Hello everyone, I have a million questions and most of them lead to 3 more! To start off with though, 3. Does anyone have any opinions of the Blythe Spirit design , wooden boat, designed by L.A. Randell? (Specifically, Ranger). I'm hoping to eventually do some blue water sailing with her, if I buy her. Second enclosed marine toilets are they a big hassle/messy to handle/ empty and clean? Thirdly, heating in winter. If I was to sleep aboard in winter, is there a way to get a little heat through the boat without completely draining the battery? I would be looking to upgrade the current solar system to the most efficient modern version possible and perhaps a wind generator if it's practicable. Thanks for any advice on these questions.
Sorry, no opinion on your Randell wooden boat. I built my own timber, gaff rigged motor sailer.
I don't know what you mean by "enclosed marine toilet". I built an enclosed room for the toilet and use a Thetford chemical toilet cassette with a capacity of about 20l. It is simple, pretty much odour free and, importantly for me, means there is one less hole in the hull. Sure it is not the most pleasant job emptying it but that does not outweigh the other advantages.
For heating I recommend a hot water bottle or two. Using the stove to heat up the kettle removes a bit of the chill off the air to begin with. Then the water bottles last for many hours and with a beanie, good socks and suitable clothing I'm very cosy. Timber construction also helps a lot in retaining the warmth inside the boat. I also included a sliding door for the V berth so closing that and the companionway doorway reduces the volume of air to keep warm.
Select to expand quoteCanadianJames said..
Hello everyone, I have a million questions and most of them lead to 3 more! To start off with though, 3. Does anyone have any opinions of the Blythe Spirit design , wooden boat, designed by L.A. Randell? (Specifically, Ranger). I'm hoping to eventually do some blue water sailing with her, if I buy her. Second enclosed marine toilets are they a big hassle/messy to handle/ empty and clean? Thirdly, heating in winter. If I was to sleep aboard in winter, is there a way to get a little heat through the boat without completely draining the battery? I would be looking to upgrade the current solar system to the most efficient modern version possible and perhaps a wind generator if it's practicable. Thanks for any advice on these questions.
I have a kerosene heater on mine which I have never used. The previous owner didn't use it either. He said he would just run the gas oven for a while if he was cold.
I have sailed on a 28 foot Randal many years ago, not sure what it's class name was. Fairly compact inside and wooden construction I doubt whether you would need heating anywhere mainland Australia. Modern sleeping bags and modern ski suits from your local op shop is all that's needed. Definitely avoid using a gas heater.
Timber yachts are very well insulated.
You should ask Donk if he knows of any woodies in Tassy hes got some nice boats down there
like this beauty he posted a while ago I sure do love Lucy
Id eat in every night
C J. A liveaboard friend told me he uses a largish terracotta flower pot upside down over a low flame on his stove, really takes the chill off he reckons.
Select to expand quoteHG02 said..
You should ask Donk if he knows of any woodies in Tassy hes got some nice boats down there
like this beauty he posted a while ago I sure do love Lucy
Id eat in every night
That is just a dream!!!
Select to expand quotesamsturdy said..
C J. A liveaboard friend told me he uses a largish terracotta flower pot upside down over a low flame on his stove, really takes the chill off he reckons.
The terracotta pot over gas has killed a few people too. Google search may find more on this. It's been a couple of years now but this was widely covered on the Pbo yachting forums in Europe. If a heater is needed then I would think a diesel heater with a flue designed for the job is the safe way to go
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
samsturdy said..
C J. A liveaboard friend told me he uses a largish terracotta flower pot upside down over a low flame on his stove, really takes the chill off he reckons.
The terracotta pot over gas has killed a few people too. Google search may find more on this. It's been a couple of years now but this was widely covered on the Pbo yachting forums in Europe. If a heater is needed then I would think a diesel heater with a flue designed for the job is the safe way to go
On the mark Ramona. A yacht must be considered as a "confined space" and correct precautions taken.
Colourless, odourless and tasteless gasses such as CO2 and CO will kill you without you even realizing it is happening.
Select to expand quotecisco said..Ramona said..
samsturdy said..
C J. A liveaboard friend told me he uses a largish terracotta flower pot upside down over a low flame on his stove, really takes the chill off he reckons.
The terracotta pot over gas has killed a few people too. Google search may find more on this. It's been a couple of years now but this was widely covered on the Pbo yachting forums in Europe. If a heater is needed then I would think a diesel heater with a flue designed for the job is the safe way to go
On the mark Ramona. A yacht must be considered as a "confined space" and correct precautions taken.
Colourless, odourless and tasteless gasses such as CO2 and CO will kill you without you even realizing it is happening.
+ 1 be very cautious with this !!!
Select to expand quoteSandS said..cisco said..Ramona said..
samsturdy said..
C J. A liveaboard friend told me he uses a largish terracotta flower pot upside down over a low flame on his stove, really takes the chill off he reckons.
The terracotta pot over gas has killed a few people too. Google search may find more on this. It's been a couple of years now but this was widely covered on the Pbo yachting forums in Europe. If a heater is needed then I would think a diesel heater with a flue designed for the job is the safe way to go
On the mark Ramona. A yacht must be considered as a "confined space" and correct precautions taken.
Colourless, odourless and tasteless gasses such as CO2 and CO will kill you without you even realizing it is happening.
+ 1 be very cautious with this !!!
CO2 alarms are a cheap source for your life 
