small propane heater in boat

[Labman]

Thought I would ask here if anyone is using a small propane heater in their boat this winter. I am considering installing one and wondered how anyone else has done it. I plan to use a plastic milk crate to hold the reg size tank,with an adapter and hose to the heater. Makes more sense to me than using the small throwaway green tanks.

Any and all help and comments welcome

Thanks, Labman

 

[mallardecho]

Why would you use a propane heater? Seems it would be very inefficient source of heat in an open boat, plus could be dangerous. Spend $20 on chemical hand warmers and on cold days put 1 in each front pocket, will keep your torso warm, and if you have cold hands put 1 on each wrist with a loose wrist sweatband. A pack costs $1.97 and you get 6 of them per pack. If it is really cold and windy put your rainsuit on ato knock down the wind. Winter fishin is easy if you dress properly. Think about keeping the blood warm not so much the skin.

 

[minner]

Like yall I like to fish in the winter, I have done exactly as you describe putting a 20lb tank in milk crate with a tank top burner on it. In the past few years though I have fishined in some nasty cold weather without a heater. I have a pair of Carhartt jacket and bibbs with the arctic liner, and some Under Amour as a base layer. When it gets really cold I'll use some hot hands, two in my front pants pockets, two in my handwarmer pockets of a hoodie and a couple in my hand pockets for my hands. I have never gotten too cold using this system in 4 years, and all pretty safely done too. You can pick up a box of 50 handwarmers at Sam's for less than a propane tank refill..... A good stocking cap/beenie is a must for me as well

If I keep my head, ribs, hands, and crotch warm I can stay out all day.

 

[dragfish]

Vodka and a friendly woman.

 

[Oldman]

ditto

 

[M GO BLUE]

Norman- used to use a setup many years ago (before the advent of hand warmers) very similar to the one you describe...not very efficient, but we never had any issues w/ it...just light it long enough to warm up good then cut it off. I did hate how much space in the boat it seemed to eat up!

 

[Guest]

I use one of those small Mr. Heaters, uses a small bottle of propane, lasts 7 hours wide open which you wouldn't need to do and it takes up very little space.

 

[Labman]

Thanks for the replies and ideas everyone. I am going to try the handwarmers first and then may just get the small single canister propane heater. I have plenty of cold weather gear and know how to layer. Try snowmobiling when it is -30, temp not windchill, lol. Just was looking for an answer to wet cold hands. Thanks again for the input.

Regards, Labman

 

[Punisher]

dragfish - 12/2/2009 1:11 PM

Vodka and a friendly woman.

.........RON IS THAT JOHN STUD YOUR TALKING ABOUT emoScratch emoPoke emoPoke

 

[elwestb]

I have the small version, Mr. Buddy Heater like Doc1 is talking about. I only use it on really cold days. Works great! They are about $100. Small doesn't take up much room. I put mine in a ventilated box so the wind doesn't blow against it. Also you can lay a rod handle / reel seat up over the top and warm the whole thing. That's where you loose most of the heat from you hands, on the cold reel and rod handle. This is my second season with it and I haven't used a full bottle yet! I also use the "Hot Hands" warmers.

 

[bass15]

Yu guys should pick up a Coleman sportcat heater.The work like a charm.

 

[m17glock]

i will add a 3rd vote for the mr.buddy

http://www.tractorsupply.com/mr-heater-buddy-trade-heater-2150699

i had one of the sportcat heaters but in my opinion the mr buddy is a better heater for the money.

the mr buddy also has a tip over switch that is very sensitive so very little danger of burning something up in your boat.

 

[skipper.931]

Staying warm in the boat however possible is good , but the most important thing is to take along a friend. I had a friend that fell out of the boat on a cold winter day and would have not made it if there hadnt been some people looking toward the lake and noticed there wasnt anyone in the boat! He couldnt get back in the boat by himself. Stay warm, and Stay safe!

 

[Labman]

Well I bought one on Sat at Lowes for $79. Tried it out in the boat today and it worked very well. Another "don't leave home without it" item for this winter fisherman. Thanks all for the good info and help.

Regards, Labman

 

[elwestb]

Good deal! They work! Has anyone having trouble with the chemical hand warmers? I've bought several from two different manufactures and they just don't seem to get as hot as they should and burn out much faster!?