Eberspacher or Webasto?

[nigelhopkins]

Does anyone have any advice on whether I should go with an Eberspacher or Webasto heater?

I am considering fitting a Diesel-powered heater for my Jeanneau 42i which I keep in Greece. It can be chilly in the winter time and I would like to be able to use the boat all year round.

Thanks

[Thorfildur]

My boat came with an Eberspacher fitted (so I can't comment on the Webasto), but as it was non-functioning, I replaced it with a Chinese  Eber./Planar/Webasto clone, while I got the Eber. serviced.

The knock-off version was surprisingly good (for the price), but the exhaust fittings it came with are downright dangerous in a boat. (Plenty of videos, comments & safety advice to be found.) I used genuine Eber/Webasto exhaust fittings (which are interchangeable). Very happy - but once I'd got the original Eber. unit repaired, I put that back in (because - why not!?).

My back-to-back observations are that whilst the Eber. unit draws more current on start-up, it is far quieter and fuel-frugal in operation.

I guess this is a long way of saying that it probably doesn't matter whether you get Eber. or Webasto - you'll be fine. Pick whichever you can get spares (glow-plugs) & servicing (esp. if you get thermal lock-outs) locally. If you go the cheap route, be very wary!

[bereboot]

After 35 years of good service i replaced the old webasto with a new one, and the new controle panel that goes with it. The new webasto is fantastic. Draws less current, is much quieter and the command box is great. It has an agenda in it so you can set a certain temperature for a certain hour on a certain date. One drawback: the price. But when you divide this by 35 years of good service this becomes negligible.

[Trevor]

Hello nigelhopkins,

We installed a 5.5kW Webasto many years ago. We have been very happy with it since. Cannot comment on the Eberspacher at all.

Whatever you decide this may help with ideas regarding the installation as the hull is the same as ours.

www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/heatinginstall.html

regards,

Trevor

[nigelhopkins]

Thanks everyone for the useful replies.

Trevor this is an impressive project! Is you’d DS the 2 or 3 cabin version?

[Trevor]

Hello Nigel,

We have the 2 cabin version. It has two outlets in the aft cabin, one either side of the bed head.

Trevor

[Charlie-Bravo]

Thorfildur pretty much covered the ' it doesn't matter too much, either of them' , and I have no experience owning a webasto, always been an Eber owner.  

I went Eber this time partly because I had had one before, their new fuel pump makes no noise ( although I found the noise of the older ones reassuring, ..... it's working ) , and the control gadget is impressive being a 3/4 inch high 1 1/2 long little block with a wheel button and display, incorporating a thermostat, for all control, It can act as a 7 day heating control, but also a 'push' set 'time and heat' and off it goes heating the boat , all without taking up too much panel space. The instal was quite easy, the instructions good, and the exhaust was a quality item.

I would think the Webasto would match the Eber qualities in many ways, just thought to say the Eber hasn't disappointed me or filled the boat with fumes.

If choosing an Eber, I would recommend 'Mellor online' , good prices and good service.

CB

[jdl01]

Over two boats I have had both brands of heater and found them equally satisfactory in performance and reliability. A major factor in my choice would be the ready availability of parts and service.

[nigelhopkins]

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies. Much appreciated.

[NZL50505]

I had Webasto professionally installed on my 42DS and it gave me multiple problems inc burner, fuses and controller problems.

Next time I’d go Eber as a result.

[fakinx]

What about Wallas? 
I've been told they are top notch. I would consider one of those even max power is only 4,5kW. More than enough for warm Greece climate.

[neworca1]

I installed a Wallas Spartan Twin in our 49DS about a year ago and like it very much. It definitely keeps the boat warm and dry, and I like being able to control it from a BlueTooth app on my phone. The Wallas is significantly larger and heavier than either the Espy or Webasto. The Wallas reps at ScanMarineUSA tell me that's due to the heavy-duty stainless steel heat exchangers in the Wallas. We found a great spot up out of the way in the starboard lazarette, but you'd want to measure carefully to make sure there was room in your 42.

[SaltyDog]

The previous owner had a Webasto, but replaced it with a Finnish 3.5 KW SaFire. I also had a Webasto on my previous boat, but I must say the SaFire is a fantastic and quiet heater, not cheap but it is buit with top quality components.

Advantages over Webasto (and likely others):
 - super quiet
 - low current draw (< 1A once started)
 - build quality
 - serviceability (I could easily clean the burner chamber after it was clogged with burnt bacteria..)
 - after sales: I could just call the guys and get stellar advice and spare parts  

not affiliated, just a happy user 

[oldsailor29]

Do you have any contact info available for the Safire heater,  I can't find a number in their website and I'd like to geta quote.

[SaltyDog]

en.safire.fi

or 

Amrit : Ask Mart Verheul ([e-mail]) to give you a quote