Cold-weather boating can be rewarding, but the first order of business is staying warm — at least down below.

The HeatMate 5200 Portable Alcohol Heater could be just the ticket, offering “an efficient, safe source of heat,” according to the manufacturer.

Cranking out up to 5,200 BTU of heat, this versatile and compact unit also can be transformed into a cooktop for tasks such as boiling water. The HeatMate’s canister system with its non-flammable wick material holds about 1-1/4 quarts of alcohol fuel, which won’t spill or leak, even if it’s turned upside down. The pressure-free canister system also eliminates pumping, priming, hoses and valves. The HeatMate 5200 has a suggested retail price of $169.95. InterCon Marketing, Sarasota, Fla. Phone (888) 551-1041. www.contoure.com

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue.