Portable Heater for Fish Trap

[Lake Trout]

What's a good portable heater for a one or two person Fish Trap? I just bought a Coleman SportCat 1,500 BTU but it didn't throw enough heat for my one person. It's being returned tomorrow. The larger version gives off 4,000-9,000 BTU but a one pound tank only last a few hours and it seems kind of big. I don't want to haul a 20 pound cylinder around either. Kind of defeats the mobility issue. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy seems a bit big too. I've used a Coleman gas lantern for heat in the past. Maybe that's what I'll have to continue to do. Any preferences?

[BDR]

Lake Trout- Welcome to FM! I have a buddy heater I use in my voyager when the temps are not too bad. Works good and doesn't take up too much space. On colder days I use a Mr. heater cooker. That really heats it up but sucks down the 1 pounders pretty quick. Also need to ventilate well with the cooker.

[Ryan_V]

I also use the mr heater heater/cooker. goes through one pounders, but it's easier to bring 3 one pounders than to lug a big tank around. I don't have a problem with ventilation. I have a fish trap voyager and it keeps me plenty warm on cold days, and there are built in vents, extra vents you can open, plus, a portable house isn't ever that air tight, at least mine isn't.

[anyfishwilldo]

I use a heater/cooker in my Yukon. I on the other hand use the 20# cylinder. The extra weight really isn't all that bad, and I always forget to take the used 1# tanks out of the bottom of the sled. Before I switched to the 20# tank, I probably had 10-15 empties of almost empties in the sled. Almost the weight of the 20#, so I guess I didn't notice the difference.

[jimh874]

maybe a 11 pounder. lighter plus fits in the sled of the trap better. you could get many more hrs out it for about the same cost as 3 of those little tanks with a htr cooker. i filled my new 11 pounder for like $6. depending on the cold, i would go through atleast 2 of the little tanks a trip

i looked at weight vs cost in my decision, to stock up on a case of the little pounders is almost $40. i got my tank on sale plus filled for a little more then $40, i dont have to worry about disposal of the little tanks any more either.

jim

[upnorth]

I have a 5# tank and a sunflower, that is a nice combo. Good for a couple days and not too heavy.

[riverrat56]

I have a mini sunflower that runs off onepound tanks, it kicks of 5000 btu's, it will probally take up less space than a lantern will so you might want to give that a try.

[Perchpapa]

I use the heater/cooker with the 20# tank. I think I would be ideal if I had an 11# tank. The 11# tank is short and would be lighter and easier to fit in you sled.

[fishermn]

I use the buddy heater which is plenty unless its really cold. For thse days, I run the buddy, and a Paulin mini-sunflower.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I use an 11lb pancake propane tank. Very stable and will keep the heater going on high for 16-18 hrs. I recieved a regular 11lb. tank for christmas (tall and narrow). I returned it as it was unstable on anything except a smooth concrete slab.

I did learn my lesson the other day. I thought I had plenty of propane to fish for a couple of hours. Of course I ran out about 45 minutes into my day with a pretty good sunny/bluegill bite. I remeber looking at my 20lb tank before I left thinking I should bring it along just in case and then thought I'll only be out a few hours. From now on if theres any doubt the big tank is coming along!!

[Captain B.R.K]

Welcome to www.fishingminnesota.com! Hope you enjoy your stay and you find our site as a means to help yourself become a better outdoorsperson!

I have both a Mr.Buddy and an Mr. Heater cooker connected to an 11lb pancake propane tank. Each have their specific uses when the weather turns bad. ON nicer days that the wind is down and it is realitively warmer out and I don't need to worry about my holes freezing up I use Mr.Buddy. I will either put in on the ice so the flame doesn't get winded or I will set it behind me and let it warm me up.

IF the weather turns colder, I will sit the tank outside and have the Mr.Heater cooker sit in the house with me on low or medium! If it gets to hot in the house, I will just open my vents.

I normally get a good weekends use on an 11lb pancake propane tank IF I use it all weekend long for 6-8hrs each day.

[PERCHJR]

I have a Fish Trap Guide and I use the Mr. Buddy Heater in it and I have no trouble with heating it, unless it is really cold out!! If it gets that cold I also fire up the Mini Sunflower and that usually is plenty with both going!!

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!!

[STMA_I_HUNTER]

I have the otter resort and use 3 buddy heaters when it gets really cold. I put 2 on the ice and have one that I sit on my shelf that i put in. My Mr. Heater cooker was smelly and the improved safety of the buddy made cost a non-factor for me. No heater is totally safe, just remember

[freighttrain50]

i have the heater/cooker and it really works awesome. the 20# tank fits in my otter perfectly with my other buckets. get a hose for the 20 pounder and run the hose out the door.

[dirtking]

I agree with (Contact US Regarding This Word) - I have a 5lb tank and a sunflower and it will last at least a couple of days and its easy to transport

[gvt]

Lake Trout,

It may be a little late for ya, but here are some pictures of the stoves that my uncle and I use (he's made a few others too). The heaters put out about 8,000 btu's. The best thing is that the sides stay fairly cool, you can pick them up or let the house canvas lay against it with burning a hole. It also works well for cooking. And best of all no noise or fumes and it usually doesn't blow out when moving the house! I've spent many hours with my 4 and 7 year old kids in the house without and problems (well...at least with the stove). Just thought it might give you some ideas. Good Luck!

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

Anyone here use "Focus 5" heaters from coleman?They are hard to find now days.Anyway,that's what I use.They kick out some good BTU'S,very portable and run for a long time off 1 pound cylinders.

[ice_shack]

Quote:

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Anyone here use "Focus 5" heaters from coleman?

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I had one for years til it finally decided to sleep in. Do you know where somebody could find one of these? I looked everywhere.

[CRAPPIEBAIT]

There is a "certain" site that does "auction" type stuff (I really don't know if I can type it in here)and they sell on there all the time.I have bought several (5 now).Always been happy just watch what your bidding on.