Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-10-2021, 10:42 PM   #1
Member
 
47Rah1980's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: Plot Twist
Vessel Model: North Pacific 45 Pilothouse
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 17
Heater(s) for trawler

Building trawler with two cabins, 2 heads, Pilothouse, salon. Maybe 500 sq feet.

Rules are for 12-15 BTU per cubic foot

If adding heater, how many (noise?) and BTU requirements should’ve considered? Also, any comments on air versus hydronic (seems excessive) and no need for AC (n the PNW). Any know differences between Espar vs Webasto (or not significant)

Thank you.
__________________
Drew
47Rah1980
47Rah1980 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2021, 11:01 PM   #2
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,281
Don’t be so quick to discount AC in the pacific NW. I run mine a lot more than ever imagined. AC systems can reverse cycle and become great heat sources in winter.
tiltrider1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 12:02 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Doug's Avatar
 
City: Victoria, BC
Vessel Name: Timeless
Vessel Model: CHB 34
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 262
We installed the Spartan model from Wallas. Very happy with it. Much quieter exhaust noise than Espar or Wabasto. Scan Marine in Seattle is the US distributor
Doug is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 12:25 AM   #4
Guru
 
City: Anacortes
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 586
So probably 50-60k btu. Sure Marine shows the largest Webasto air heater at 18750 btu so you'd need a few. I'd think that with that need you're likely looking at hydronic.
Another thing to think about is with hydronic you can also heat domestic water.
sean9c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 06:26 AM   #5
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
Remember, you need the AC power for the small space heaters. Perhaps on a 50amp boat with a ample generator, the concerns are less. I can tell you, on my American Tug, 30amp boat with an 8KW generator, I am pretty much maxed out on the amps, on the house leg, when I turn on the 2 built in resistance heaters. When it is the "cold season", I have a portable ceramic heater I can bring from the storeroom.

In my feeble opinion;
The benefits of portable heaters is, you can put the heat exactly where you need it.
The advantage of a hydronic system (of which I know nothing) is, it approaches a 'whole house' heating system.
Per an alternative for heating the domestic hot water, you should be able to have the main engine heating the water, if necessary.
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 10:56 PM   #6
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,281
When it comes to diesel heaters, I am not a fan of webasto or Espar heaters. For smaller boats I like the Wallace heater, very reliable and quiet. For larger boats I like the Hurricane, very simple, reliable and easy to field repair.
tiltrider1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 11:09 PM   #7
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,263
I use the Wallas forced air heaters on my 47' pilothouse cruiser based out of Seward Alaska. I have had good reliability with the Wallas furnaces. I keep my heat on all winter and last year retired a furnace with 27,000 hours on it. Seward is about 10 degrees colder on average than Seattle BTW.

On my boat I have three separate 10K BTU/hr furnaces and I think on a boat this size multiple units or zones if using hydronic are a good idea.

For example the cabins are always colder than the other levels being below the water line. The salon takes less heat, and the pilothouse less still.

As far as hydronic vs forced air, there is no clear choice except for people making the argument to support their choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of heat.

The big takeaway here is that if you want to stay at 70 in your boat in any PACNW weather figure on 30K BTU as a good baseline for your size boat.
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 11:38 PM   #8
Guru
 
Portage_Bay's Avatar
 
City: Coupeville Wa.
Vessel Name: Pacific Myst
Vessel Model: West Bay 4500
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,402
Hydronic is a bit of an electrical power hog due to fans and pumps running. A consideration if you want heat anchored out and don't want to run the gen. And when bringing the boat up from cold iron in winter can take some time. The installation is labor intensive so if you hire it done it gets expensive. On the plus uou can set the system up with zones. As noted above you can make hot water winter or summer. Additionally it's relatively simple to use waste engine heat underway. It's also simple to use the hydronic system to preheat the engine(s).

Forced air will blow warm air within seconds of startup. The better systems like Wallace are very low electrical requirements and very quiet. Forced air is simple to install compared to hydronic. But you have to find room for the ducting.

In my opinion the post #4 saying you'll need 50 ‐ 60 K BTU is over estimating what you'll need. I heat a Californian 42 LRC with a 30 K Hurricane hydronic system.

All things considered if I were to do it again I'd seriously consider the Wallace system. Mostly due to the high electrical demand of the Hurricane.

Hurricane, Wallace,, Espar and Webasto are top notch systems and you'll pay for them.. At the other extreme you can go with the Chinese knock offs of the Russian knock offs of Espar heaters. There are several threads on those heaters.
__________________
Some things are worth doing simply because they are worth doing.
Portage_Bay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2021, 11:58 PM   #9
Guru
 
Lepke's Avatar
 
City: Between Oregon and Alaska
Vessel Name: Charlie Harper
Vessel Model: Wheeler Shipyard 83'
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,021
I use a couple Chinese air heaters for mild weather and I don't want to run my main hydronic system. They put out heat quickly. When well insulated they are quiet, easy to install.
Lepke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 12:27 AM   #10
DDW
Guru
 
City: San Francisco
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,089
I'd vote for hydronic, for that size maybe even an Olympia or Kabola boiler. When calculating heat output for the REAL heat exchangers, use about half their specified output as a realistic figure.

