Andersons Abroad
Cal 2-29planningsailing

Late November Sail

Rich

James sent me pictures of the day sail we went on a couple weeks ago.  It was November 25th and the weather was sunny but only 42 degrees.  It turned out to be a fun sail.  There was a pretty consistent light wind and the sun helped keep us warm.  Sailing in the winter is pretty cool but it reminds me that we need to upgrade the heater in the boat.  The Force 10 we have now really can’t keep us warm in temps around 40F and lower.  I’ve been looking at alternatives and it seems to come down to either the Espar or Webasto forced air diesel heaters.  Aside from cost there seem to be only advantages to using them..

At the Helm
  • Dry heat reduces moisture in the cabin which in turn reduces condensation on the ceiling and walls.
  • Combustion happens outside the cabin meaning no loss of oxygen inside.
  • Forced air creates positive air pressure in the cabin, reducing drafts and keeping the interior warmer
  • Diesel fired means we get to use existing fuel already on the boat and keeps electricity draw low.

So thats the plan for now, I’d like to get a new heater sometime in 2008 before next winter.