Hey Justin,

Nah, every lobster boat in Maine has one, I'm sure he's been familiar with them for quite some time...

I'm assuming Max is referring to a forced air heater that runs off the FW cooling loop of the engine, typically tied into the same loop that runs to the hot water heater. Identical in principle to the heater in a car, and they're often referred to as "bus" heaters for that reason...

Most popular brand here in the States seems to be Heater Craft, and are available from vendors like Defender and Hamilton Marine, and are not particularly expensive...

I really don't understand why more people don't have them, they're fantastic for those in cooler climes who might want to extend the sailing season... For anyone heading south on the ICW later in the fall, I think they're one of the best upgrades one can make, mine is amazingly effective even in the coldest of weather... Even at the end of a full day of sailing, just running one while motoring into an anchorage, or whatever, can really heat up the cabin... Likewise, when departing in the morning, they will quickly take the chill out down below...

Highly recommended...

best regards,

Jon