Best Boat Heaters for Winter (and Why You Need One)
Harbour Chandler’s guide to staying warm, dry, and safe at sea with reliable marine heaters. Featuring Dickinson, Planar, Espar, and Caframo models we stock.
Winter boating around Vancouver Island and the Strait of Georgia can be spectacular, but freezing cabins, condensation, and damp gear take the joy out of it. A marine heater changes everything—keeping you comfortable, protecting your boat, and extending your season.
Why you need a heater:
- Comfort: Warm cabins make long trips enjoyable.
- Safety: Reduces risks of hypothermia and fatigue.
- Condensation Control: Keeps windows clear and electronics safe.
- Boat Protection: Prevents mold, mildew, and freeze damage.
Our Recommended Boat Heaters
Caframo True North Heater 9206
A compact electric heater for dockside use. Plug it into shore power for quick, quiet warmth with multiple settings. Built-in safety features and a cool-to-touch case make it perfect for overnight stays at the marina.
Best for: Boats with shore power; easy comfort while docked.
View ProductCaframo Pali Bilge Safe Heater
Purpose-built to protect bilges and engine compartments from freezing. Automatically maintains safe temps above zero, preventing cracked hoses, frozen pumps, and condensation. Ignition-protected and safe for enclosed spaces.
Best for: Freeze protection in bilges and engine rooms.
View ProductDickinson Newport Propane Heater – P9000
A compact bulkhead-mounted propane heater that delivers steady warmth with minimal fuel use. The sealed combustion vents outside, reducing cabin moisture while running quietly and efficiently.
Best for: Small to mid-size cabins; efficient permanent propane heat.
View ProductDickinson Newport Propane Heater Large – P12000
All the benefits of the P9000 but with more BTU output, making it ideal for larger saloons or pilothouses. Durable, reliable, and proven in Pacific Northwest conditions.
Best for: Larger cabins and liveaboards needing higher output propane heat.
View ProductDickinson Radex Hot Water Forced Air Heaters
These compact fan units tie into your hot-water loop to distribute warm, dry air throughout the boat. Great for multi-cabin layouts, quiet operation, and customizable zones when paired with a hydronic heater.
Best for: Boats with hydronic systems; even, ducted heat across multiple cabins.
View ProductPlanar Diesel Air Heater Autoterm 2D-HA
A compact, budget-friendly diesel air heater that provides dry, forced air heat with low fuel and power consumption. Simple to install and perfect for smaller cabins.
Best for: Small sailboats and trawlers; efficient off-grid heating.
View ProductPlanar Diesel Air Heater Autoterm 4D-HA
Higher output than the 2D, the 4D is suited for mid-size cabins and extended cruising. Efficient, dry heat that keeps interiors comfortable while controlling condensation.
Best for: Mid-size boats and pilothouses; frequent winter use.
View ProductPlanar Hydronic Engine Heater Autoterm Flow 5D
This hydronic diesel system circulates hot coolant to fan units or radiators, warming multiple cabins and pre-heating your engine. Perfect for liveaboards and multi-cabin layouts.
Best for: Large vessels; whole-boat heating with engine pre-heat.
View ProductEspar Airtronic D2 Heater
A premium German-engineered diesel heater with precise temperature control, excellent fuel economy, and quiet operation. Trusted worldwide for reliable winter cruising.
Best for: Boat owners wanting premium diesel performance and refined controls.
View ProductChoosing the Right Heater
Dockside: Caframo True North or Pali. Compact diesel: Planar 2D-HA. Mid-size cabins: Planar 4D-HA or Espar D2. Large spaces: Dickinson P12000 or Planar Flow 5D with Radex. Engine protection: Caframo Pali or Flow 5D.
See our full collection: Boat Heaters & Accessories, and don’t miss our seasonal guide: Winterize Your Boat 2025.
