What do most of you prefer for heaters in drift boats?

The basic Mr. Heater units seem to be the standard.

The optional Willie Forced Air unit appears to be a Mr. Heater radiant unit with a 12v fan behind it. Anyone know for sure?

Has anyone tried the Mr. Heater "Big Buddy" with the battery operated fan system (radiant heat + convection heat)?

Any other suggestions or good ideas?

I'm considering trading in my hot water bottle for more technology.

Thanks
OD

A very interesting thread. As I am about to purchase my first drift boat within the next couple of weeks. I have a Coleman ProCat heater that I use in our tent when camping. I was thinking about throwing that up in the bow. It has a "D" battery operated fan that pumps out some pretty good heat. I'm wondering if anyone here has ever tried the ProCat in the DB.

Coleman ProCat

I would go with the mr heater with the fan behind it..really is a slick set up and puts off great heat..

the other nice thing about it is that the vent that the heat gets blown through you can put wet gloves or a hot pcket in there to heat them up!

I wouldnt get a mr buddy heater they are more of a problem then they are good. always clogging up and they go out reallly easily with any wind.

Be sure regardless of which heater you use to have an updated fire extinguisher!!! you just never know!

John, the basic Mr. Heater is the only thing that I've ever used and it keeps you warm, so warm that one time I hooked a steelhead and my pants caught fire. Sometimes it's better to just get warm on the oars.

l also use the mr heater. tried the little buddy and found that wouldnt stay lit in the slightest breeze.

My Willie forced air heat is great forthe front seaters. Yep, it is a 12volt fan run off a tiny 12volt battery in the passenger seat storage in stock configuration. You could simulate it with a low power fan in a small duct mounted to the underside of the platform and hook up the wires add a switch and fuse and you'd be done. The biggest issue is finding the 12volt fan. BTW, the Willie version is a shallow box under the platform. I'd make sure the wires are in a protective sleave.

Good Comments.

Here's a shot of the optional Willie Boat forced air system. I gave it a quick look when I was in Central Point. Looks like a fan behind a stock Mr. Heater and jimh confirmed this, thanks.

http://www.willieboats.com/limitededition%20(2).jpg

Here's the double Mr. Heater option from Koffler.

http://www.kofflerboats.com/images/Drift_LargePics/double%20heater%20system.jpg

Brad, thanks for reminding us about the flaming wader potential. Adequate clearance and a fan pushing the warm air sounds like good planning.

OD

Ditto on the first part...LMFAO on the second...meltdown pants!!!