MacGregorSailors.com

Funny little “car”!
Would love to see more!

We have used the Olympic Wave heater for 5 years in our 18 ft travel trailer. On the low setting it heats up the interior just fine. When its down in the 20's or 30's we have to put it on high which is 3000 BTU. We have never used it in the Mac as we only use the Mac in the summer. In the winter we are back home in Florida. I would not hesitate to use the heater in the Mac.

Hi Ris!

That ‘Wave’ heater looks really nice and the catalytic nature is a bonus allowing for the low fuel consumption!
While personally I’m hesitant to utilize any combustion system inside the boat I can fully understand the need for heat.

Just a personal perspective on the broader topic cabin heating:
The only aspect that I’d suggest for anyone using a combustion type heater (wood/propane/diesel/alcohol) inside any enclosed space is to provide adequate inlet and outlet ventilation and have a good working CO (carbon monoxide) smoke detector in the same space. (I’ve personally seen too many instances as a prior city medic not to bring that up…) There are now combustible gas alarm sensors now available as well.

I’m also personally hesitant to have pressurized propane cylinders in enclosed environments as well.
It just a personal thing as they can leak at the cylinder and at the device/appliance valve/lines occasionally.
I’ve personally experienced this happening in my work life and in my home shop use.
I generally studiously try to not store cylinders and primary control (shut-off) valves in any living space.
I remember some one on the forum a while back had come up with a nifty exterior small propane cylinder storage system using PVC piping on the stern rails… (I’ll have to look that up and add it to this post later for reference).

Just like there are those compact diesel fuel heaters that utilize an independent external combustion inlet & exhaust system to heat an enclosed space there are now similar propane units. If they can be mounted externalto the enclosed environment to be heated all the better from my personal perspective.

JimmyT has done an excellent external diesel heater mod for this that he has shared on the forum titled “The Admiral wants Heat”.
viewtopic.php?t=30222
JimmyT really accomplished a really remarkable well thought out project!

What we use for personal heat when we occasionally find ourselves overnighting in cold conditions away from shore electric power are “Thermacare” back heater pads. We’ve found they easily operate for over 8-to-10 hrs and really do a pretty good job of keeping one warm!
Boy I wish these things had been around when I was into winter backpacking and camping. Game changers!

They work via a oxidation process, are designed to be wearable and last indefinitely in their sealed pouch. One can even save them if partially only used by putting it in a ziplock and excluding the air from it. They are reasonably priced too! Nice to have even for a just-in-case.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

I agree with your comment about smart people in this forum. Glad they are willing to share their knowledge with us.
I just got my 2013 26M. I don't have a solution to your heating issue, but I was curious about your shower setup. It the one luxury I crave on my boat. Not a fan of tying up a black bag.

My shower setup

viewtopic.php?t=28654

Thanks KURZ!
Not sure I'm up for the plumbing challenge. Maybe placing something like a kiddie pool to catch the water and then carry it out to the cockpit.

For what it’s worth…

I’ve seen sailboats using a hula hoop type ring and a shower curtain hanging off the end of a raised boom in the self draining cockpit for a shower on a couple of occasions…. Sorta a two-for-one… ya get a shower and get a clean cockpit floor at the same time!

Best Regards
Over Easy

"my shower" I is actually easy done.

The main work was the pump out and the way to understand what kind of pump works.

If u use a manual Bilge pump and a new bucket itll work also.

If it's cold and windy and girl and other people near, outside shower is not the best...