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Best Duck Boat Blind Heater (2023 Reviews)

October 3, 2020 by TheSage

duck boat blind heaterIf you’d like to stay warm in your duck boat,

so warm that you are almost comfortable…

…then this review is for you.

A good blind heater can make a drastic difference when it’s freezing out.

We wrote this article to help you find specifically which heater is best for you.

Top Pick

Sale
Mr. Heater MH12HB Hunting Buddy Portable Propane Heater - Indoor & Outdoor Use for Patio, Camping, Fishing, Hunting and Tailgating - Camouflage
Mr. Heater MH12HB Hunting Buddy Portable Propane Heater - Indoor & Outdoor Use for Patio, Camping, Fishing, Hunting and Tailgating - Camouflage
  • HUNTING & CAMPING HEATER: Delivers 12,000 BTU per hour, efficiently warming spaces like campsites, deer stands, hunting blinds, and RVs up to 300 sq. ft. & operates safely at elevations up to 7,000 ft.
  • RELIABLE SAFE HEAT: Equipped with a low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) and tip-over safety shut-off for safe operation, this small propane heater is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, ideal for cabins, patios, tailgating, and more
  • VARIABLE TANK OPTIONS: The Hunting Buddy heater is equipped with a swivel regulator which allows you to adapt from disposable cylinders to a remote gas supply with the purchase of a hose and filter (sold separately)
Check Price on Amazon

Based on the research, the Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy is the clear top pick. This is the best option out there for a duck boat heater. It is capable of a lot of heat and has some great safety features that are worth having inside of a hunting boat.

The 6 Top-Rated Duck Boat Heaters

Editor's PickBrandRating
Top PickMr. Heater Hunting Buddy 9.6
Runner UpMr. Heater MH9BX 9.4
Runner UpMr. Heater MH15C 9.2
Runner UpStansport Portable 9.0
Runner UpMr. Heater F242100 8.9
Runner UpMr. Heater MH4B 8.8

Best Duck Boat Heater: Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy

When it comes to a duck boat heater, the Mr. Heater Hunting Buddy is our top choice.

Here’s why so many hunters are using these heaters:

These heaters put out a lot of heat. Rated for 6,000 – 12,000 BTU, they are capable of heating up to 300 sq ft.

You control the heat setting with an easy to use control knob.

The Mr. Buddy heaters also have some great safety features.

They have a built in sensor that will automatically shut the heater off if it detects there is not enough oxygen in the air.

The heaters also have an automatic shutoff system in case the heater accidentally gets tipped over.

The unit is made for 1 lb. disposable propane tanks. It also comes with the option to hook it up with a hose to a large 20 lb. propane tank.

This heater has a silent start and is quiet when running so you don’t have to worry about it scaring game.

Key Features:

  • 6,000 – 12,000 BTU
  • Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)
  • Tip-Over Safety Shut-Off
  • Silent Start
  • Portable

Runner Up: Mr. Heater MH9BX

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Radiant Heater For Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Patios & More - Red, Black
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Radiant Heater For Campers, Workshops, Job Sites, Patios & More - Red, Black
  • POWERFUL RADIANT HEAT: This portable gas heater provides cozy, sun-like warmth; with advanced infrared technology, it directly heats objects and people, offering adjustable settings from 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs; ideal for spaces up to 225 sq. ft.
  • IMPROVED SAFETY FEATURES: The propane buddy heater has enhanced the performance of its tip-over safety switch; you’ll hear it engage if the unit is shaken, bounced, or tipped, providing reliable and safe heat
  • RELIABLE IGNITION: Equipped with a durable Piezo igniter; this LP heater offers quick, safe ignition without matches or lighters; just press the button to spark the fuel and start heating immediately; no external flame or batteries required
Check Price on Amazon

Our runner up choice is the Mr. Heater MH9BX. This heater is very similar to the Hunting Buddy above but has a lower heat rating of 4,000 – 9,000 BTU.

This is adequate for an area up to 200 sq ft.

It has all the same safety features mentioned above.

Mr. Buddy offers a case that goes with this heater which can store a couple extra propane tanks.

Sale
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Carry Bag 9BX, Black
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Carry Bag 9BX, Black
  • Padded shoulder strap
  • Oversized double zippers provide large opening for Buddy heaters
  • Large fron zippered pocket holds hoses, regulators and accessories
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This is a great option if you don’t need the higher heat ability of the Hunting Buddy.

Key Features:

  • 4,000 – 9,000 BTU
  • Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)
  • Tip-Over Safety Shut-Off
  • Silent Start
  • Portable

Runner Up: Mr. Heater MH15C

Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker, Chrome
Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker, Chrome
  • 8,000-15,000 BTU heater/cooker
  • Automatic safety shut-off
  • Hi-med-low regulator
Check Price on Amazon

For those of you looking for the most amount of heat possible, the Mr. Heater MH15C is a great option.

This heater can supply a whopping 8,000 – 15,000 BTU which is adequate for up to 375 sq ft.

