AboutCapt Lou Expertise I can answer questions about boat buying, crusing destinations along the East Coast from Maine to the Florida Keys, powerboat operation, powerboat accessories, yacht club membership, commercial fishing, boating laws, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the history of Boston Harbor Islands National Park.
Experience Hosted "Nautical Talk Radio" for 14 years, a weekly, hour long program on WATD 95.9FM in Massachusetts and host of "Nautical Talk" on WPRO 630AM for 2 years. Have cruised from Maine to the Florida Keys and have owned outboard and inboard powerboats since 1976.
Organizations Metropolitan Yacht Club 1980 - Present (1992 Commodore)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1204 1980 - 2004
Save The Harbor Save The Bay (Boston)
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Quincy Bay Race Week
Mass Boating and Yacht Club Association
Commodores Club of America
Boat Writers International
Boat U/S
Mass Striped Bass Association
Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association
Awards and Honors Articles about "Nautical Talk Radio" have appeared in National Fisherman Magazine, Power and Motoryacht Magazine, Yachting Magazine, Soundings Boating Newspaper, Offshore Magazine, and the Coast Guard's N'Oreaster Magazine.
Winner of The Best Interview Of The Year Award (1995) in Boston radio presented by Achievement In Radio (A.I.R.) and sponsored by Ford Motor Company and the March of Dimes. Finalist in 1996 and 1999 for Best Interview of The Year Award presented by A.I.R. Finalist for Boston's Best Locally Produced Public Affairs Radio Program (1997) presented by A.I.R.
WINNER OF MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATED PRESS ?BEST TALK SHOW? - 2003
RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION?S LEN HADLEY PRESERVATION AWARD - 2002
RECIPIENT OF JOSHUA JAMES LIFESAVER MEDAL FROM PT ALLERTON COAST GUARD COMMANDER - 2003
Question Hi Capt. Lou, I like your show and helpful advice. I need to outfit my 50 foot trawler with heat, my choice being a New Englander was hydronic system. My use will be winter time so I think hydronic is the best way to go.
The most difficult part is the forums agree and disagree on each of the main 3 manufacturers. My choice is Hurricane, Espar, and Webasto. I have heard bad and good on all of these systems...what is one to believe. Having spent a lot to purchase and install a trouble system would be horrible.
What is your advice...what system do you like? Also, do you know any installers in FL? My boat is down in FL and will not be up in NE until mid-December.
THANKS
Answer Ahoy Bob,
Thanks for listening to "Nautical Talk Radio." Although I keep my boat in the water year round (surrounded by ice eaters in the water), I do not live aboard it. The folks who do liveaboard year round in Massachusetts use electric (110 volt) heaters. Some are wall mounted and others are portable. I have also seen some boats equipped with wood burning stoves! If I were you, I would ask the hydronic heater manufacturers if their systems can be used day after day in below freezing temperatures like we get in New England. My concern would be battery drain and obvious pipe "freeze ups." From what I have read about the hydronic heating systems, they work great when the temperature is in the 40s. I am not sure how they will work when the temperature gets near zero.
A major problem for all liveaboards in the northeast occurs when power is lost because of a storm. Most liveaboards winterize their fresh water systems and use the showers and bathrooms inside the marina or clubhouse.
In conclusion, the hydronic heaters work great on chilly nights in the south and on the west coast. They can prevent mildew and condensation. I do not think they will work well or be reliable in New England winters.
Capt Lou
Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"
