Installation of Diesel Heater

[Alastair]

I'm thinking of replacing my solid fuel stove with a Refleks.

 

Now, I know there are some BSS examiners reading this forum - if you read this, could you tell me anything I need to be particularly careful about, in order to meet the BSS requirements?

 

The stove will probably be supplied from main fuel tank, or dedicated tank in the engine room, and pipes (copper 8mm) run to the stove. Alternative is a tank under the gunnel (in main cabin), with a deck filler.

 

Ventilation and air flow is guaranteed by draft holes in floor (this draws air through the bilges, from the engine room.

[Richard Bustens]

Hi

We did have a BSS examiner on the forum but i have not seen him scince we moved the forum.

[John Orentas]

Alastair.

 

As long as you carry out the installation in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, the "Boat safety scheme guide", (the 2002 red book) and common sense, you can't go wrong.

 

The BSS man, or the much celebrated Corgi man for that matter, would only check off your installation against the rules and regulations in that same book. He would no doubt charge a substantial fee for doing so.

 

John Squeers.

Edited November 11, 2004 by John Orentas

[Guest]

I understand that the safety schemes are changing considerably in April. It might be worth finding out what the changes will be from an examiner now to ensure you comply.

Also a seperate tank may be a good idea as "they" are bound to stop us from using red diesel for propulsion eventually. Cant see they could stop us from heating with it though?

Just a thought

Stan H

Edited November 11, 2004 by stan hesketh

[Alastair]

Thanks, Stan, that is a really, really good point. I've checked the regs, and think I can use a standard Vetus tank. Didn't want a separate tank, as it meant fitting extra fillers and vents. Think I'll have to.

[Big COL]

Alastair

 

The current standing on the use of red diesel in the UK is that at the moment the UK has a derogation until the end of december 06. After this date unless the goverment do something then the UK has to come in line with the rest of Europe, which will prohibit the use of red diesel in all pleasure craft ie boats, off roaders etc with the exception of heating.

I can see a lot of boaters returning to solid fuel or having to install a separate tank as the many conversions that I have been involved with most of them have used the main diesel tank as a supply because it was cheaper. Another point to consider is even if you have a separate tank for red diesel you may have to lug cans down the tow path to fill the heating tank, as most of the current suppliers on the canal that I have spoken to have indicated that, should this become law, then they will just switch over from red to white diesel and not bother with supplying red diesel as the cost involved to set up separate tanks and pumps just to supply the amount required for heating would not be cost effective. This will leave a lot of boaters being forced to pay the extra duty for their heating, as not evryone will be in a position to install separate tanks or be capable of lugging cans down the tow path.

 

It's all bad news. Who wanted to be a state in the United States of Europe anyway, they didn't ask me, so they must have asked the rest of you.

 

 

best regards

Colin

[Alastair]

If I had my druthers, I'd rather have both - a small diesel job to keep the frost out, and main heating from solid fuel. Just don't have the spare bulkhead space, really. although all this is starting me thinking . . . (dangerous, that).

 

I'm going to have to try out an idea. This is to use computer fans to push hot air through ducting. Ducting to pull air over a heat source, such as a grill next to a heater.

 

If that works, I will look into one of the small, and affordable, Taylor heaters. Then fit ducting to carry the heat to the bow of the boat. Have my cake and eat it.

[Big COL]

Alistair

 

 

Have a look at this link its something I came across when I was fitting out our boat. May be of interest to you.

 

www.fluelessltd.co.uk/p_bradley.html

[Alastair]

It is my belief that these aren't allowed under the BSS rules. besides that, dry heat is essential in winter.

[Richard Bustens]

Hi

It is a dam expensive way to heat the boat they are run with gell cannisters at £2.40 for 3hr and giving off 1kw of heat per tin and it will take 3 at a time that means to use it 24hr a day on 3 kw that is £50 odd a day to run.

[ChrisPy]

I was planning on fitting a built-in steel tank under one side deck in the forward cockpit. It would hold about 150 litres, and would be topped up through a tranfer line and electric pump from the main fuel tank.

 

But if the rules on red diesel are going to change, it may only be possible to buy it from a heating oil supplier; this means installing as big a tank as possible (or two, one each side of the cockpit, with a balance pipe).

 

It seems nobody anticipates any changes to the existing and very comprehensive BSS regulations for diesel tanks and piping. Am I right?

 

I didn't vote for the U.S.E. either. Somebody must have. Now, if I can just catch the bl**der.......

 

Take-over by stealth - the modern alternative to government. Who needs it?

[kackara]

To give "IT" it's proper name let's get away from the "U.S.E." and give the rightful name of, "The Soviet Socialist Republic of Euroland". The set up of the Euro mob is exactly the same as the U.S.S.R. complete with the same thieving buggers who destroyed Russia. You will soon need a permit to use each lock on the cut, each permit taking several months to complete and a further month to be returned by which time it will be out of date.

 

Now I've just depressed myself and need another cup of tea