The cold season can mean that it quickly becomes uncomfortable in the boat. With a heater on board, however, it stays cosy and warm all year round. With the help of a heater, the sailing season can be extended into the cold season and the comfort on board can be significantly increased. But which heating systems are available and which are best suited for your boat?
Why is an on-board heater useful?
Damp cold not only promotes mould growth on the boat, but also significantly reduces the personal feeling of well-being on board. The indoor climate is determined by both temperature and humidity, which can be influenced by the use of heaters, ventilation or air conditioning. With the help of a boat heater, the comfort on board can be significantly increased and the season extended.
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What types of boat heaters are there?
There are many types of heaters for boats, with the size of the boat and the space on board determining the optimal type. But what are the advantages or disadvantages of the different types?
Coal stove
Simple coal stoves are found mainly on older boats. The stoves fit even on small boats, wood is available as flotsam on beaches and briquettes in almost every hardware store. But the fuel takes up space.
Coal stoves allow the finest heating controls with good heating performance due to sensitive supply air regulation.
However, good ventilation of the room (always leave hatches or companionways open a crack) is vital as the stove needs plenty of oxygen to function. Disadvantageous are also the rather high purchase costs as well as possibly required conversion measures for safe use.
Coal stove
Simple coal stoves are found mainly on older boats. The stoves fit even on small boats, wood is available as flotsam on beaches and briquettes in almost every hardware store. But the fuel takes up space.
Coal stoves allow the finest heating controls with good heating performance due to sensitive supply air regulation.
However, good ventilation of the room (always leave hatches or companionways open a crack) is vital as the stove needs plenty of oxygen to function. Disadvantageous are also the rather high purchase costs as well as possibly required conversion measures for safe use.
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Mobile paraffin and gas heaters in our range
Infrared heating
Infrared heaters are suitable as bridging or additional heating: in the cabin or in covered on-board areas. The infrared heating can be easily mounted on the wall, ceiling, porches, tent poles or sunshades. It also has a long service life and is not very susceptible to faults. The heating system reduces power consumption many times over compared to fan heaters, because the on-board heating only heats the illuminated surfaces and objects, not the ambient air.
With automatic overheating protection, infrared heaters are very safe: The infrared heater provides immediate heat without any lead time. The marine heater can be connected to a 230-volt socket. Disadvantages of infrared heating are reflected in the comfort: if a heating element is placed directly over an area for a longer period of time, heat is generated that is sometimes unbearable. In addition, the heating needs a lot of electricity and is therefore rather expensive.
Water heater
Water heaters generate heat by combustion in an enclosed combustion chamber and then distribute it throughout the boat. In this case, it is not the air that transports the heat energy, but the water. The heated water is moved through pipes into the cabins. A circulation pump is needed, which is operated on a 12-volt basis.
In the cabins, the water passes through the radiators, which deliver the heat to the respective rooms. Advantages arise from the fact that thermostatic control valves can be regulated individually without affecting other radiators in the system. Water is also a better heat accumulator than air, so a constant temperature can be established. Together with a boiler, it can even heat domestic water.
Disadvantages arise from the long time water heaters need to reach the desired temperature. Water heaters are often suitable for larger boats, but the installation is much more complex than with a warm air heater and retrofitting is more difficult.
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What should be considered when choosing a boat heater?
When buying a boat heater, you should first consider the size of the boat. The yacht heater should not only fit into the boat, but also provide warmth over as large an area as possible. For larger boats, an expensive heater with an elaborate installation, such as a water heater, makes perfect sense. For small boats, fan heaters can already do a good job.
In addition, you should ask yourself which heater offers the greatest personal comfort.
Of course, one should also consider aspects such as power consumption or safety standards.
- For boating enthusiasts who are often ashore, heating systems that run on shore power are suitable.
- However, if you are out on high seas for days at a time, you will need a different boat heating system that does not require shore power.
- Some heating systems require sufficient ventilation, so this must also be included in the purchase decision.
Frequently asked questions - FAQs
What are boat heaters?
Boat heaters are heating systems that ensure a cosy and warm cabin while the weather rages outside.
What are boat heaters used for?
Boat heaters are used to increase comfort on board and extend the season. Especially in spring and autumn, when temperatures can drop below freezing, a boat heater can make a noticeable difference.