In addition, boilers should be given a visual inspection to ascertain location of undue wear or corrosion. The basic boilers are made to be fired using solid fuel such as wood, coal, or charcoal. Models fired by oil or propane are also available. Vertical Fire Tube boilers are offered without accessories and it is necessary to purchase additional items as required. Such items include the custom base, especially made to fit your hull or mounting to be used, hood, and stack.
Custom lagging generally of varnished mahogany with polished brass trim is available.
Wood should be dry and hard. Soft and semi-rotted wood, bark, or compositions boards produce little heat and will rapidly clog up the boiler tubes and stack. A stack blower may be used if the engine is rather larger than usual or if the boat is a bit too heavy for the engine and boiler combination. A good fire with good wood does not require a blower. Leaking propane forms in puddles in all of the low spots in the boat ready to be ignited at the slightest provocation, causing extremely serious damage.