So, I'm new to this site and am really interested in the production of my own biodiesel.

Background info:

I live on my 37' sailboat which uses diesel for auxiliary propulsion, heating, cooking, and hot water. Electricity comes from solar and wind. I have been using commercially produced B100 in my boat for over a year with no adverse affects and with the benefit of no petro diesel smell. However, it would seem our local B100 producers are raising their rates right along with petro guys (very un-cool!) and since I use between 20 gallons (summer) and 75 gallons (winter) a month, it's getting very expensive!

Because I Iive on a sailboat, my space resources are somewhat limited. So, a large processor is not an option. Additionally, I'm just not that interesested in the details of making refined B100. However, since only about 50 gallons a year is used for the engine, I am okay with using commercial B100 just for it. However, this stove:  http://www.dickinsonmarine.com/shop5/Manuals/ADRIPACMAN2007.pdf     is what uses the other 500+ gallons a year. It isn't nearly as picky as an engine. It will happily burn kerosene, #1, #2, B20 thru B100, I've even done about 40% WVO mixed with #2 (although it got pretty sooty and didn't burn as hot).

The question:

Does anyone have any thoughts on using raw, unwashed, and not so settled biodiesel in this stove? My biggest concerns are: Will it clog a 10 micron filter? How much more viscos compared to refined b100 as fuel is pumped thru 15' of 3/8" hose by only a 4psi pump and is metered by a simple float and needle valve at the stove. How much more soot will be produced (The stove typically runs for months straight with no need for cleaning)?

 Thanks for your thoughts! I would also like to suggest to everyone that even though Dickinson stoves and heaters are intended for the marine environment, they are absolutely perfect for a remote cabin or similar use. Just a little FYI. . .

 HELLO NOT SO SURE ABOUT YOUR STOVE OR WHAT IT EVEN IS . HOWEVER I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT FILTERS , YOU STATED THAT YOU ARE USING A 10 MICRON FILTER . THIS IS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM! IF YOU TRY TO USE UNWASHED BIO THE FILTER WILL CLOG ALMOST RIGHT AWAY. THERE IS LYE STILL IN SUSPENSION (SOAP) . THIS WILL AND I PROMISE YOU CLOG YOUR FILTERS COMPLETELY. I HAVE HAD MY FAIR SHARE OF FILTER PROBLEMS.

 HOPE THIS HELPS JOHN   

Having lived aboard a sailboat myself I would not recomend it. The ovens and range tops on boats are responsable for more lost craft than pirates were 200yrs ago. Dont see a problem using good bio. Fire is a stinker on a boat!

I wouldn't burn poor quality fuel in such nice equipment; that Dickerson Stove is nice! It would be far cheaper in the long run to keep the fuel to a decent quality. Are you using a two tank system -- one for auxiliary and one for stove? If so, you might be able to do a blended biodiesel/kerosene mix for the stove that would burn clean and stay thin even in cold weather, although adding WVO or poorly reacted/high water content biodiesel will probably clog up your 10 micron filter. 

 As for fires on a sailboat, gasoline is your biggest enemy and the diesel/kerosene stoves are far safer than propane (heavier than air) or even CNG stoves IMHO. Frankly I'd rather use a oil burner stove than stringing electric heater as do so many dockside liveaboards; a good install is mechanically sound and well insulated from fiberglass or wood ... the stupidity is in the person who puts flammables too close to it while living below or leaving things unattended.

 Personal note ... I'd love to see some photos!