Heater question

[vermilionwally]

Ive never had a heater before or a portable fish house but i got both for christmas this year so i had a couple questions. I used to just sit out on a bucket and fish so this will be nicer. I got one of those Coleman sportcat heaters, there small and run on those 1 lb propane tanks and dont have adjustable heat. I got a clam 2000 4x6 icehouse. I know i may seem a little over cautious but the directions say the heater has to be 24 inches from the tent walls but i can only get it 20 inches from the walls, would this be ok? I dont plan to run the heater the whole time just for a little while when i get too cold.Also would it be dangerous if i put any gear on that side of the fish house? I probably will only fish out of one hole in there.

[ameyers41]

I have a buddy heater, which on high puts out 9,000 BTU's. As long as nothing is directly touching the top or front, I've been okay. I think 20 inches should be fine for that little heater. I've had the back of mine very close to the sides of the house with no ill effects. Again, just make sure it's not touching or directly in front of the heat source.

[Scott K]

You will just have to try it, and feel how hot it gets, I think at 20 inches, you should be ok!

[slipperybob]

I've got the ProCat heater and ran that for a few years, gets about 7 hours on one 1# tank output is 3000 BTU. The SportCat is a personal heater and is good for keeping the hands warm. Runs for about 14 hours on one 1# propane tank output is 1500 BTU. I generally keep my ProCat pretty close to me. So that generally is away from the walls and pretty much in the center. I've got a clam1060.

[vermilionwally]

My fishhouse has a plastic floor with carpet on it, it wouldnt have any ill effects on the floor would it? I wouldnt think so since the heat comes out the top but ive never used a heater so i dont really know. Thanks for the replies.

[slipperybob]

It can get pretty hot at extend use, but I've never had a problem with my Coleman Procat warming up the floor. The heating element is at the top or towards the side on the Procat and some other ones. A (Big) buddy heater may need to be raise off of the flooring. I've got a little aluminum table for that, but that's for mainly keeping it off the snow.

Just never touch the heating element even if it looks like it's not glowing red hot. That's one thing about the Coleman heaters sometimes makes me wonder if it's working or not, usually it is working.

[Where's Walter?]

20" should be fine, just keep checking the fabric.