[It’s a press release, of course. I keep warm in my little boat with a Wallas stove/heater, or just a plain old electric heater when I’m plugged into shore power. I wonder how this might work, though. Would the exhaust be a problem? —Tim]
As the temperature outside continues to drop, it’s important to stay warm. Perfect for winter activities, such as ice fishing and camping, the lightweight HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure offers an efficient, safe source of heat that doubles as a stove when the lid is removed.
Whether on a boat, RV or at home, the versatile HeatMate provides extra warmth where needed with 5,200 BTU of heat. When transformed into a cooktop, it has the capability to boil a quart of water in less than nine minutes.
The reliable HeatMate’s canister system employs a nonflammable wick material that absorbs approximately 1-1/4 quarts of environmentally-friendly alcohol. Even if it’s turned completely upside down, the unique design prevents fuel from leaking. Providing clean heating and cooking, alcohol fuel is easily extinguishable with water. The pressure-free canister system also eliminates pumping, priming, hoses and valves.
The compact HeatMate measures just 11-3/4" H x 11-1/2" in diameter and weighs only 5 lbs. 3 oz. Constructed of aluminum, it features a convenient carrying strap.
The innovative HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater from Contoure International has a suggested retail price of just $169.95.
4 responses so far ↓
M. Dacey // Oct 14, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Alcohol is a low-energy, “wet” fuel in that burning it in a cabin can produce condensation inside a cold cabin, so venting is necessary. The fuel is also expensive and is sometimes hard to source. Having said that, however, this is light and has the advantage of not mugging the batteries as a typical ‘cube heater” would.
I would consider it in a pilothouse or a canvas-enclosed cockpit where venting existed to take the edge off chilly air, but not inside a cabin closed up for the night even with a hatch cracked due to the condensation issue.
Those with alcohol stoves will sometimes invert a clay flowerpot over a range burner as this confines the moisture and the gradually heating clay makes for a nice heat. But this is obviously something you’d only try at dock or on a calm day.
Steve Roberts // Oct 14, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I agree with M. Dacey – I would never burn that in an enclosed cabin; humidity is a killer, and alcohol puts out more of it than any other fuel (even propane). Combining the need for ventilation with being lower heat output than other fuels, it seems dubious to me, even though the fuel source is commonly available (and sustainable).
I do love wood, but ironically it’s most expensive to burn something that is free. What’s up with that?
Cheers from Nomadness, where I am currently being kept warm by this:
http://nomadness.com/blog/2008/10/little-cod-wood-stove.html
Steve
M. Dacey // Oct 18, 2009 at 9:04 am
I recommend (now that winter’s coming on in the Northern Hemisphere)The Warm Dry Boat: A Handbook for Liveaboards, by Roger McAfee.
http://www.nauticalmind.com/Warm-Dry-Boat-A-Handbook-for-Liveaboards-pr-66240.html
It’s the simplest and most cogent explanation of the various heating methods, and more importantly, the ventilation methods aboard boats I can recall.
Wood is rated pretty well, but of course there’s the storage issue and the mess of the ash.
Steve Roberts // Oct 21, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I have that book – it’s useful. Airflow management is hugely important, more than I realized.
I find that the Little Cod burns so hot and thoroughly that ash is not much of a problem. I’m just now experimenting with the high-density manufactured logs (Idaho) – they store well and last a long time (though the beauty of wood is opportunistic foraging for free heat… a little goes a long way, though it is certainly more work than turning a knob). I have a Webasto too, and an electric oil-filled radiator for winter dockside.
Leave a Comment