Safe, Sealed Combustion for Marine Environments
The Dickinson P9000 uses a direct-vent design that draws fresh air from outside through the outer wall of a double-walled stainless chimney pipe, feeds it into a sealed combustion chamber, and exhausts spent gases back outside through the inner pipe. Because the combustion process is completely isolated from your cabin, there is no interior oxygen depletion and no moisture is introduced into the living space. A certified safety gas valve automatically shuts off the fuel supply if the flame is ever extinguished, adding another layer of protection.
This sealed-combustion approach makes the P9000 well suited for the confined spaces found on sailboats, trawlers, and other small to mid-sized vessels where air quality is a genuine concern during extended cold-weather cruising.
Variable Heat Output and Fuel Efficiency
The P9000 offers adjustable heat output ranging from 3,200 BTU on the low setting to 4,500 BTU on high, letting you dial in the right level of warmth for changing conditions. Fuel consumption is impressively economical: a single 1 lb propane canister lasts up to 7 hours on low, while a standard 20 lb tank can provide up to 140 hours of continuous low-setting heat. Even at the high setting, a 20 lb tank delivers approximately 100 hours of operation.
- Low setting: approximately 7 hours per 1 lb canister, 140 hours per 20 lb tank
- High setting: approximately 5 hours per 1 lb canister, 100 hours per 20 lb tank
Built-In 12V DC Blower for Better Heat Circulation
A built-in 12V DC fan blows heated air from the top of the unit downward toward the cabin floor, promoting even heat distribution throughout the space. Drawing only 0.17 amps, the fan places minimal demand on your vessel's electrical system. The fan includes an on/off switch and can also be connected to a 115V 500mA transformer if preferred. An inline fuse rated at 2 amps is required for the fan circuit.
For optimal performance, Dickinson recommends running the fan on a low or medium speed when the heater is set to high. This maximises heat extraction from the unit and helps keep the air intake chimney cool, reducing soot formation.
Compact 304 Stainless Steel Construction with Fireplace Ambiance
Measuring just 8.5" wide by 14" tall by 5.5" deep, the P9000 fits neatly into tight bulkhead spaces common on cruising boats. The body is constructed from 304 stainless steel for lasting corrosion resistance, and the stainless steel burner ensures reliable, long-term performance. A large ceramic glass viewing window with a safety screen lets you enjoy the visual warmth of a real flame — complete with the characteristic yellow-tipped fireplace effect once the unit reaches operating temperature.
Complete Kit — Ready to Install
The P9000 ships with everything needed for a straightforward installation:
- Stainless steel mounting backplate (8.375" W × 23" H × 0.650" D)
- 28" of flexible double-wall stainless steel chimney pipe
- Stainless steel deck fitting cap with gasket and dress ring
- Built-in 12V DC fan with on/off switch
Installation Considerations
The P9000 requires a minimum of 20" and a maximum of 56" of chimney pipe between the heater and the deck cap. A 3" hole must be cut through the deck, ceiling, or wall for the exhaust cap. For walls or decks thicker than 3", increase the hole diameter to 4.5" and line it with stainless steel pipe to manage heat buildup.
The heater operates on low-pressure propane only (11" WC / 27.4 mbar). A separate low-pressure regulator (Dickinson part #19-151 or #19-163, sold separately) must be installed in the fuel line. The propane gas connection is a 3/8" SAE 45° flare male fitting. Propane fittings to complete the fuel line connection are not included and must be sourced separately. The fuel line should be no smaller than 3/8" in diameter, using copper tubing or approved rubber hose.
- Safety clearances: 20" above, 18" in front, 2" on sides, 2" below
- Do not install the external flue cap within 20" (500 mm) of a refuelling fitting or fuel tank vent
- Leak test all gas connections with soapy water before first use and after each tank refill
- Installation of a gas detector is recommended for all LPG appliances
Specifications
- Heater Width: 8.5"
- Heater Height: 14"
- Heater Depth: 5.5"
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Mounting Backplate Width: 8.375"
- Mounting Backplate Height: 23"
- Mounting Backplate Depth: 0.650"
- Heat Output (Low): 3,200 BTU
- Heat Output (High): 4,500 BTU
- Fuel Consumption (Low, per 1 lb): 7 hours
- Fuel Consumption (High, per 1 lb): 5 hours
- Fuel Consumption (Low, per 20 lb): 140 hours
- Fuel Consumption (High, per 20 lb): 100 hours
- Heating Area: Approximately 800 cubic feet
- Body Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Burner Material: Stainless Steel
- Fuel Type: Low-pressure propane (11" WC / 27.4 mbar)
- Gas Connection: 3/8" SAE 45° flare male fitting
- Fan Voltage: 12V DC
- Fan Current Draw: 0.17 amps
- Required Inline Fuse (Fan): 2 amps
- Included Chimney Pipe Length: 28" (71 cm) flexible double-wall stainless steel
- Minimum Chimney Length: 20"
- Maximum Chimney Length: 56"
- Deck Hole Diameter: 3" (4.5" for walls/decks thicker than 3")
- Safety Clearance (Above): 20"
- Safety Clearance (Front): 18"
- Safety Clearance (Sides): 2"
- Safety Clearance (Below): 2"
- Ignition Method: Manual (long barbecue lighter)
- Warranty: 1 year (original purchaser, with registration)
Key Features
- Direct-vent sealed combustion — keeps exhaust gases and moisture completely outside the cabin, preventing oxygen depletion
- Variable heat control — adjust output to match conditions, from gentle background warmth to full cabin heating
- Automatic safety gas valve — shuts off fuel supply if the flame is extinguished, reducing the risk of gas buildup
- Built-in circulation fan — pushes warm air downward from the heater top for even cabin temperature distribution
- Ceramic glass viewing window with safety screen — enjoy real fireplace ambiance while staying protected
- Compact bulkhead-mount design — fits into tight marine spaces without dominating the cabin layout
- Unaffected by motion or wind — reliable operation in open-water conditions and at anchor
- Complete installation kit included — backplate, chimney pipe, and deck cap ship with the heater so you can get started right away
- Flexible chimney pipe with bend capability — accommodates angled and horizontal routing for versatile installation options
- Low electrical demand from the fan — minimal draw on your house battery bank during extended use
- No interior moisture creation — ideal for preventing condensation and mould in enclosed marine cabins
Dickinson P9000 & P12000 Propane Fireplace Heater Manual
Dickinson P9000 & P12000 Propane Heater Manual Francais
Dickinson P9000 Propane Heater Brochure |