The do-it-yourself boat stove that’s depopulating online is a mortal danger. Here’s why

After the first installment on how to defeat low-cost moisture on board, the Living on a Boat column continues, dedicated to those of you who, like me, have always had the dream of living on board. In addition to the many tips and seafaring culture found in the literature (even the Journal of Sailing has made its contribution with the manual Living on Board), we want to talk today about security, dealing with an unusual topic, a DIY sfufa proposed, by some crazy people, even in boats-we explain why it is deadly.

I realized the danger when a member of my sailing club, wanting to organize a winter sailing night, started talking to me about a forum that proposed making the object you see in the picture. Popping up on social media, blogs and forums are instructions for making a small DIY terracotta candle stove. The “hanging” version, being swinging, is also listed as optimal for sailing… even when sailing! NEVER DO IT, that stove poses a mortal danger!

HOW THE “EARTHEN POT HEATER” OR “FLOWER-POT HEATER” WORKS
The construction is very simple, two earthenware pots held together by 4 bolts and respective washers, fixed on a threaded rod. Operation: the upper vessel traps the hot air generated by the candles (convective heat) and returns some of the accumulated heat by converting it into radiant form. It is the same principle as the cast-iron wood stove.

AN IMPROVED FLAME AND THE BOAT WILL GO ON FIRE
Here’s how disaster happens: the four candles seem harmless, but the stove accumulating heat inside will melt the candles’ kerosene wax. During this phase there are no signs to warn us of danger, but the internal temperature will rise again, until it reaches about 250 degrees, the point of kerosene flashpoint/self-burning.
At this point a large blaze will emanate from the pot, but it is not over. The strong heat given off in just a few moments will further heat the wax, which will begin to boil, overflowing from the vessels, a stream of glowing wax will seep from the metal thread that is also red-hot, and will go Napalm-like to set the inside of the cabin on fire.

THROWING WATER ON THE FIRE? WORSE!
In addition to the fire and smoke in the cabin, there is an additional problem: throwing water to try to put out that fire could be detrimental, because the liquid kerosene acts like an oil, and an even bigger blaze could be released.

MONOXIDE RISK
In addition to the fire hazard, any combustion device not certified for marine or confined space use is a potential carbon monoxide generator. Many deaths have been recorded, in house-boats in England, from inappropiate use of camping stoves, gas stoves, or self-made alcohol cookers.

SO.
Imay have been catastrophic, but the point is this: is it worth risking your boat and your life for a crap like this? If you find it convenient to use a stove on board, specialized firms build safe diesel, propane or wood/coal stoves for sail and motor boats, of course the appropiate chimney will be a must! The one in the photo is made by Dickinson Marine, but there are many on the market.

Luigi Gallerani

(The opening image is simply an explanatory collage made by the editorial staff)

HERE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE COLUMN – TWELVE NO-COST OR NEARLY NO-COST TRICKS TO DEFEAT MOISTURE ON BOARD

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