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Best Duck Boat Blind Heater (2022 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 Space Heater , Camouflage
Mr. Heater MH12HB Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater , Camouflage
  • Swivel regulator and single control
  • Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
  • Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
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 Sunrite 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 F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black
  • 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 225 square feet. Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient
  • When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off.
  • Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels. Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate (Gal/Hr) at 4000 BTU = 0.044 Gal/Hr, at 9000 BTU = 0.099 Gal/Hr
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
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Carry Bag 9BX
  • Padded shoulder strap
  • Oversized double zippers provide large opening for Buddy heaters
  • Large fron zippered pocket holds hoses, regulators and accessories
Check Price on Amazon

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

Sale
Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker
Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C 10,000-15,000 BTU Cooker
  • 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

Sale
Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant Heater, Black, One Size
Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant Heater, Black, One Size
  • Portable and personal heater
  • This heater uses a 16.4 ounce propane cylinder
  • 4-step control settings
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 Sunrite

Check Price on Amazon

If you are looking for a more traditional, large tank propane heater, Sunrite 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

Sale
Mr. Heater MH4B-Massachusetts/Canada Portable LP Heater , Red
Mr. Heater MH4B-Massachusetts/Canada Portable LP Heater , Red
  • 3, 800 BTU's per hour. THIS UNIT IS NOT INTENDED FOR GOLF CART USE OR FOR MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
  • Accidental tip-over safety shutoff
  • Automatic low oxygen shutoff system
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
Coleman Propane Fuel Case of 6
  • 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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