Espar Vs. Webasto Heaters

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Richard Cassano - 21 Oct 2003 19:16 GMT

I am interested in installing a Hydronic, (hot water) heating system aboard
a Tashiba 40 sailboat. Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or
warnings about the two leading brands, Espar and Webasto? Cost is about the
same and specifications are also very close. Webasto requires a 2.5 gallon
expansion tank that uses up some space aboard. As far as I'm concerned,
reliability and performance comments from experienced users are the most
important factors in making my decision. You can send replys to my email
address if you do not wish to post here.Thank you.

Richard Cassano

S/V Gray Eagle, Oyster Bay, NY

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DSK - 21 Oct 2003 19:28 GMT

> I am interested in installing a Hydronic, (hot water) heating system aboard
> a Tashiba 40 sailboat. Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> reliability and performance comments from experienced users are the most
> important factors in making my decision.

I'm in the process of installing the Webasto T-90 in our tugboat. We got a
slightly better deal on the system & it's major components, and I heard a
number of discouraging things about the Espar firebox control units.

If space is at such a premium that an expansion tank is a problem, you should
probably get an air heater unit, with short ducting; or two small diesel
fireplaces.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

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Glenn Ashmore - 28 Nov 2003 23:22 GMT

Doug,

Where did you get your Webasto system?

I have no wall space for a Force 10 or a Dickenson and forced air is out
because it will be impossible to route so I can only consider hydronc
systems. The T-90 is a bit big for me. I do my best to avoid crossing
the Mason Dixon Line after October so 17,000 BTUs will probably be all I
need. Right now it is between the Espar D5WH and the Webasto Thermo
Top C.

>>I am interested in installing a Hydronic, (hot water) heating system aboard
>>a Tashiba 40 sailboat. Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Fresh Breezes- Doug King

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Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
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Marcus AAkesson - 22 Oct 2003 00:19 GMT

>I am interested in installing a Hydronic, (hot water) heating system aboard
>a Tashiba 40 sailboat. Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>important factors in making my decision. You can send replys to my email
>address if you do not wish to post here.Thank you.

I was just going to say that I never heard about the Espar, but
checking the website it seems to be a trade name for Eberspächer.

Eberspächer and Webasto are both German and are the two favored mfgs
for marine heating among the top quality european yards. I would say
that any one of them should give good service. Our Webasto has
performed flawlessly now for 10 years.

/Marcus

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Marcus AAkesson marcus.akesson@NO_SPAM_PLEASE_home.se
Gothenburg Callsigns: SM6XFN & SB4779
Sweden

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Doug Dotson - 22 Oct 2003 02:11 GMT

Our Espar works great. Used it for an entire winter here in Pasadena.
Kept the boat warm for 3 months on about 90 gal of fuel. Not
bad, never had a failure.

Doug
s/v Callista

> I am interested in installing a Hydronic, (hot water) heating system aboard
> a Tashiba 40 sailboat. Does anyone have any comments, recommendations or
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> S/V Gray Eagle, Oyster Bay, NY

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Arco - 22 Oct 2003 04:50 GMT

I had an Espar on my old boat in SF bay - loved the hot air and hot
water - but the heater made a lot of noise - a high pitched whine like
a vacuum cleaner - not the kind of thing you like to listen to in a
quiet anchorage.

Any other Espar users have the same experience?

>Our Espar works great. Used it for an entire winter here in Pasadena.
>Kept the boat warm for 3 months on about 90 gal of fuel. Not
>bad, never had a failure.

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Doug Dotson - 22 Oct 2003 16:15 GMT

It does make some noise, but I never noticed a high pitched
whine. Just the sound of the blower running. Ours is mounted
remote from the main living area so you can hardly hear it. The
whine may be "wind noise" due to some resonating in the ductwork.

Doug

> I had an Espar on my old boat in SF bay - loved the hot air and hot
> water - but the heater made a lot of noise - a high pitched whine like
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> >Kept the boat warm for 3 months on about 90 gal of fuel. Not
> >bad, never had a failure.

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Boat Forum / Cruising / November 2003

Espar Vs. Webasto Heaters