Origo Heat Pal 5100 Heater

[Terry Etapa]

My mother will be out for a couple of weeks over christmas. Her only request is go out on my boat. My Dickinson is not up and running, so I have no heat away from the dock.

I'm looking for a cheap(ish) and simple heater to keep my mother, or other guests, warm.

Practical Sailor mentions the Origo Heat Pal 5100 in a recent issue, and it interested me. Anyone used one? Are there other simple non-electric heaters that are safe for use on a boat?

[bainbridgeisland]

I use one in the cockpit sometimes. It works. If left for a long time, the fuel evaporates. I wouldn't use one in the cabin. An associate of mine died because she used a kerosene version in an enclosed space.

[Terry Etapa]

I got a few private e-mails suggesting I couldn't go wrong with the Origo heater.

I bought one yesterday. I used it while working on the boat last night. I kept 2 windows cracked open a few inches. It was able to easily heat a 7 foot x 12 foot cabin with an outdoor temperature of about 40 degrees F. I did notice a slight "burning alcohol" odor. It also appeared to produce a bit of moisture.

I'm still concerned with CO. I think I'll install a CO alarm now, rather than later.

[westinghouse]

Some fuels are worse than others for that eye-watering burning alcohol stink. I've found methyl hydrate to be the way to go as far as that's concerned.
And yeah, they produce a whole lot of moisture, but so does a propane radiant heater, and the alcohol is much safer (no open flame to lean on, for one).