You can also tilt and use the heater as a cooker to make breakfast or heat up some coffee.

You can use either the 1 lb. tanks shown or 20 lb. propane tanks.

Key Features:

  • 8,000 – 15,000 BTU
  • Heater/Cooker
  • Tip-Over Safety Shut-Off
  • Silent Start
  • Portable

Runner Up: Stansport Portable

Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Radiant Heater (195),Black
Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Radiant Heater (195),Black
  • Adjustable heat control up to 3,100 BTUs
  • 4-step control settings: Off, Low, Medium and High
  • Metal dish helps focus heat directly
Check Price on Amazon

If you prefer a small, portable option, consider the Stansport Portable Heater.

It can supply up to 3,100 BTU which can still make a significant difference if the heater is being used for a single hunter.

As far as safety features, this heater does not have an auto-shut off feature so caution is needed during use.

It only uses disposable propane tanks, either 1 lb. or 14.1 oz.

Key Features:

  • 3,100 BTU
  • Portable

Runner Up: Mr. Heater F242100

TANK TOP HEATER 20LB
TANK TOP HEATER 20LB
Check Price on Amazon

If you are looking for a more traditional, large tank propane heater, the F242100 by Mr. Heater tank top heater is a good pick.

For boats that have the space, a large tank heater can be pretty convenient. You don’t have to carry the heater with you and you have to fill the 20 lb. tank much less frequently than if you use the disposable 1 lb. bottles.

It is capable of up to 15,000 BTU and has the same auto shut-off feature if the flame goes out.

The 20 lb. propane tank is not included.

Key Features:

  • Up to 15,000 BTU
  • No Flame Shut-Off
  • Uses 5-20 lb. Tanks

Runner Up: Mr. Heater MH4B

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU, Indoor Safe Propane Heater With ODS & Tip-Over Protection, Heating Area Up to 95 Sq. Ft - Lightweight, Medium - Black/Red
Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU, Indoor Safe Propane Heater With ODS & Tip-Over Protection, Heating Area Up to 95 Sq. Ft - Lightweight, Medium - Black/Red
  • 3800 BTU PER HR & COVERAGE: This propane radiant heater delivers 3,800 BTU with a 45° heating angle, ideal for small spaces like tents up to 95 sq. ft. Works efficiently at elevations up to 7,000 feet, ensuring warmth in enclosed areas
  • SAFETY FIRST WITH THIS INDOOR CORDLESS HEATER: Featuring an automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS), patented cross thread protection system and accidental tip-over safety shut-off for reliable protection in enclosed spaces.
  • PORTABLE HEATER W/ SIMPLE ON/OFF BUTTONS & RUNTIME: This portable propane heater is simple to operate, with a run time of 5.6 hours at max BTU on a 1-pound cylinder (not included).
Check Price on Amazon

Another option for a small, portable heater is the Mr. Heater MH4B. Similar to the Texsport portable above, Mr. Buddy designed this heater for single person use.

It can supply up to 3,800 BTU, enough for up to 95 sq ft.

This small heater has the same safety features as the Hunting Buddy, the low oxygen shut-off and accidental tip-over shut off.

The reason we rated it below the Texsport portable is because it is more expensive.

Key Features:

  • 3,800 BTU
  • Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS)
  • Tip-Over Safety Shut-Off
  • Silent Start
  • Portable

Who Should Buy a Duck Boat Heater

Here’s the story:

A few years ago we hunted out of a boat when it was below freezing outside. We did not have any heaters.

It was miserable.

Picture being so cold you can hardly get your fingers to move when it is time to pull the trigger.

So, after that we tried out a portable heater. The difference was profound.

The difference was enough for us to say that we will not hunt out of a blind in the cold ever again if we can help it.

Sure, it’s sounds great to “be tough” and not use a heater but in our opinion there is no point in being miserable if it is preventable.

Important Features to Consider

  • BTU Rating. BTU rating is important because you want a heater that makes a difference you can feel. If you hunt in very cold weather, or in a boat or blind that is poorly shielded from the wind, consider one of the heaters above with a higher BTU rating.
  • Safety Features. You can feel cramped when duck hunting out of a boat between a couple of hunters and all their gear. There is always a chance of bumping a heater and knocking it over. Some hunters will doze off between groups of birds or if it is a slow day. Features like oxygen level detection or auto tip-over shut-off can make these scenarios much safer.
  • Fuel Source. All of the heaters above use propane. They range from using small disposable tanks up to 20 lb. bulk tanks. Obviously if you don’t have the room for one, don’t buy a heater that uses a large tank.

FAQs

How long does a tank last?

This depends on the model and tank size. Most of these heaters last a couple of hours using a small disposable propane tank. You can order these in bulk online.

Coleman Propane Fuel Case of 6, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Coleman Propane Fuel Case of 6, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
  • Lightweight design for portability
  • Durable steel construction with reliable valves that are safe and easy to use
  • Perfect for on-the-go cooking, grilling, heating and lighting
Check Price on Amazon

Filed Under: Duck Hunting, Gear Reviews

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