Anyone with direct experience with Force 10 Cozy Cabin kerosene heaters? I was seriously considering installing one as in have it on hand for testing and am not sure what to make of it. I am now wondering if I should be looking at a solid fuel heater instead.
The intended use is to extend the sailing season on the Chesapeake, so we're talking 40's - 50's mostly, and some warmth when working on board in winter, say 20's-30's. Figure not sleeping with it, but using it for chilly nights and to warm up the mornings on spring and fall overnights.
I'm really not interested in installing propane for just a heater. Changing out the galley is not in the picture - quite happy with my Origo stove and oven. So, the above got me to looking at kerosene or solid. The Force 10 Cozy Cabin percolated to the top because of a small foot print, a nice small chimney (1 inch) requiring only a 2 inch cut out in the coach roof with a 4 inch pad topsides. All the solid fuel and contained diesel heaters I've seen require a 3 inch chimney with a 5 inch cutout and a 7 inch pad.
Why am I hesitating on the Force 10 - well, don't know what my true comfort level is with the alcohol preheating and open flame nature. The manual calls for burning an ounce or more of alcohol to preheat the burner. At first this didn't bother me, but now that I'm messing around with it, this seems like a lot to sit there and watch burn off. everytime I want to use it. What's the experience been from those who've used these things? What about other flavors of heater like solid - bite the bullet and put in the larger stack?
Of note, I am aware that these specific heaters are not made any longer, but I have managed to find sources for parts to rebuild/replace the burner at reasonable prices.
Thanks for any thoughts
The intended use is to extend the sailing season on the Chesapeake, so we're talking 40's - 50's mostly, and some warmth when working on board in winter, say 20's-30's. Figure not sleeping with it, but using it for chilly nights and to warm up the mornings on spring and fall overnights.
I'm really not interested in installing propane for just a heater. Changing out the galley is not in the picture - quite happy with my Origo stove and oven. So, the above got me to looking at kerosene or solid. The Force 10 Cozy Cabin percolated to the top because of a small foot print, a nice small chimney (1 inch) requiring only a 2 inch cut out in the coach roof with a 4 inch pad topsides. All the solid fuel and contained diesel heaters I've seen require a 3 inch chimney with a 5 inch cutout and a 7 inch pad.
Why am I hesitating on the Force 10 - well, don't know what my true comfort level is with the alcohol preheating and open flame nature. The manual calls for burning an ounce or more of alcohol to preheat the burner. At first this didn't bother me, but now that I'm messing around with it, this seems like a lot to sit there and watch burn off. everytime I want to use it. What's the experience been from those who've used these things? What about other flavors of heater like solid - bite the bullet and put in the larger stack?
Of note, I am aware that these specific heaters are not made any longer, but I have managed to find sources for parts to rebuild/replace the burner at reasonable prices.
Thanks for any thoughts
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