happen every 3-4 weeks. ------------------------- Mike 1989 Sumerset 14x64 Twin Volvo AQ131C SP Watts Bar Lake Spring City, TN
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11/20/2007 02:47:57 PM
potis Member Posts: 83 Joined: 08/07/2007	Mike - Yes, you are right. I do need carbon monoxide monitors. I just picked up two which will be installed this weekend. For now I am using the battery only type until I can get two 12V types and get them hardwired in.
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11/20/2007 04:36:47 PM
BananaTom Admiral Posts: 968 Joined: 12/05/2006	You may also want to consider a small ceramic electric space heater or two as back up heat. They are cheap, do a good job and produce no cordon monoxide. You could sleep a little better, maybe. The run the propane when awake, until you have all your questions answered. Have fun on the boat for turkey day. And do not let that day go to birds. ------------------------- Banana Tom
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11/20/2007 06:23:45 PM
alreadygone Admiral Posts: 792 Joined: 02/07/2004	Originally posted by: potis Mike - Yes, you are right. I do need carbon monoxide monitors. I just picked up two which will be installed this weekend. For now I am using the battery only type until I can get two 12V types and get them hardwired in. Best idea yet! The marine hardwire 12v dc units have a different "sniffer" system than those in home units, and are much better suited to marine use. (although plugin units mentioned are MUCH better than nothing at all) In the future, you might also consider the marine explosive gases detectors as listed in West Marine. Seem like a good idea where propane is used. Best, Bob ------------------------- I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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