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[Cabo]

Just wanted to introduce myself and say that this forum is an very valuable source of information.  The folks that are on here and supply the knowledge from years of real world experience is incredible.
I have been lurking for about the last 2 years and the wife and I decided to go ahead with a boiler this year.  In talking with the P&M factory(Rory) and meeting Slim Jim at the Cornish, NH fair last summer it seemed like a very good choice.  Their customer service seems excellent as well as the products they produce.
I have already done some of the prep work last fall as far as putting in a 8" single wall culvert to sleeve the Logstor under the driveway as well as an electrical conduit out to the boiler pad.  This winter I have cut, split and palletized 14 cord of hardwood(ash, beech and yellow birch).  I am hopeful that will be 2 years worth of wood so I can always stay a year ahead.
My heating load is a 2200 sq. ft. 5 Star Plus energy rated home with a 1000 sq. ft. well insulated workshop.  The boiler will be located 85' from the house under a shed roof off a detached garage.  I know many people say to put them outside in the elements but I had the option to put it under a roof and be able to bring the pallets of wood under as well so I went that route.
I will probably have Slim Jim do the install when the time comes because that's his line of work.  I am a builder with 23 years in the trade and might (probably) be able to do the install with the help of people on here but I would rather have it done right the first time instead of having to change things along the way to get the proper install.  I am a firm believer that you should do a couple of things very well instead of being a jack-of-all-trades and doing them OK. 
That's my project in a nut shell.  I'll keep you informed of the progress as it evolves.  Thanks again for the great information and hopefully I can answer some questions to help people out regarding things with building/insulation, ect.

Cabo

[mlappin]

My next one will definitely be under a roof of some kind, moisture is the enemy and the less the boiler can be exposed to has to be better.

[randy_1]

Your install seems to mirror mine, however I did not put mine under a roof, i did have slim do the install with a little help from my miserable uncle who is a concrete and earth work contractor. With that being said the two of them got along very well lol...And I will say slims  stuff is first class all the way, except for the fact that he drives a ford truck, drinks cheap beer and eats ya out of house and home. Just kidding about the eating part,,, the rest are true facts...So far I couldn't be happier with my p&m product... Like I have stated in previous posts I have been my own worst enemy by over feeding it a little. I think my second winter will be a lot more efficient. My house is a little over 2500 sq ft and I'm on target to burn around 8 cord in northern central maine where I will say the winter has been cold as f###...

[slimjim]

Thanks for coming on Cabo, I must have told you it was a great site, I've been promoting it hard at the shows, please let Rory know that you came from here, we are trying to track that to justify the time spent, PM me if you would like to exchange contact info and thank you both for the kind words. Randy I only drink cheap beer because thats all I can afford and I only drive a Ford because our Government won't allow Toyota to sell their one ton here.

[randy_1]

ahh slim you know I am just givin ya crap...

[slimjim]

I know, we should all be able smile as you and I can

[Sloppy_Snood]

Out-of-curiosity, what Portage & Main unit did you end up purchasing? (or decide to purchase in the future)

[Cabo]

I will be getting a 250 gasser since I live in Vermont.  God knows there is nothing more important to worry about in Vermont then how much smoke comes out of a boiler.  Honestly, I would probably go that route anyway due to less wood consumption and having no prior experience with conventional boilers.  I haven't burned wood for the last 9 years and not having to deal with the mess in the house has been great but sick of seeing the oil truck now.  I'm sure with the OWF I will run my shop warmer and the wife will do the same in the house.