coleman catalytic propane heaters?

[erickol]

hey folks, I'm in the market for a small heater. I am wondering what you all can tell me about the coleman sport catalytic propane heaters, sometimes called golf cart heaters? I need a small one for my fishtrap scout, or even out hole hopping. Also looking at the heater/cooker types, but I like the idea of the indoor rated catalytic heaters. it also looks like they might no suck down a propane tank as fast as the others?

I like the mr buddy heaters, but I'm hoping pick something up for less (unless I find a used mr buddy for a steal). Thanks

Eric

[takeakidfishing]

I have the pro-cat from coleman and they cost more that a mr. heater and don't give out as much heat. right now FF have the buddy for 69.99 for the small one. So I think there is not much of a price difference.

[deadeye]

I got a little catalytic heater and its underpowered. The bigger ones aren't too bad, but still don't expect a lot from it. The little one I got pretty much is just enough to warm my hands over and thats it. I used to use it in my Frabill ultralite and ended up getting a heater/cooker because the cat heater just didn't do enough for me. I borrowed a buddy's procat before I got the heater/cooker and still wasn't happy with the heat that put out.

A lot of people really like the buddy heaters but I'm still using the heater cooker. Its really handy since you can cook over it and it puts out enough heat that I have never had a cold day since getting it.

[hamms-scooter]

You can pick up a MR.HEATER single sunflower for the top of a tank for 35.99 not a bad deal . Dont know how i feel about the small catalytic mr.heater the base camp i think its called.Its the small circular one that sits on top a one pound tank.Just seems to tall and tippy if not mounted to a bigger base of some kind.Puts out 3800 btus ... is that about ideal for a scout?

[hamms-scooter]

they really imroved the buddy heater this years model is not as wide and they made the handle so it folds down.Noticed they also turned the element more vertical. I used mine today in the scout cause i get heat and cooked out of it with the htr/cooker but i like the sunflower better for my guide.If i had to choose just one it would be the htr/cooker for sure!and just vent it more!

[hamms-scooter]

deadeye , which small htr did you get you weren't happy with?

[Phred52]

Those little "Pro-Cat" heaters are TOYS!! Get yourself a heater that heats! Look into a Mr. Heater /Cooker then you've got a heater for about 1/2 the price!! Remember, out on the ice, you can always open your door to vent out some heat. On those REALLY cool days, you won't regret having more than you wanted! With any heater you need a source of oxygen, both for you AND the heater. I run my heater / cooker both on disposable bottles and 5 or 11# cylinders. Until there's a system that puts out MORE heat for LESS money, I see no reason to change. Phred52

[hamms-scooter]

Well said Phred52!

[erickol]

Thanks for the input.

I am going to look a deal on a heater/cooker that runs on 1lb tanks and more likely than not, also pick up a converter and hose for 20lb tanks.

[Fred_Bear]

I really like the coleman pro-cat for a small portable. It's the perfect heater for moving around and fishing a lot of holes in an area. The mr. buddy has to be restarted every time you move to a new hole and you have to be very careful with the heater/cooker to not set it against something that will melt or burn. The pro-cat you can just set in the tub like its a flasher and drag your sled to the next hole and it's ready to go again. If you're the kind of fisherman who sits on a couple holes and waits for the school of fish to come to you, then the mr. buddy or heater/cooker is the way to go. If you're the kind of fisherman who follows the school of fish from hole to hole then the pro-cat is the way to go. The mr. buddy makes you decide whether you want to catch a lot of fish or you want to stay warm whereas the pro-cat lets you do both!

EDIT: Forgot to mention the pro-cat keeps a true one man portable plenty warm to fish with no gloves, hat, or coat.

[Dmo]

I have a FT Scout, and used to have a Coleman Catalytic. It was ok, but did have issues on those "cool days". Last year I picked up a Little buddy heater, on sale up at local Automotive store up here. Nice thing about it is that it has a nice small footprint, and you can even let the back of the heater touch your tenting fabric without any worries of issues. Its 3800 BTU, but I find that with its radiant heating and heat off the top, it provides excellent heat for our small shelters. In minus 20 days i still have a side flap or two open to keep it fresh inside.

D-mo

[leech~~]

hey folks, I'm in the market for a small heater. I am wondering what you all can tell me about the coleman sport catalytic propane heaters, sometimes called golf cart heaters? I need a small one for my fishtrap scout, or even out hole hopping. Also looking at the heater/cooker types, but I like the idea of the indoor rated catalytic heaters. it also looks like they might no suck down a propane tank as fast as the others?

I like the mr buddy heaters, but I'm hoping pick something up for less (unless I find a used mr buddy for a steal). Thanks

Eric

I bought one last year, used for the day and just could not stand the stink it put off, plus it just didn't heat that well! Brought it back to the store the same day.

[Phred52]

erickol, That would be a Great way to do it. If you're looking to cut weight, you might also consider a 5# or 11# propane cylinder. When I use my Yukon, I can EASILY get 4 days of heat from my 5# tank, with some to spare. Phred52

[Blainebob]

I won a Pro Cat about 8 years ago,and have not had any problems. It only puts out 3000btus,wish it was a little more. The plus side is you can run it on high for roughly 6 hours on a 1 lb bottle.It also has a fan on the back to move the heat around a little.Like I said,I got it for free, and its been good,but I think I would by something else if I had too.

[mr_jman]

Anyone use or have the Coleman Focus 5? Its an older heater that isn't made anymore but can be found on E b a y. They run at 3500 - 5000 BTU (similar to a Buddy). They are narrower than a buddy and can still be safely put against a wall in a portable. Getting an electric start one will cost you if you can find one, but a match start one is more affordable. Might be worth a look as an alternative to a buddy. This was the heater I looked at before getting a nice deal on a Buddy. Not sure if they stay lit during windy days but I have a friend who has one that I could ask about it a little more.

[tsande00]

My bro-in law had one of the small ones. It barely warmed a guy's hands much less the portable. My lantern put out more heat than his cat. I would look for something else.

I have been happy with my regular old fashioned Mr. Heater that fastens right to the 20lber. I like the heater/cooker even better, but my generic one has been having issues. Back to the ol' reliable Mr. Heater.