COLEMAN BLACKCAT CATALYTIC HEATER,NEED SOME INPUT

[Badger George]

I'm looking at the Coleman BlackCat Catalytic heater, model 5038 that you light with a match. The push to light ones cost $40.00 more, and I can buy a lot of matches for $40.00.
Can anyone give me a little help you own one.
I have a Pro Flipup and all I need it for is to warm my hands at times, don't sit in the house to much. Unless the wind is blowing hard.

Thanks you,
Badger George from Wisconsin

[Bsens07]

I had a similar Coleman Catalytic heater a few years ago.  I hated the thing, I think I could have created more heat rubbing my hands together.  We use a coleman, not sure the model number in our shanty.  You can rest it on its side as a heater or flip it up and cook on it.  Great for those longer days to cook some dogs or brats, whatever your pleasure.

[Lobes]

I have the same one and it works great for what you're looking for. I use mine for hunting and fishing more than any of my other heaters. As a matter of fact I have never even had my Buddy heater on the ice. I have enough natural built in insulation that I only need to melt the ice of my fingers once or twice per trip at the most and rarely even ever light it. Never had any problems with it through all the years I've had it.

                                                   
NBG

[Skipper]

I have one without the built in lighter, and I would not pay any more for the red button. It lights super easy. It should suit you well for a Fishtrap Scout or Pro sized shack.

It will kick out about as much heat as a dual mantle lantern.

store it in a bag and don't use it for cooking! If you get food, dust, or anything else on the pad it will stink for ever!

[Indiana_Lou]

Badger, I use a Coleman Sportcat in my Shappell Rover 1.5. On most days it's more than enough to stay comfortable. On really cold days I use a Paulin Mr. Cooker. One suggestion would be to invest in a lighter that you use for barbecue type grills. Lot less chance of sindging the hairs on your hand. Cost a buck or so but well worth it.   Lou

[Mississippi]

I own the model you have to light.  No problems with it, except be careful pulling the legs down.... they are only suppose to rotate one way.  The other weekend it was -25F and broke one of the legs by rotating the wrong way.  Anyway, fixed with a bolt, washer, and wing nut.

[jdsmi]

I bought one of the original Black Cats (the one with a wire handle/stand) when they first came out. I've used it for hunting & fishing for many years now and it has NEVER failed me. Lights easy and puts out a fair amount of heat. I heated my 2 man with it the last 2 years and it does fine. You won't be stripping down to your t-shirt but it takes the chill off. I have a Heater/Cooker now but will still opt for the Black Cat when temps are high teens and above.

[blufloyd]

I got a sportcat it'll keep you from seeing your breath on cold days.  Gets used about half of a 1 lb tank a year here.
Illinois.

[iluvcrappie]

I'm looking at the Coleman BlackCat Catalytic heater, model 5038 that you light with a match. The push to light ones cost $40.00 more, and I can buy a lot of matches for $40.00.
Can anyone give me a little help you own one.
I have a Pro Flipup and all I need it for is to warm my hands at times, don't sit in the house to much. Unless the wind is blowing hard.

Thanks you,
Badger George from Wisconsin

these are decent heaters they have a hard time keeping up if it is a little bit chilly out........we bought one last year and returned it right away because it doesnt keep they shanty very warm as it has such low BTU's.............other than that they work alright for a hand warmer

[walkonwater1]

I have the SprortCat (1500btu I believe). It is a nice little hand warmer but that is about it..When I need a heater it just doesn't cut it in my Pro.
I should have gone with the ProCat 3000btu.

[ve4gdf]

I have one of the original Blackcats with the wire handle as well. Has worked well for the last 4-5 years until now. The gasket for the propane bottle has started to leak. Haven't had much luck locating replacement parts. Will any appropriate size o-ring work or is there something special about it?
Thanks for any input.

[iluvcrappie]

a regular rubber o-ring should do the job if yours is shot...........I have replaced a few myself on my sunflower that runs on the 1 lb tanks................a lso welcome to the shanty

[Lobes]

Most places that sell propane have O-rings and should be able to get you what you need. O-rings (for this application) are dirt cheap. Bring your heater with you just to make sure you get the right size.

                                               
NBG