Hello - I'm looking for advice on the best heating option for 50' 1983 Gibson LZ in Boston.  I've included some info about my boat and what I believe to be the best option so far.  Feel free to set me straight.

Thanks,

jim

****These are some facts about the boat/situation********

* The marina I’m at and will continue to be at for the foreseeable future does not meter per slip, I pay a hefty flat fee for unmetered 120/240 50Amp.  I currently use a marinco 240 to 2x110 Y splitter to feed two 110/30amp panels.

* All panels and wiring is new and at abyc standards (marinco 12AWG).

* Removed and sealed the two inoperable ceiling mounted factory AC/heat units last year during renovation so combo AC/heat solution would be ideal.

* The last owner installed a small Becket burner diesel furnace (non-marine) with forced hot water but I ditched this system last winter when the corroded flue blew suit all over the inside of the boat and because the radiators were in poor shape.

*  Internal cabin space is about 450 square feet x ~6.5' ceiling with an average heating btu recommendation of at least 24,000 btu.

*  I've added 1/2 inch foam insulation to 20% of the walls so far and all ceiling (except salon) already had owens corning style fiberglass.  Plan to finish salon soon.

*  I've heard reverse cycle boat style AC/heat pumps (use sea water to heat/cool) are not recommended for heating where water is below 45 degrees. Boston harbor coldest water temp is an average of 36 degrees in February. 

*  I have a couple neighbors with 60' Holiday mansions with after market insulation that heat their boats with n ton home style AC/heat units mounted on their aft decks.  They tell me they only have to supplement with portable coil heaters on coldest days. Problem: I'd rather not put that big unit on the smaller deck of the Gibson.  I have plenty of space in the cutty under the salon I'd prefer to use.

***This is the option I'm considering*********

Add a 120/240 50Amp panel between the shore power and my existing 2x110 30Amp panels to feed the 110 panels and an electric coil heat and A/C combination unit(not reverse cycle) like this (http://www.flagshipmarine.com/electricheat.html).