swapping out natural gas cooker

Zoombats · **Joined:** 16 Jan 2019 08:52 **Posts:** 103

I still have the CNG cooker and tanks and would like to see others photos and ideas on converting to LPG and location of tanks. Has anyone had good results with alcohol stoves?

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 236

We had pressurized alcohol on our last boat for 10-12 years and it worked okay. Not as hot as gas and generally temperamental but we lived with it. Esprit was converted to propane before we bought her. The locker is on the port side of the lazarette(sp?). It holds a 10 pound tank and has worked just fine for around 25 years.

Zoombats · **Joined:** 16 Jan 2019 08:52 **Posts:** 103

Thanks for that. I have only seen one photo of an installation like the one you have and I would appreciate any photos that anyone would post of the same set up. Thanks, Mark #337

madmike · **Joined:** 06 Sep 2020 10:08 **Posts:** 101

We have a fiberglass container mounted on the stern pushpit that holds two 11lb propane tanks. This works well: when the in-use tank runs out, there's a spare ready to swap in right away. The only downside is that it makes our stern rail pretty crowded with the propane tank, lifesling, ring buoy, dinghy outboard, BBQ, GPS antennas, and our downrigger (for salmon fishing).

A couple of photos are attached below.

Zoombats · **Joined:** 16 Jan 2019 08:52 **Posts:** 103

Thanks Mike for the photos. I think that is a good system for extended cruising but I would be a little concerned when offshore. I would consider stowing the tank and holder down below while offshore and carry the refillable one pounders for heating needs on watch.

WayneH · **Posted:** 17 Aug 2023 16:51

Zoombats wrote:

Thanks Mike for the photos. I think that is a good system for extended cruising but I would be a little concerned when offshore. I would consider stowing the tank and holder down below while offshore and carry the refillable one pounders for heating needs on watch.

I understand the why but I have grave reservations with the why not. Yes, the bottles would not get swept overboard on an offshore passage. Good idea. BUT propane is heavier than a 80%nitrogen/20%oxygen mixture and will settle in the very bottom of the bilge. Right where the engine starter can provide a sparking heat source and BLEWIE. Actually, maybe a B.L.E.V.E. That is the reason propane holders have drains to release any leak overboard and OUT of the boat.

It may not happen to you but I have seen pictures of sailboats with the deck ripped from the hull during a propane explosion. https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/ma ... explosion/

BLEVE = Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Tartan37.com

swapping out natural gas cooker

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