Hi Kristin.I,ve used a wood stove as the only heat sorce on four of five boats owned in the last twenty two years.My sailing friends and I would not have a boat without one for the ambiance,utility comfort it provides for year round cruising.I burn mostly presto logs and fir bark I get off the beach.Gives you an excuse to go for a walk and on the west coast there is fuel every where.Beach wood is hard on the stove and they aren't for everyone,a love em or hate em deal.A nice stove that you can set a kettle on is a rarity these days but very nice to have.The old Lunenberg stoves are being made again in Port townsend,Washington.Ihave a homemade stove,of decent design I bought for $150.Stainless pipe,a deck iron and smoke cap are about $350.The stainless surround is cut from scrap yard material,cheap and good looking.Lumber and plywood for quality material will run 2 to$300.so depending on the stove you use ,materials would be $800 to$1600 plus labour,free in my case.The biggest problem is finding a good spot.I decided to toss the starboard side ice box in favor of warm beer and a fire to warm my feet on,no regrets.Bill,Victoria