Since it is a new build, have them put in the duct work for the AC, and instead of the AC put in a "whole house" style dehumidifier. You will thank me for that later.
DDW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 01:36 AM   #11
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,281
Here in lies the difficulty with these questions. Everyone has different needs so the same answer does not fit all. I have 3 different heat sources on my boat. I have reverse cycle AC, King Pic a watt resistance heaters and a Hydronic Hurricane. My needs have nothing to do with saving power. I have lots of power. My needs mostly have to do with keeping some 60' of boat warm, including defrosting my flybridge windows. While away from the Dock I have a choice of running the Genny or not. If no Genny then I run the Hurricane. If I choose to run the Genny then I can run either to the two electrical systems.

The Hurricane makes the nicest heat, is the most quiet in the bedrooms but not over all and is the most expensive per BTU. The Reverse cycles are the least expensive per BTU but they are the noisiest. The King Pic a watts are just in the middle for noise, comfort and cost.

Installation cost, the Hurricane and the Reverse cycle AC cost about the same to install with the Hurricane costing less to buy but more to install. The King Pic a watts are by far the cheapest to buy and install.

So, if I could only have one, what would I choose? I wouldn't, I'm not going to pay the price to run a Hurricane 24/7 at the dock and I'm not going to run the Genny all night on the hook. Then again, if you don't use the boat like I do you will have different needs.
tiltrider1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 07:52 AM   #12
Guru
 
OldDan1943's Avatar
 
City: Aventura FL
Vessel Name: Kinja
Vessel Model: American Tug 34 #116 2008
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 10,595
Lemme think..... a choice between running the generator to supply power to the heating system or freezing.....
Maybe running the main engine with the access open or freezing....
Tough call???
Come on folks, dont over think this LOL
__________________
Two days out the hospital after a week in the hospital because of a significant heart attack.
OldDan1943 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 07:56 AM   #13
Guru
 
City: Rochester, NY
Vessel Name: Hour Glass
Vessel Model: Chris Craft 381 Catalina
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 7,538
If the boat spends a good bit of time at a dock (especially with non-metered power), in my mind, the best solution is 2 heating systems. Diesel fired (either air or hydronic) for when you're away from the dock, and A/C units with reverse cycle. Use the reverse cycle heat at the dock unless the water gets too cold, as it'll save the fuel burn of running diesel heat when the boat is already plugged in to shore power.
rslifkin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 01:45 PM   #14
Guru
 
firehoser75's Avatar
 
City: Nanaimo
Vessel Name: former owner of "Pilitak"
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 37
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,703
I have owned both air and hydronic diesel fired heating.

There are pros and cons to both. As stated: hydronic systems are easily zoned, can be used to heat the water heater or preheat the engine, as well as heating the boat. This system uses relatively thin hoses so routing them is easier than air ducts. They do take longer to heat the boat from cold, and they use a fair bit of power running multiple fans (zones) and water pumps.
Air systems starting throwing heat almost immediately and use less power. However, the ducts are much larger and routing can be an issue, but not so much in a new build. Both of my systems were Espar, and worked well for me, but they are far from quiet.
I agree with many, you should consider having multiple ways to heat your boat in the PNW, however, your main system (especially at anchor or a dock with no power) should be diesel heat. Talk to Trevor, as I am sure he has successfully outfitted many previous boats for this. I agree with DDW about installing a "full house" dehumidifier while building. Many boats suffer from high humidity especially in the winter when heating, cooking, even breathing add moisture to a warm boat that condenses on the cold windows possibly resulting in damage to your interior wood (over time).
In my opinion, A/C is not really required in the PNW, but is nice on a few days. A reverse cycle system might offer a second heat source as well as Air Con. on the few days it might be nice. However, another system requiring periodic maintenance.
Trevor should be a good source of info for you.
__________________
Tom
Nanaimo, BC
firehoser75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 02:05 PM   #15
Guru
 
City: Newport, R.I.
Vessel Name: Hippocampus
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 42
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,871
Find the above comments interesting. Have had Espar air and Webasto hydronic. Much preferred the Webasto. Furnace was in the engine room and system was quieter than the Espar in the living spaces. The loss of storage space from ducting is a big deal. You never have enough storage space on a boat. The ducting is delicate and needs to be protected from heavy stores or those with sharp corners.
But not yet mentioned is Refleks out of Denmark. Been on boats with those and was very favorably impressed. In a new build you could put it in the largest enclosed space. They are good looking and would heat that space passively with no noise. Many of their products have a coil of tubing inside which is then run to other spaces permitting hydronic heat there. Have seen them in everything from commercial fish boats to high end sailboats. Would check them out as well.
Hippocampus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 02:06 PM   #16
Guru
 
