305 Express - Webasto AirTop Diesel Heater

[Sequim305]

Hi, Recently purchased a garage kept 2007 305 Express on a trailer (after bailing on a waterlogged 360 Express). Am doing a few upgrades over the winter before putting it in my slip @ John Wayne Marina in Sequim. First upgrade was Burnewiin mounts in place of the factory rod holders. Current project is adding a diesel furnace for helm and cabin heat and a larger inverter that can also supply power to the microwave and a coffee maker as long as the boat will be tore apart. Hoping to add a defroster outlet at the helm but it looks troublesome. Hoping those of you with a 305 and diesel heat can enlighten me (and the local Sure Marine certified Webasto installer).

I have searched the internet and these forums. The installer has been in contact with Jacobsen's (local dealer in Edmonds) and the Grady White factory for advice routing the ductwork, furnace installation location, etc. It appears the furnace is typically located port side behind the microwave. That location makes it difficult to route duct to the helm much less a defroster outlet. Most of the pictures of 305's on the internet show the majority of ducts outlets on the starboard side of the boat which implies the heaters may be installed starboard side somewhere on many boats. ?

Anybody with this boat and a diesel furnace? Webasto Airtop 40 is the one that looks like the best fit. The boat will be used for fishing the straits for Salmon, Halibut, Spot Shrimp, Crab, etc and the occasional run to the marinas in the San Juan Islands for a weekend (i.e. Generator not required, boat doesn't have one - yet...).

Thanks in advance for any help!

Brian

 

[Halfhitch]

Hi Brian, I lived for many years just south of you near Westport, WA., and used to go salmon and halibut fishing out of Seiku and Neah Bay. I worked for a marine contractor in Alaska for a lot of years up to about 2009, doing marine construction. We ran several crew boats and had diesel heaters in them. We used different brands, Webasto being one of them. We found that running diesel was problematic and would usually lead to ignition problems. Invariably it was due to the soot build-up from the diesel burning in too low air environment. It not only caused soot/carbon build-up it smelled bad. It required regular cleaning of the firebox/spark plug and was a messy job. We found the heaters all, regardless of brand, ran much better on kerosine. Less carbon and less stink. We found routing problems also for the windshield and you just have to use your own best judgement. Sometimes you just can't get it out of sight and have to give up some foot space and esthetic desirability. Having it in a location that allows easy refilling of the tank is an important consideration. Good luck.