Heating and Cooking

[D_e_n_n_i_s]

- I had never considered using a (diesel) generator to heat water for heating the boat, but that's a very interesting line of thought. Keeping any diesel engine loaded is important so I'll have to research load control devices - I had never heard of them until now.

I love the battery charging and the ability to shut off the unit after water has been heated. When I had investigated highly efficient diesel generators for electricity, running them for 10 hours (overnight) used a lot of fuel (I seem to recall the cost was $700-$1000/month for the most efficient models). Using them for a few hours would change the cost, fuel consumption, etc. signifantly and make this a practical option again.

Automatic generator start and stop - I love it !! I think sleeping on the hook in cold weather might just get easier !! Thanks for the great tips !! If anyone has insight into any of these electronic devices, please feel free to share. Time for more Google research

[D_e_n_n_i_s]

For hydronic heating, how long does the water stay hot, i.e. is there some kind of storage like a hot water heater, which is insulated and retains heat for awhile or does the heat dissipate as soon as it is no longer being re-heated by some form of heater?