Sailing Jibseavideo
From FREEZING TO TOASTY: Heating upgrades for high latitude sailing & cozy boat life - Ep 270
April 27, 2026 · 22 min · 17K views
Crew inspects engine in tight boat cabin
What this video covers
Steph and Travis on the fully insulated steel boat Jibsea (Gypsy 2) describe three diesel heating systems installed for high-latitude cruising, contrasting them against years of failed attempts on their earlier fiberglass boat, Gypsy 1.2:13
The first system is a Chinese-brand forced-air diesel heater sourced from Amazon for roughly $150 USD, mounted in the engine room companionway area with a 19mm exhaust run to the transom.2:15 It consumes 0.1–0.5 liters of diesel per hour, heats a cold cabin to 25°C within 20 minutes, but delivers localized heat and must run at full power to be effective.3:05 A remote control lets them start it from the bunk.4:25
The second is an engine-coolant fan coil plumbed in series with the hot water heat exchanger, providing free heat while motoring within roughly six feet of the engine.9:32
The third and preferred system is the Walrus 9000C hydronic diesel heater, installed in the aft locker and plumbed to four fan coils and six vents throughout the boat — saloon, V-berth, guest cabin, shower, and head.15:18 Actual consumption measured over 60-plus days ran about 0.2 gallons per hour running nearly 24/7.11:11 The unit draws 6.5–7.5 amps; each fan coil draws roughly 0.5 amps.13:56 It heats coolant rather than air, produces even floor-to-ceiling warmth in every cabin, and runs nearly silently.13:32 Fan coils should be placed in dry lockers, not damp bilge spaces, to ensure dry heat output.17:28
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