Easy Garage Heater Solution?

[bret]

Hey everyone! We are running into all kinds of problems with trying to fix a crack in our hull that we've had since last season. We really need to get it to dry out completely (we get all kinds of water at the end of the season because of the foam issues that have been discussed at great length already) before the fiberglass guy can patch it up. We also have oil everywhere that needs to be wiped up as well. (Not sure where the oil came from, possibly we didn't tighten the filter enough and it leaked throughout the summer)

The problem is we live in Wisconsin, we don't have a heated garage, and we live an hour away from where we store the boat. Does anyone know of something we can buy that is safe to use while we aren't there to heat the garage? I really don't have time to hook up something to natural gas, and I'm not sure if electrical heaters are safe enough to leave unattended for weeks at a time.

Thanks!

[New Guy]

This has really good reviews for the price.
http://www.google.com/shopping/product/2633222948965775280?q=electric%20garage%20heater&hl=en&sqi=2&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41018144,d.b2I&biw=1600&bih=710&sa=X&ei=im31UJvjEeOh2QWih4HoCQ&ved=0CKkBEPMCMAk

Where in Wisconsin are you from? I live in the Fox Valley.

[Ian Brantford]

How about one or two boat heaters? http://www.theboatsafe.com

[bret]

How about one or two boat heaters? http://www.theboatsafe.com

Interesting idea. I would just put that possibly where we removed the floor/fuel tanks and strap the cover over the boat to keep the heat in? Not sure if that would be a potential fire hazard, but I wouldn't think so since those heaters are designed for small spaces in engine compartments.

[Ian Brantford]

Since they are specifically made for boats, they'll be a better bet than any product that is not made for an area that is known to have flammable fumes.

[Hoopskier]

Assuming you want to heat the entire garage to do your repair, I like Mark's suggestion but that requires 220v electric, not sure if you have that in your garage. I think to do safely what you are looking for, heat the garage for days unattended, you should look at some type of furnance system, and not just a portable heater. Which may bot be as cheap or easy as you are looking for. Something with a thermostat. Also being in WI, if your garage has an open ceiling to the roof, there will be alot of wasted heat too.

I would look into something like this http://www.mrheater.com/ProductFamily.aspx?catid=46 You wont be able to leave it overnight, or at least I wouldn't, but I have seen a contractor do it. When you go to work on the boat, bring it and a tank, fire it up. Depending on the size of the garage and heater, it may warm up quick. Especially if you move up to a kerosene one. You can also direct it to blow the warm are under the boat, from a safe distance, and the warm air will rise around the hull. Draw back it they are loud to be around.

Just thinking out loud here.

[chadjitsu1]

I would highly recommend this type of heater. These guys really put out the heat and dont stink or give you a headache. I always have problems with the karosine heaters, I think they put off too many fumes and really give me a head ache after being in the garage all day. With this heater it will give you a lot of clean heat. I would also put a fan in the garage blowing in the boat and on the boat to dry out any moisture.

http://www.heatershop.com/propane_infrared_heaters.html

[pprior]

Any nonvented heater burning propane will put a TON of water vapor into the structure.

[parrothd]

Just a suggestion, you don't need to heat the entire garage just the section you're working on... :)

I used some heavy tarps wrapped around the hull to trap the heat under the boat and used an electric oil radiator heater on it's side underneath the boat..

[pprior]

That is a far better idea. You will not be able to heat the whole garage if it's not insulated without a very high expense. Nonvented heaters will create a moisture problem. The air trap and localized heater will likely do well and could even be put on a timer.

[parrothd]

If you're trying to dry out the hull/foam just use a hair dryer, leave it blowing on the area for a few days..The heater is great when your actually working on the repair.. :)