Manuals & Instructions
FAQs
What is a natural draft appliance?
A natural draft appliance produces heat by burning a mixture of vaporized fuel & air. This heat enters the chimney where it generates draft propelling exhaust upwards and drawing air into the appliance.
What do I need to install this appliance?
Each natural draft appliance install will require its own uniquely configured chimney. Stainless steel chimney pipe, elbows, fittings, caps and accessories are all available to purchase from Dickinson. Mapping out the chimney run and measuring carefully will help to determine which chimney parts will be required. Fuel delivery to the appliance can be accomplished by means of gravity feed or an impulse pump system. Fuel filters are also recommended.
Where can I install this appliance?
Dickinson natural draft diesel appliances are designed for install onboard boats. Wherever this appliance is installed it will require adequate safety clearances from combustibles and a minimum 4 foot chimney rise.
How important is the chimney?
The height and shape of the chimney attached to the appliance is the most important consideration in choosing a location for it. The chimney height will ultimately determine the strength of the upward draft it’s able to generate. Without a strong upward draft, the appliance cannot draw in adequate fresh air or vent exhaust gasses efficiently. Make sure your proposed install location will allow for this.
What is the metering valve? (Carburetor)
The metering valve (often called the carburetor) is a box-like device made from cast aluminum, housing a float switch. The job of the float switch is to maintain the oil level inside the valve at a steady level. It does this by automatically opening/closing the fuel inlet, maintaining the oil level no matter which setting the valve is set to.
Can this appliance run on alternative fuels?
Dickinson appliances are calibrated to burn #2 diesel fuel. Specially machined metering stems for use with kerosene oil and stove oil (#1 diesel) are also available from Dickinson. Bio-diesel cannot be used in these appliances.
Can the appliance be operated without electrical power?
Yes, while a fan is helpful the appliance can be lit, balanced and operated without the use of the fan.
What is a direct vent appliance?
Direct vent means that the fireplace both vents and draws in air from outside the structure. This means that the fireplace won’t deplete the room’s oxygen, allow exhaust or smoke to enter the space or increase humidity inside.
What parts do I need to install this fireplace?
The heaters come with everything they require for install into a structure or vehicle. The low pressure regulator and low pressure hose for a propane tank connection are sold separately.
Where can this fireplace be installed?
The Explorer is ANSI/CSA approved for install in manufactured homes, mobile homes and ABYC approved for use aboard boats. The P9000 & P12000 heaters are ABYC approved for use aboard boats only. This fireplace is intended for Indoor use only.
How important is the chimney?
The length and shape of your chimney is the most important consideration when choosing a spot to install your fireplace. In order to burn reliably the fireplace requires both its venting and air intake to conform to the manufacturers venting requirements. Chimneys must be no shorter than 21” and no longer than 56”. Within this range any bends introduced to the chimney should be gradual not sharp. 90 degree bends and horizontal, wall exits are not feasible with the Explorer heater but can be done with our marine heaters. Ensuring your chimney is able to vent and draw in air freely is key to reliable fireplace operation.
Does this fireplace need a low pressure regulator?
Yes, this fireplace is rated for fuel input of no more than 11 inches of water column, which is equivalent to 0.39 pounds per square inch (PSI) The pressure of a refillable propane bottle ranges from 100-200 PSI, so a low-pressure regulator must be used to reduce incoming pressure to 0.39 PSI.
Can this fireplace be used at higher altitudes?
The Explorer fireplace is tested and approved under CSA 2.17-2017 for use at an altitude range of 0-5000 feet above sea level. The P9000 & P12000 fireplaces can be expected to operate reliably at an altitude range of 0-2000 feet above sea level.
Can the Fireplace operate without electrical power?
Yes, the appliance can be run as normal without the optional blower fan being connected to power.
What is a Solid Fuel Heater?
A Solid Fuel Heater is designed to heat small spaces by burning wood, charcoal and other sources of solid fuel.
What parts do I need to install this fireplace?
The heater comes equipped with wall mounting brackets for install. The 3 inch chimney pipes and accessories needed will be somewhat different for each install.
Where can this fireplace be installed?
The Solid Fuel Heater can be installed to provide heat in smaller spaces. When choosing an install location for the Solid Fuel heater due attention has to be given to the safety clearances required for the heater.
How important is the chimney?
The length and shape of your chimney is the most important consideration when choosing a spot to install your fireplace. The chimney should ideally be straight without elbows, and no less than 4 feet in height while being no taller than 8 feet.
How much fuel can I burn in the fireplace?
The firebox of the Solid Fuel Heater is constructed from durable stainless steel, however in this compact fireplace care must be taken not to exceed its capacity. Avoid filling the burn chamber more than half-full when burning wood, and for charcoal the use of no more than a dozen standard sized briquettes is recommended.
Can this fireplace be used at higher altitudes?
A wood burning heater like the Solid Fuel is among the most reliable of high altitude heat sources. Wood stoves have been used to provide heat in mountainous areas for centuries. While the Solid Fuel Fireplace may burn a little differently at higher altitudes due to changes in atmospheric pressure, it is much less likely to fail than appliances burning gas or liquid fuels.
Can the Fireplace operate without electrical power?
No electrical power is required to light & operate the Solid Fuel Fireplace.
What parts do I need to install this Barbeque?
The barbeque comes equipped with a regulator & a set of tabletop legs for mounting. A high pressure hose (sold separately) is needed to connect the barbeque to a propane tank. Alternative mounts for deck, rail, taff and fishing rod holder installs are also available.
Where can this Barbeque be installed?
The Sea-B-Que and Spitfire barbeques are CSA & ABYC approved for use aboard boats. They are intended for outdoor use only.
What fuel can this Barbeque run on?
Dickinson barbeques are rated for use with liquid propane gas only.
Can the barbeque operate without electrical power?
Yes, the barbeque does not require a source of electrical power to operate.
What parts do I need to install this stove?
The stoves come ready for installation and only require a low pressure fuel connection and low pressure regulator.
Where can this stove be installed?
Dickinson Propane stoves are designed for use aboard boats. They are intended for indoor use only.
What fuel can this stove run on?
Dickinson stoves are rated for use with liquid propane gas only.
Can the stove operate without electrical power?
Yes, the stoves do not require a source of electrical power to operate.
Tech Support
If you are unable to find the answer to your question on our Tech Support YouTube Channel or in the above FAQs, please email us at: info@dickinsonmarine.com
In your email, please explain your question in detail and include pictures showing your installation. Email communication helps us keep track of troubleshooting steps and avoids repetition so we really appreciate you taking the time to send us an email.
Warranty Registration
Dickinson Marine offers a one year warranty on all parts and appliances. Once you have confirmed with our tech support over email that you have a warranty issue, please send an email to our Warranty Department: warranty@dickinsonmarine.com
In the email, please send pictures of the issue and include a copy of your receipt or advise you registered your warranty.
