The Gas Fireplace

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We wanted a fireplace but faced three problems.  First, we didn't want to carry wood or clean up the ashes so a wood fire was out, even though we love the warmth and smell of wood fires.  Second, while natural gas is safer in that it is lighter than air and so doesn't sit in the bilge waiting to explode, it is not universally available.  Third, we were quite aware of the risk of a gas leak and the consequences of an explosive buildup of gas in the hold so we opted to have the professionals install the piping and fittings and included shut off valve situated outside of the boat. Fire on board a ship is always a dangerous situation.   We didn't want to risk an overheating condition around the fireplace so we built a very robust firebox around the insert. The first stage was to build a fibreglass insulation area between the hull and the fireplace and the hull and the chimney.  This we did using 5 cm fibreglass sheeting covered by thin sheet metal.  The second stage was to build a fireproof box to surround the fireplace.  We used 5 cm insul blocks that can be cut with a saw and screwed together much like wood.  This we positioned below, behind, and beside where the fireplace insert was to go.  The third stage was to fit 1 cm insulation board tbe full height of the chimney.  Behind the board we placed fibreglass insulation rather than foam or styrofoam.  We then wrapped the chimney in a light fibre material that came in a cylindrical shape much like a sock with no toes.  The final stage was to place more 1 cm insul board over the top and along the front area of the fireplace.  The top piece had to be cut to allow a ventilation grill above the firebox.  When the firebox was well insulated and securely in place we then built trim around the unit making a reasonably presentable feature in the room.  The chimney was covered by a flexible plywood which enabled a rounded effect, consistent with the other corners in the room.  The firebox unit has an electric fan, which is activated by a switch hidden in the adjacent book case.  There is also a tap to shut off the gas at the fireplace which is the normal running condition during the summer months.  Altogether we were quite pleased with the results.  The unit is safe, warming, and an attractive addition to the salon.

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We started insulating for the firebox using non-flamable material covered by sheet metal.

This was temporarily covered with plastic to prevent the foamed insulation getting all over.

We built the firebox around the fireplace using a soft cement-like material that was easy to cut to shape.

Anywhere we ran the risk of heat buildup we installed non-flamable insulation, as here behind the chimney, which is covered in its length by a fibreglass sock.

We built the cupboards and radiator boxes under the deck regardless of the presence of the firebox, but at a safe distance from the heat.

Then we used standard profiles to build a facing around the fireplace.  The top plywood sits above a fireproof cement like plate and has an exhaust grill to ensure heat does not build up. The chimney was hidden behind a flexible plywood panel that enabled a rounded corner.

When it is all done it makes for an added level of comfort in our winter moorings and adds a look of home to the salon.