On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 08:16:54 -0500, Eisboch wrote:

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:


I need enough heat that I don't get cold - say like a town car sized
space for instance - it's about the same total amount of space that
will be enclosed. As to weather, it's only a 20' boat, so sea
conditions light certainly, but it could be cold, snow, rain, etc.

Recognizing that I don't know what I am talking about, a couple of thoughts:

1. Insulation only retards the transfer of heat from the cabin to the
outside. You need heating BTU capacity capable of overcoming the loss,
given the desired cabin temp. The higher the desired cabin temp, the
greater heat transfer for a given amount of insulation. That's where the
thermal underwear comes in handy.

That's a good point and one I hadn't considered. And I do wear those
expedition grade thermals when I do go out in this weather. The
problem is that I still get cold - in particular my feet and hands.
And once that starts, I'm toast - cold toast. :)

It sounds odd, but it has to do with the medicine that I take for the
RA - I have very thin skin and bruise easily, so there really isn't
much in terms of blood to work with. I have a need for heat.

I'm probably the only person you will ever hear about who actually
uses a down filled comforter during the summer when the A/C is on.
Drives my wife nuts. :)

2. Is the engine fresh water or raw water cooled? Seems to me that a
heat exchanger working at 180-200 degrees will work better than one
using 140 degree water.

Oh - neat idea!

Later,

Tom