It has become noticeably cooler. Fresh winds and temperatures that are already well below 10 degrees make us realise that the boating season is slowly coming to an end. If you still want to enjoy a sunny day or two on board, there's no need to buy a sunshade. On-board heating cannot be avoided. Heat, cold and humidity always play a major role in a boat, and there are really only two ways to keep these factors under control: regular ventilation and effective heating. This stops musty odours, mould growth and damage to the upholstery and wooden installation segments, while at the same time creating an atmosphere of comfort. There is hardly a boat left in our part of the world that does not have a stove of some kind or even a complete heating system.
The range of options is vast. From the simple coal stove still used on older boats to the ultra-modern central heating system for luxury yachts, you are sure to find the right model for every type of boat. Coal, wood, petroleum, gas, electricity and diesel are the most common energy sources. The size of the boat and the space available on board determine the type to be used, quite apart from the fact that the budget also plays a not insignificant role. Small but very effective paraffin heaters are available from accessory dealers from around 40 euros, but the really big ones with a central heating system can cost around 4500 euros. However, there are a few basic safety and functional rules to be observed when operating each of these systems, which vary greatly depending on the design, and of course the question remains: where does the energy come from, how can I store it and is it available at all times?
1. THE COAL STOVE
Wood is available as flotsam on every beach, briquettes in the DIY store. If you have the space to stow these well-wrapped fuels, you're in luck, because the petite stoves even fit on small boats, with the fuel taking up most of the space. The simple flue gas routing and the sensitive air supply regulation allow even the finest heat control, and with a heating output of approx. 2 kW you can get an average-sized saloon quite warm. But beware: good ventilation of the room is vital, because a stove like this needs plenty of oxygen to function, and this is only available with sufficient ventilation. In other words: always leave the hatch or companionway open a crack.
Of course, there are also a few minor inconveniences that you should keep in mind. The ash has to be disposed of, and this is hardly possible without dust. What's more, the neighbours won't be happy if the soot from the exhaust pipe stains their freshly cleaned upper deck black. The right choice of berth avoids an unfriendly atmosphere in the harbour. Conclusion: Coal stoves are small, easy to use and can be heated cheaply. The disadvantages, see above. The prices are between 600 and 1500 €.
2. THE DIESEL OVEN
We have enough diesel in the tank. We can easily divert small amounts of it when we need to keep the ship warm. Diesel stoves, such as those from Refleks, are indestructible heating units that work silently and without any problems for weeks on end. The controls can be finely adjusted and they do not stop working even when the boat is tilted by up to 10°. They spread a cosy warmth and at the same time dissipate the humidity in the room via the chimney. Some products even have internal heating coils to which a small central heating system can be connected. The size of the yacht determines which model has to supply how much space with heat. There is a wide choice, and if you want to find out more, ask Topplicht in Hamburg, for example. They have a large selection of suitable heaters for prices between € 950 and € 2200.
3. THE PETROLEUM STOVE
It all starts with the price. Petroleum is an expensive fuel that can be purchased at any DIY store, but it is also very expensive if you want to use it for the entire heating period. Depending on the quality, you may have to pay 20 euros for 5 litres. Portable devices such as the so-called "Chinese pot", which can be purchased for just €40 from A.W. Niemeyer in Hamburg, are usually recommended. This easy-to-use paraffin stove with a long-life wick is so called among skippers because millions of Chinese people not only heat their homes with this simple appliance, but even prepare their lunch on it. Easy to stow away, simple to use and with an enormous calorific value, you can place it exactly where you want the heat. However, care must be taken when lighting it. A jet of flame shoots out of the top of the lid, which is basically harmless as long as you keep a sufficient distance from flammable materials. However, once the ball screen is glowing, the situation normalises and you can lie back, relax and indulge in your dreams. Price around €40.
Although permanently installed paraffin stoves are widely used on many yachts, they are not always easy to operate. The burners are difficult to light and are not always completely reliable. In addition, the paraffin tank must be regularly pressurised to ensure that the flame gets enough fuel. So if you leave the boat with the heating on, don't be surprised if the saloon and cabins are cold when you return. Nevertheless, these heaters also have a decent heat output and take up very little installation space in the boat, especially when bulkhead-mounted. The prices are around 1700 €.
