Thanks for your advise. We have a Webasto diesel powered heater that powers our central heating, whilst it is sufficiently warm when it has been on for a while, it uses a surprising amount of electricity and diesel, it would be very expensive and we would require a large battery bank to keep it running 24/7 which it really needs to be when very cold (I'm also pretty sure these type of heaters aren't meant to be used in this way). I am also very aware that our battery bank is currently insufficient for our needs and we are in the process of replacing, which will mean we can keep the heating on longer.
We have bought the stove (which is the correct size for the size of room we have) for a number of reasons:
As it can be left on for longer periods of time and throughout the night without destroying our batteries.
to help with humidity/ condensation on the boat
It will give us a lot of heat in the main room at least, where as, unless the radiators have been on all day, it is still a bit chilly on very cold days.
because we wanted one for aesthetics and feel etc.
We have one large main room and an open corridor to the bedroom, we will be circulating the heat from the stove with fans as best as anyone on any boat can.
What we really need help on is how to install a safe hearth.