City: Newport, R.I.
Vessel Name: Hippocampus
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 42
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,871
Find the above comments interesting. Have had Espar air and Webasto hydronic. Much preferred the Webasto. Furnace was in the engine room and system was quieter than the Espar in the living spaces. The loss of storage space from ducting is a big deal. You never have enough storage space on a boat. The ducting is delicate and needs to be protected from heavy stores or those with sharp corners.
But not yet mentioned is Refleks out of Denmark. Been on boats with those and was very favorably impressed. In a new build you could put it in the largest enclosed space. They are good looking and would heat that space passively with no noise. Many of their products have a coil of tubing inside which is then run to other spaces permitting hydronic heat there. Have seen them in everything from commercial fish boats to high end sailboats. Would check them out as well.
Hippocampus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 02:32 PM   #17
Guru
 
AlanT's Avatar
 
City: Gig Harbor, WA
Vessel Name: MoonShadow
Vessel Model: Wendon Skylounge 72'
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 718
FWIW. I am currently 6 months into a 'repower' project with our Espar hydonic heater. I wont make this any longer than it needs to be to get the message across:
My 1999 espar boiler expired. I ordered a replacement, which took two months from Germany. On arrival it turned out to be an updated model and requires substantial additional equipment (Harness, two pumps, control unit) in order to be retro compatible with the prior Espar installation. Back to Germany, four month later (today!) we finally received an email acknowledging the exact parts we would require. We are now ordering them and hopefully will be in service in another month or so.

Of course we have had no heat (except reverse AC) all winter which has severely restricted our cruising this winter.

Think through where your replacement parts are coming from before making a decision.

~A
AlanT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 03:43 PM   #18
Guru
 
Lepke's Avatar
 
City: Between Oregon and Alaska
Vessel Name: Charlie Harper
Vessel Model: Wheeler Shipyard 83'
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,021
There are lots of ways to heat a boat w/o running a generator. The Chinese heaters run on 12v and are 5kw (about 17,000btu) each. In the PNW a diesel stove can supply heat and mine also heats the water heaters. My main heating is hydronic, but with forced air heaters instead of radiators because they heat much faster when going from a cold boat. The mains are tied into the hydronic, so cruising doesn't require more diesel for heat. And after shutdown, the residual heat in the engines are good for a few more hours of heat. And it all can run off the inverter.
Lepke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 07:17 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
trawlercap's Avatar
 
City: Bend, Oregon
Vessel Name: JoAhna K
Vessel Model: 58' Bill Garden Trawler 1952
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 293
We are toasty with the Hurricane hydroponics mated to 1952 radiators (they were recently pressure tested)
Hot fluid circulates the length of the boat in the Bilge (keeps it toasty too. And loops up into every space. From the heated Laz to the forepeak, every room and closet etc. The 58' wood beams get warmed and it feels like its radiating back...(I know, I know is a wood boat guy thing)
One image is in the lower hall, and a big one in the wheelhouse. I just started experimenting with computer fans, positioned under the radiators, they run silent, will move air through the radiators. The boat is already dry. But if my wife says "Why would you want it any warmer?" I guess I have arrived..:-)

I give up trying to get these images vertical, I have not seen this quirk anywhere else.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0172.jpg
Views:	21
Size:	121.1 KB
ID:	117690

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0163.jpg
Views:	19
Size:	59.6 KB
ID:	117691
trawlercap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2021, 10:16 PM   #20
Guru
 
IRENE's Avatar
 
City: Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Vessel Name: Irene
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 40II
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,234
Drew,

For comparison, we have a hydronic system heated by a Webasto DBW 2010, 45,000 BTUs. It’s always been plenty of heat, but we are smaller than you.

Random thoughts, some already mentioned...

The DBW 2010 boiler has been the most problematic system on the boat. Fuel leaks, coolant leaks, sooting, poor quality fuel nozzles, etc. It is installed per the Sure Marine installation manual. Service has been difficult to non-existent to obtain. I could go on for some time about the headaches. I advise against Webasto - go with ANYTHING else.

The hydronic heat itself is pleasant - all of the lines, though insulated, do lose some heat. This warms all of the areas where the lines run (read - low in the boat) which helps to keep the entire boat very evenly heated. If left on...that is, not starting with a cold-soaked boat, the system seems to run very little.

We NEED the dehumidifier with the hydronic heat. It runs at the dock and underway. If we use the reverse cycle units, moisture is kept under control.

If I were starting from scratch, I would likely use 3 separate Wallas diesel forced air units. I think this would help with humidity control, as we would bring fresh air inside the boat to replace the combustion air. One below in the cabins, one in the salon, and one small unit in the PH ducted to the windows for a demister.

We do not heat the engine or domestic water with the hydronic loop, nor do we heat the hydronic loop with the engine. The unit was installed before our time, but I have kept it this way as it eliminates a bunch of complexity and failure points.

We supplement with an electric space heater down below when on the grid, to lessen run time and associated costs with the Webasto.
__________________
Jeff
MV IRENE
IRENE is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:07 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012