4. THE DIESEL AIR HEATER
This is where it gets technical. A diesel air heater is more than just a simple burner. A complex system installation is required to put this heating system, which is widely used on many yachts, into operation. However, the crew is rewarded with a very comfortable indoor climate, all around the ship. A pipe system connected to the combustion chamber can be easily installed in every section of the boat, allowing the warm air to reach literally every corner. The diesel is pumped from the tank and the fan is powered by electricity from the batteries. However, this also means that the power management of the batteries must be kept under control, otherwise not only will the lights go out, but it will also get cold in the saloon. Depending on the model, fuel consumption is around 0.12-0.24 litres/hour and power consumption is between 15 and 40 watts. The advantages: economical, immediate response, automatic cold start, infinitely variable ventilation function, trouble-free continuous operation. Disadvantages: rather complex installation and not entirely silent operation. Diesel air heaters from Eberspächer, Webasto, Aeroheat or Wallas are available from around €1000 upwards. Complete, but without installation.
5. THE OIL-FIRED BOILER
The compact oil boilers from Maritim Booster for heating and hot water, for example, are true all-rounders. These systems consist of the following components: Pressurised boiler/boiler, burner, combustion chamber, heat exchanger, boiler, heating pipes and radiators. This all sounds like a lot of space, but the external dimensions of the boiler system are actually around L 65 cm, W 30 cm, H 45 cm. On a medium-sized boat, you can always find a place to install it. Depending on the model, the water to be heated is taken directly from the engine's cooling water circuit at around 80 °C, then heated to 90 °C in the burner, passed through the radiator and fed back into the cooling water circuit at 70 °C. The water is then fed back into the cooling water circuit. The other variant fills a boiler with cold water, which passes the water on to the cooling circuit and produces hot water at a temperature of approx. 60 °C on its way through the burner while the machine is running. The choice of a particular type of oil-fired boiler depends on various factors.
The insulation of the ship plays a role, as does the question of how many people are normally on board and, of course, how much energy (diesel/oil) is consumed. Control electronics regulate the circulation pump, the two-way valve and the burner centrally from a circuit board, which is also insensitive to voltage fluctuations in the on-board electrical system. Of course, so much compact technology comes at a price. After all, between €3300 and €4900 can be found in the household budget. However, this is money well spent on a comfortable on-board heating system.
6. THE ELECTRIC HEATER
The dwarf among radiators is also available from A.W. Niemeyer in Hamburg, the electric ceramic heater "Thermal Plus". This compact and powerful fan heater works with a so-called PTC ceramic, which prevents flammable material from igniting on the heating plates because these elements operate below flammable temperatures. The built-in overheating protection and the floor safety switch, which switches the appliance off immediately if it tips over, ensure a high standard of safety, while the double insulation provides additional protection against electric shocks. The fan operates continuously and an energy-saving switch reduces the output in the event of weakly fused power connections on the bar. For the reasons mentioned above, the fan heater is particularly suitable for quick and continuous heating on small and medium-sized boats. You will be amazed at the amount of heat this appliance produces, and the best thing is that you can run it day and night, even when you are not on board. But beware, the fan heater requires 230 V shore power.
Of course, basically any type of fan heater will do a good job, but safety is not quite as guaranteed as with a system designed specifically for use on a boat.
7. THE RADIATOR
The electrically powered oil radiator from the DIY store has crept in on the sly. A small central heating system. If you ask around on this subject, you'll hear surprisingly enthusiastic approval. Very uncomplicated and extremely easy to use, it silently delivers a dry heat that lasts for an extremely long time even when the appliance is switched off and is free from odours or annoying fans. A real alternative for chilly days and clammy nights. However, it only runs on 230 V shore power and is available from around €50.
8. THE GAS
There are those who are afraid of working with gas on board. This is actually unfounded if the systems are installed correctly, checked and pressurised regularly and hoses and regulators are replaced every six years. Then you can heat with gas just as safely as hundreds of thousands of caravan and motorhome owners have always done. Today's permanently installed heaters work almost silently at an operating pressure of 30 mb and are equipped with functional thermostats that maintain the set level perfectly, even at low temperatures. The pizo ignitions work simply and reliably. The adjustable fans ensure that the heat is redistributed across the whole area or simply provide fresh air in summer. In this respect, gas heaters are a practical alternative to other heating systems, as long as they are not used for continuous heating. On most boats, there is hardly enough space for more than a 5 kg cylinder, and this is quickly used up if you also cook lunch with it.
You have to calculate very carefully here, especially as gas is not available in every harbour and the quality and connections vary depending on the country. A gas heater is therefore best suited if you are travelling in your region and can ensure that the cylinder is replaced in good time. Depending on the type, gas heaters cost from around €750 upwards.
Conclusion:
We stay warm in our floating home and don't always have to dig out our padded jackets when the thermometer dips below zero. But one thing must never be forgotten: when using heating systems with burners or open flames, it is essential that adequate ventilation is always provided. Oxygen is essential for good combustion and, of course, for the well-being of the crew!
