Portage and Main Optimizer 250 Good,Bad, or just O.K.

[Local4Fitter]

Hi Holmes, looks like we are neighbors. The Scotch marine style HX is very efficient. The dealer had to remove 8 of the turbulators to get the final exhaust temp up to around 300 f.  It was 250 f with all installed. The higher temps will prevent condensation in the stack.

[Holmes]

 Hi Local4Fitter  Welcome to the FF  That is an incredibly low stack temp for a wood boiler. Looks like P&M did their R&D before they put their boilers on the market.   Yes looks like we are neighbors , but the map you have says you live in Hope Valley, Rhode Island.That's not to close to Royalston. ;)   Holmes

[Magnas]

Local4Fitter - What did you end up selecting?  How is it?

[Local4Fitter]

Magnas, I decided to go with a E-2400. I'm on my second season with it and it's been a great boiler so far.

[Magnas]

I was denied an outdoor boiler permit by my town, I'm going indoors, most likely getting a Garn

[Holmes]

The denial might be the good thing.  Good luck with the Garn.  To me they appear to be the best wood boiler you can buy.

[Magnas]

I'm pretty sure they are the most expensive!  I will be posting again very soon I hope to confirm that they are all around awesome!

[huntingforows]

Local4fitter what swayed your decision to the cb?  I am currently doing the reasearch you did a couple years back as I am contiplating a ows.

[thecfarm]

huntingforows,welcome to the forum. Good luck with your search of an OWB. When I was looking if I saw someone outside with thiers I would stop and talk to them. Was not all that many around when I was looking. I see quite a few now.

[huntingforows]

Thecfarm, funny you say that, I have stopped 2 times now and my wife will not get out of the truck.  I want all the benifits of a ows and am trying to avoid the headaches.  I have no issue spending the money if I am going to get the value.  Does anyone have experience with a snyergy boiler? 

[r.man]

Magnus, if you took an OWB and installed it in a building it might not need a permit.

[Magnas]

Regrets, I've had a few.....hahaha, honestly I'm happy with my Garn choice, however it has not even arrived yet so maybe I should wait a bit before responding.  I hope to be able to  videotape and post somewhere my whole experience to help the next guy so I guess the truth will be out there.