Now that fall is in the air and the evenings are getting a little cooler one of the first projects for Treylya will be to install a diesel heater.  Fall and winter cruising will be somewhat tolerable, perhaps even comfortable, with a good source of heat and a dry cabin.

After doing some research into different types of heaters (propane, diesel, 12v) I’ve decided on going with a Dickinson Newport Diesel Heater (http://dickinsonmarine.com/product/newport-diesel-heater/).  They are a very robust marine heater and almost all the reviews have been great.

I follow several blogs (http://www.gudgeonblog.ca/) and have been gaining an insight into how to tackle the installation (turns out I have to drill a 5 inch hole in the deck…  Gulp…).  I ordered the heater online from Steveston Marina and it was delivered last week.  Turns out that the cost of hooking it up (chimney, fuel filter, fuel pump, etc) with be about the same as the cost of the heater itself!  Groan…

There are several factors that come into consideration regarding the chimney placement.  I don’t want the chimney positioned on the deck where it’ll be in the way when try to walk around on deck, or in the way of the lines, or the dingy, or the sails… also it’s shouldn’t be subject to downdraft caused by the mast or other things on the deck.  I also don’t want a bunch of chimney piping taking up space and obstructing movement while in the cabin.  I’m considering of two areas: on the main bulkhead forward of the mast or the half bulkhead forward of the chart table.

There are pros and cons to both areas but these look like the two most viable options.  We’re heading out again this weekend so I’ll measure up the spacing and make a decision…