fyi WEBASTO Hydronic heater install R29

[carld1234]

I just finished installing a Webasto TSL17 17,000 Btu hydronic heater in my Ranger Tug 29. This turned out to be a great addition to our tug since we're based in Portland, OR and use our boat year round. The hydronic system gave me many additional benefits over the "air" based diesel heater we had in our last tug. We now heat the engine, hot water heater and cabin. I used the factory Red Dot heater for my register (fan) and was able to retain all of the Red Dot capabilities that came with the boat. To do this I installed a small heat exchanger between the engine hoses and the heater hoses. This gave me the ability to run the system in 3 different ways: Diesel heat mode that uses the diesel furnace, Red Dot mode which uses the engine, and summer loop which uses the furnace too only heat the hot water tank. This small system actually keeps the boat cabin and cockpit (isinglass enclosure) warm in very cold conditions.
I installed the furnace and electronics box on an aluminum plate that I mounted in the port storage bin in the cockpit. I can remove the entire system by taking out 8 screws in the base plate to either work on the heater or pull out my batteries that are located forward of the heater.
I will attempt to post pictures on my photo album since I can't seem to do it here!
regards,
Carl "VickieLynn"

well I've had no luck posting a picture so anyone that would like a couple photos of the install just send me an email.....

 

[vertigo]

I just finished installing a Webasto TSL17 17,000 Btu hydronic heater in my Ranger Tug 29. This turned out to be a great addition to our tug since we're based in Portland, OR and use our boat year round. The hydronic system gave me many additional benefits over the "air" based diesel heater we had in our last tug. We now heat the engine, hot water heater and cabin. I used the factory Red Dot heater for my register (fan) and was able to retain all of the Red Dot capabilities that came with the boat. To do this I installed a small heat exchanger between the engine hoses and the heater hoses. This gave me the ability to run the system in 3 different ways: Diesel heat mode that uses the diesel furnace, Red Dot mode which uses the engine, and summer loop which uses the furnace too only heat the hot water tank. This small system actually keeps the boat cabin and cockpit (isinglass enclosure) warm in very cold conditions.
I installed the furnace and electronics box on an aluminum plate that I mounted in the port storage bin in the cockpit. I can remove the entire system by taking out 8 screws in the base plate to either work on the heater or pull out my batteries that are located forward of the heater.
I will attempt to post pictures on my photo album since I can't seem to do it here!
regards,
Carl "VickieLynn"

well I've had no luck posting a picture so anyone that would like a couple photos of the install just send me an email.....

That sounds like exactly the solution I'm looking for! Would love to have a chance to see your pics and learn more about your install details.

 

[NorthernFocus]

We considered going that route. Had it all spec'd out but since we already had a forced air unit we just used it. Running the water heater and keeping the engine warm would be awfully nice. Will be interested to hear how it performs.

 

[Irish Mist]

I looked at this before installing my air system for all the reason you mentioned. Does the unit run continually while on like the air system and just slow down as it gets to temp? How is it on the batteries with having to run the water pump as well as the furnace?
Sounds like a great addition to raise the comfort level while at anchor
Enjoy 🙂