Heater in my boat question...

[Anonymous]

I currently have a Big Buddy heater like the one pictured below and it does great as long as there's absolutely no breeze blowing. At the hint of the slightest breeze the heater goes out and has to be restarted.


I'm wondering how this model pictured below does with a little breeze/wind.


I see the above model on lots of boats but haven't had the opportunity to ask anyone how they like them or if they keep lit with a little wind blowing. Anyone have some input?

[Bodofish]

None of them work well out in the breeze. I found my buddy heater works fine under the canvas while running but it has to be buttoned up. The drift guys and guides use the the other type in their boats. I know they work when sitting still and trolling in the open. Lots of them out there, find one to borrow and give a spin in the back of your truck....

[racfish]

I tried the first one the Buddy heater. One wave with spray turned it off. Then it kept falling over. I didnt like using that one. The slightest breeze blows it out.I have the other one too. I use that one for camping. I keep extra tank of gas on board. Having a heater on board scares me with a gas can.

[scott080379]

the big buddy works great if there is 0 wind.

the second one works better in wind but you won't be running the heater while running out to your spot. The both don't like wind though just the second one seems to hold up to a breeze better than the big buddy heaters

[G-Man]

I can vouch for the bottle mounted version withstanding a breeze. Used one in my father's driftboat in the wintertime to keep the feeling in our hands. As a general rule, if it emits a rushing sound when running, it will resist a breeze. The louder the more resistant it should be. The reason I don't use that style in my boat is due to the heated reflector. Once the heater is running the reflector seems to attract all sorts of heat sensitive items like your waders, fishing line, clothes, rods, etc. The best method I've found for staying warm in smaller open boats is... rowing. Pull plugs in the river or troll when you are out on the lake, it will keep you warm and do your body some good.

[Anonymous]

The best method I've found for staying warm in smaller open boats is... rowing. Pull plugs in the river or troll when you are out on the lake, it will keep you warm and do your body some good.

Hey G,
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense except I'm having issues locating a place to put the ore locks in my 18' Lund
and the 115 Yamaha creates a lot of drag.

[G-Man]

Yea I can see that being an issue, I have a similar sized boat and sitting on the bow with a paddle doesn't cut it. I take it you don't have a full canvas enclosure? If you don't, look into getting one fitted, you won't regret it.

[Anonymous]

Yea I can see that being an issue, I have a similar sized boat and sitting on the bow with a paddle doesn't cut it. I take it you don't have a full canvas enclosure? If you don't, look into getting one fitted, you won't regret it.

Yep, I've got full canvas. It's a pain in the butt to put up when the clear vinyl is cold. I'm only able to get about half the snaps buttoned up which makes for some cold winds running up to the lower pens on Rufus Woods.
I also need to have some refitting done on it because when it’s up the back curtain covers all the way back to the motor mounts not allowing any rods to hang outside but that's another $$$$.$$ that I don't want to tell my wife about. As it is now I put the top up and plan on running the heater from the rear facing forward as we're trolling.

[Dave]

I think the heater you have would be great for indoor use but trying to use it outside with even a breeze and I think you might be out of luck. One member said none of them work well in a breeze. I completely and of course respectfully disagree. I have the propane heater like the bottom one picture you posted and it's one of the best things I have bought for my boat. We were out in November crabbing in area 9 and it was 29 degrees outside and we were actually warm. I do have a top and sides on my boat so the heat just made its way there which was very nice but we were able to stay warm by just staying close to it whether we were inside the enclosed area or not. I've used it out on the salt with wind and on high it stays lit and works great. My buddy who is a guide has a 24' Alumaweld sled and I fished with him in January on the Skagit in the snow, while it was snowing, and his two heaters saved us. That’s when I went out and bought mine. You can get them at Lowes or Home Depot and they are very affordable. Here is a pic of mine in my boat.

[G-Man]

Yep, I've got full canvas. It's a pain in the butt to put up when the clear vinyl is cold. I'm only able to get about half the snaps buttoned up which makes for some cold winds running up to the lower pens on Rufus Woods.

The night before I head out, my clear vinyl comes inside to warm up prior to fitting. If I need to run on the freeway, the vinyl joins me in the cab of the truck to stay warm as I don't like to subject my top to freeway speeds. This handy little tool makes snapping the pieces into place quite easy. Canvas Snap Tool

[Big D]

I think the heater you have would be great for indoor use but trying to use it outside with even a breeze and I think you might be out of luck. One member said none of them work well in a breeze. I completely and of course respectfully disagree. I have the propane heater like the bottom one picture you posted and it's one of the best things I have bought for my boat. We were out in November crabbing in area 9 and it was 29 degrees outside and we were actually warm. I do have a top and sides on my boat so the heat just made its way there which was very nice but we were able to stay warm by just staying close to it whether we were inside the enclosed area or not. I've used it out on the salt with wind and on high it stays lit and works great. My buddy who is a guide has a 24' Alumaweld sled and I fished with him in January on the Skagit in the snow, while it was snowing, and his two heaters saved us. That’s when I went out and bought mine. You can get them at Lowes or Home Depot and they are very affordable. Here is a pic of mine in my boat.

Dave,
Thanks for the info. I've got a couple of extra tanks out in the shop so I can hardly afford not to pick up another heater.

[Big D]

The night before I head out, my clear vinyl comes inside to warm up prior to fitting. If I need to run on the freeway, the vinyl joins me in the cab of the truck to stay warm as I don't like to subject my top to freeway speeds. This handy little tool makes snapping the pieces into place quite easy. Canvas Snap Tool

I've done that a couple of times in the past but when we're dealing with temps in the teens it only takes a minute or two to shrink the vinyl making it hard to attach. Thanks for the tool info, mine should be here in a couple of days.

[hewesfisher]

Yep, I've got full canvas. It's a pain in the butt to put up when the clear vinyl is cold. I'm only able to get about half the snaps buttoned up which makes for some cold winds running up to the lower pens on Rufus Woods.

The night before I head out, my clear vinyl comes inside to warm up prior to fitting. If I need to run on the freeway, the vinyl joins me in the cab of the truck to stay warm as I don't like to subject my top to freeway speeds. This handy little tool makes snapping the pieces into place quite easy. Canvas Snap Tool

Same here G-Man, but I fix the problem by not trailering the boat in below freezing temps. I need to make a platform in my truck bed for hauling the side and drop curtains since our yellow lab occupies the area behind the rear seat. [lol]

Great tip on the tool too! Might have to visit West Marine and pick one up.

[Dave]

I think the heater you have would be great for indoor use but trying to use it outside with even a breeze and I think you might be out of luck. One member said none of them work well in a breeze. I completely and of course respectfully disagree. I have the propane heater like the bottom one picture you posted and it's one of the best things I have bought for my boat. We were out in November crabbing in area 9 and it was 29 degrees outside and we were actually warm. I do have a top and sides on my boat so the heat just made its way there which was very nice but we were able to stay warm by just staying close to it whether we were inside the enclosed area or not. I've used it out on the salt with wind and on high it stays lit and works great. My buddy who is a guide has a 24' Alumaweld sled and I fished with him in January on the Skagit in the snow, while it was snowing, and his two heaters saved us. That’s when I went out and bought mine. You can get them at Lowes or Home Depot and they are very affordable. Here is a pic of mine in my boat.

Dave,
Thanks for the info. I've got a couple of extra tanks out in the shop so I can hardly afford not to pick up another heater.

Your very welcome and you won't be disappointed.