Saw these at Costco for $125, and I'm tired of freezing my buns off. I don't do much ice fishing since I live in SW ID, but I do like to go out when it's near or below freezing. Plus I was thinking it would be nice for night fishing in the spring when the nights are still cold. I don't use a shelter, though.
Has anyone used one of these just sitting next to it? The manufacturer claims it can heat up to 400 sq feet, but how does it do outside in the open?
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Not too worried about wind. I have a tarp and blanket I can put up as a windbreak. Plus if it gets too windy, I usually go in. I hate fishing in strong winds.
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The wind would probably be your only consideration. I know of guys that have their heaters blow out when the back curtain is open on the covered top of their boats.
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If you won't be in a shelter I would suggest getting one of these guys.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q...CHoQ8wIwCA#
They are cheaper and put out more heat. The Buddy heaters are a bit more geared to enclosed areas. I'm sure plenty of people use them outside, but I think I would prefer one of these for outside use.
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Either one of those or one that mounts to a five gallon bottle that is similar to those.
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I like the fact that I can flip this one up and cook on it. I connect it to a larger tank with a hose. I think I saw them the other day at Cal Ranch for 40 dollars. The ones that mount on top of the tank would be much easier to transport!
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I love my mr. heater like Chris the fish is talking about. I got it for like 25$ at CAL ranch last year. It was factory refurbished. Works really good outside or in the ice hut and once it is lit and warmed up it doesn't go out.
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MMDon's exactly right. I have a Little Buddy and use it in my 16' Hewescraft. I have curtains all the way around, and even with the many leaks, it can bake you at full heat in cold weather. But, as he says, if you keep the rear curtain rolled up, it can blow out. All in all, it is great though.
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ditto- love my buddy but with any wind you don't want this one.
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The MR Heater (12,000 or 14,000 btus)is lighter and the burner will come off the stand making it more compact. I use it to cook on about 1/3 rd of the time. It does need a match or lighter to light it. I just bought another one. The only problem I have ever dad was a broken thermocouple line in 10 years. It is easy to replace.
My Buddy Heater 9,000 btus (1/2 the heat of yours) works well and has fewer hot areas to get burned on (kids),and no fan like yours. Mine goes out pretty easy when moving it due to the anti-tip safety feature. At -15 in a 6X12 shelter it raised the temp to about 30 degrees.
I use both of them with a small 1 gallon tank and hose. The buddy has an added fuel filter on it. They say that oil from the hose will clog it without the filter. I also have a "Y" where I attach a lantern if needed.
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I love my little buddy heater for ice fishing and hunting. During hunting season most times I sleep in the bed of my truck with a topper. in the mornings i reach out and turn on my buddy heater and warm up my pickup bed while i am getting ready for the day. plus knocks the chill right off gloves and socks.
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Big buddy,
All the the way. It can heat a house. Atleast where I live. Payed for itself long ago. On the ice is a bonus. Stay warm. Carharts suck. ; )
Idaho
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