Two thirds of the PBR test team put the Patton 110V heater through its paces.

Keeping warm on a cold night aboard can be a problem, particularly if it's a boat not equipped with a permanently-installed propane, diesel, or solid-fuel heater. With a medium or light-weight sleeping bag, some heat is often very nice to have; and, if you cruise fancy (we never have), the same goes for fitted sheets and a light blanket.

Taking the chill off in the evening or early morning and keeping condensed moisture at bay are other reasons to warm the interior of a boat. Very few boats have extensive insulation, other than that inadvertently provided by headliners and cabinetry. So, the space inside your cabin quickly mimics what's going on…