Boat Heaters (Diesel) and Marine Heating Systems
Welcome to our dedicated information page on Diesel Boat heating, heaters and installation. Warm Air blown (push) systems are the most popular way of heating boats and Yachts Below you will find a few tips on choosing and installing your boat or yacht heating system. If your stuck or need further information before you purchase, send us an e-mail or call the number at the top of the page and we'll help you along the way wherever we can.
Here at Network Yacht Chandlers, we offer the best prices on Webasto Heating Systems for your boat, a full on-site installation service and full technical back-up and support so you can buy with confidence from a main Webasto agent.
To make it easy to select what you need, you can either choose to specify your own requirements or select from one of our standard installation kits that offer all the basic parts you need to get you warm and comfortable on your boat.
Boat Heater Units & Full Heating Installation Kits
Hot Air ducting and Heating System Accessories
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Marine Heating Systems - How to choose the product for you
Your choice of Webasto Marine heating system will depend on your requirements and the size of you boat. Smaller craft will benefit from simple 1 or 2 outlet marine heater kits which are relatively easy to install, whilst larger craft may require more complex installations or possibly 2 separate Webasto units to allow hot air heating to all areas of the boat.
The first decision is the size of the unit, which ultimately depends on the size of vessel. Heat from an inadequate output source will soon disperse and fail to reach optimum temperatures, making the system work harder and for minimal comfort. As a guideline, for boats used in UK waters and used in all but extremes of climate, you should choose the unit to supply the optimum number of outlets as below:
1-2 outlets - AIR TOP 2000 (2kW)
- Suggested uses - Sailboat LOA <25', Motor boat LOA <28'
2-4 outlets - AIR TOP EVO 3900 (3.5kW)
- Suggested uses - Sailboat LOA 25'-34', Motorboat LOA 28'-36'
4-6 outlets - AIR TOP EVO 5500 (5kW)
- Suggested uses - Sailboat LOA 35'-45', Motorboat LOA 37'-46'
(NB:- Fly bridge motor cruisers may require larger heater units due to increased cabin volume and glass surface area.)
Please note that the "EVO" units have an "overburn" function which allows a greater heat output for short periods of time (3.9kW instead of 3.5kW, & 5.5kW instead of 5kW) as a heat "BOOST" function.
Take into account the climate you use your boat in, as well as your intended use (will you use it over cold winter months or in more moderate seasons as evening warmth etc.) and also the length of ducting runs you will be installing. Heat will inevitably be lost along the length of these so for specifically long runs a greater heat output may benefit.
Though it is ideal to have an outlet in every living space of your boat, it is seldom likely to be the easiest or most cost effective solution. Remember that with hot air heating systems, the air is rapidly dispersed if doors etc. are left open and heat can effectively be contained and channelled to necessary areas by this means.
By now, you should have an idea of what Webasto Heater unit you will require and more than likely how many outlets and where they will be placed. This should enable you to choose the kit you require, though if you think your requirements are not met by any of the kits we offer, do not hesitate to e-mail us your considerations and allow us to advise of possible solutions for you.
If you are unsure of your options, or undecided between 2 possible installations, please e-mail us with your requirements and boat details for advice.
To view our range of Boat Heating systems, Click Here.
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Boat Heater installation advice
Boat Heater installation advice
As each boat and your requirements are different, so each installation is relatively unique. However, there are a few simple rules and guidelines which will help you in your selection and installation of a Webasto marine heating system.
The basic installation requires the heating unit to be fitted, usually near to the engine bay as it will require a 12V feed and access to the diesel system on the boat (unless a separate tank is fitted). The hot air produced by the unit is fed around the boat via special ducting (hose) so work out where you want your outlets to be and take into account the ease of access for routing the ducting through the boat.
Once you have decided on the location of the unit, follow the installation instruction provided with the kit. You will need to mount it securely, take a feed off the diesel line and install a pump (which also acts as a non-return valve), have access to a 12V power supply and install a thru-hull exhaust. The control unit also plugs in to the boiler unit
The diesel for the unit is usually taken from the main diesel tank for the engines. Two options are available for this, either feeding directly off the tank, or by using a T-piece kit to take off the main line. Both have advantages and disadvantages, though if you are unsure, we recommend taking professional advice on this aspect.
Once the unit has been installed, the ducting needs to be connected and fed through the boat to distribute the warm air to the parts of the boat it is required. Specialist ducting is used to do this that minimises the heat loss along its length, though if particularly long runs are being used, we recommend using thermo duct to insulate it to provide more efficient heat distribution.
The size of ducting you use will depend on the unit you have purchased: the Air Top 2000 has a 60mm outlet and the Air Top EVO 3500 and EVO 5500 have a 90mm outlet. Air Top 2000 installations will usually only ever provide 1 or 2 outlets, so it is simply a case of using a suitable splitter (Y-piece) to channel the ducting to the relevant outlets*. On the larger units with a 90mm outlet from the unit, the simple rule is to have one main run of 90mm ducting, ending in an open* 90mm outlet in the main heated area. Along the length can be inserted the "90mm x 60mm x 90mm" Y-pieces which will spur off the heating to smaller 60mm ducting and provide heat to smaller close-able outlets.
* - For safety, all installations must have 1 open (non closable) outlet.
On larger yachts, or where routing around areas is difficult, it is normal to install 2 x heating boilers to provide adequate heat to the areas of the boat.
Outlets are generally of 2 types, close-able and open. Options are available for colours and other types, but we have offered the general and most used types in the on-line catalogue.
Most are flush fitted through panels and use louvers to gently direct the hot air around the space as required. It is essential that each "spur" of the system terminates in a suitable outlet.
After installing the Boiler unit, connecting to the electrical and diesel supplies, and channelling the ducting around the boat, the last stage is to install the controller unit. This plugs into the boiler unit and is usually mounted in a reasonably accessible place, such as the saloon, or near the electric switch panels, or even in a cabin, depending on the layout of the boat and the length of cable.
After installation, check all connections and fittings, and ensure all ducting is secure, before setting the required temperature on the control dial and testing the system. Though the air coming from the vents may at first have a little odour due to the newness of the system etc., no diesel fumes or engine smells should be apparent. If you suspect this, or any other elements of the system are not working correctly, switch the unit off and seek professional assistance.
It sounds obvious, but read through the operation manual carefully. When used correctly the system will provide quiet, efficient heating to specific areas of the boat and even a "no heat" option to assist in ventilating the craft with fresh air. (PJ)
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