Water heater

[gladegp]

I have read the discussion in this thread
viewtopic.php?t=1628
and find the idea of using a cheap old water heater along with a cheap old pump for heating the ski press interesting. 60-70 degree C water would be possible.

My idea would be to use a water heater connected with a hose to a pump which circulates the water through a normal hose placed within the cattrack and back to the waterheater. As long as the thermostat and pressure release valve on the water heater works this seams like a safer and cheaper alternative to heating blankets (which have been known to catch fire). I also find tinkering with hoses and pumps easier then electronics and controlboxes.

There must be people who have done this. I want pictures and opinions on how it worked! Any drawbacks? Is 70 degrees C enough?

[EricW]

seems like the heat would be uneven which would not render good results. I think it would be more trouble than it's worth not to mention bulky.

[Richuk]

something like this: http://lineskis.com/our-story , scroll down.

[Richuk]

[prospectsnow]

I think the guys from Hayes Snowboards were water heating. Not sure what their methodology was. After talking to some factory guys they seemed to advocate just using heating pads. Cool idea though, heat radiant cat tracks are the new luxury fad.

[hafte]

I talked to a guy from Goode and they're switching to heated water. They were using oil.

[EricW]

I stand corrected.

[Damon]

Line/K2 doesn't use water heated cattracks anymore, just heat blankets. If you planned on using water, make sure to build in a manifold and create at least three different zones.

[MontuckyMadman]

I didn't realize that line started out making snowlerblades? crazy.

[Brazen]

There's a shortage of water in China?