Propane vs Kerosene vs Other Cooking Fuel

MaDouleur · 22-03-2008, 22:19

I'm working on figuring out what household items to keep for when I move aboard (detailed in another post).

I have two of the new type (5-gallon?) propane tanks for my current land-lubber bar-b-que. These aren't cheap and I'm thinking I should keep them for use onboard.

Propane stove in the galley and bar-b-que hanging off the transom?

Feedback appreciated.

Thanks - Jake

senormechanico · 22-03-2008, 22:27

IMHO, it's the best way to cook as long as you have a propane sniffer.
I recently took out a kerosene (wallas) glass cooktop and replaced it with propane. Propane makes better popcorn, heats faster and cools off quicker.

Steve B.

MaDouleur · 22-03-2008, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by senormechanico

IMHO, i't's the best way to cook as long as you have a propane sniffer.

Steve B.

Ah yes - propane is heavier than air and can flow into the bilge and fill the cabin. BOOM!

Thanks!

jackdale · 22-03-2008, 22:46

Remember that both of the propane tanks must be stored in lockers that vent overboard. Aluminum tanks weight less and are less subject to corrosion.

Get a good quality marine BBQ. Dickenson and Magma get my vote.

A propane sniffer is OK, but I would suggest that the tanks be turned off when not in use. An inline solenoid with a switch on the electrical panel and one near the stove is also essential.

Jack

rwidman · 19-05-2008, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

Remember that both of the propane tanks must be stored in lockers that vent overboard. .............

A propane sniffer is OK, but I would suggest that the tanks be turned off when not in use. An inline solenoid with a switch on the electrical panel and one near the stove is also essential.

Jack

Very important. There are some ABYC requirements for propane on a boat that must be followed closely.

Our boat that was factory equipped with a propane stove, oven and broiler has a propane locker in the cockpit, vented overboard, a remote operated solenoid with the control switch in the galley, a propane detector, and a gauge for checking for leaks. Another requirement is that there be no connections inside the boat except at the appliance.

The stove and oven burners are equipped with thermocouples so if the flame goes out, the propane to that burner is shut off.

A closed cabin boat partially filled with propane would make a great bomb!

GordMay · 26-05-2008, 06:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

Very important. There are some ABYC requirements for propane on a boat that must be followed closely...

ABYC Standard A-1 MARINE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) SYSTEMS
is available online at:
http://www.abycinc.org/committees/A-01.pdf

Greenman · 25-05-2008, 10:14

Is there much risk of a Propane tank going Boom in the event of a lightening strike? I really like propane BBQ's, but could do without if the risk was too great.

sandy daugherty · 25-05-2008, 10:30

There is little risk of a Propane tank 'going boom' in a lightning strike; it shouldn't be part of a path to ground. There is some chance of it contributing to a pre-existing fire if it is punctured or exposed to sustained high temperatures, so a separate locker is recommended. Solenoid valves and sniffers are no-brainers.

Propane tanks make mediocre bombs. A REALLY good bomb starts with deisel fuel. (See Mcveigh, Timothy) [g]

Greenman · 25-05-2008, 13:49

Thanks, I doubted they would be much of a risk, but was not certain.

over40pirate · 26-05-2008, 07:32

I started cruising with alcohol, switched to kerosene, then finally joined the real world and got Propane.
The Alcohol stove I had, I believe was a Hilerange, with large cast iron burners. It was a hot stove, but we were using 3 galons of alcohol a month! A apin to get sometines, and more of a pain to store.

I then found a nice used Kerosene stove. It used a litle less fuel, but the inside of the cabin slowly got grey. So slow that we hardly noticed it at first. The kerosene stove didn't boil water any faster than the old alccohol stove. I tested both. with the same pot and a measured amount of water. I know it's not to be that way, but with these stoves it was.

Finally I was thinking of switching to Propane, and was in a ASurburbane propane store and was able to get the burners, and valves, that I figured would fit my stove. I went to back to the boat to measure, and when I went back a few days later to buy them, The guy wasn't there, and when I told the person that he hadn't given me a price, she said, "well then, merry Christmas!"
I installed them and it worked fine. Sorry, no safety thermocouple. I used a solenoid, and had the tank mounted to the pushpit.
a 20# propane tank would last us about 4-5 months!

2 years later I bought a stove with oven/broiler, because the home built one was rusting out.

I kept a PVC tube with 2 small propane cylinders, sealed and strapped under the helm seat, in case we couldn't get a fill up. Had to use them 1 time.

Colorado Dreamer · 30-05-2008, 17:14

Is propane readily available as you cruise? Like in Mexico and Central America? Or do you need to bring enough with you?

over40pirate · 30-05-2008, 19:19

Not sure of those areas. East coast of US and Bahamas, no problem, plus the propane lasts a long time.

**Pblais** · 30-05-2008, 20:22

Quote:

I have two of the new type (5-gallon?) propane tanks for my current land-lubber bar-b-que. These aren't cheap and I'm thinking I should keep them for use onboard.

Actually they are cheap as in exceptionally cheap and almost worthless. Steel tanks have a short lifespan at sea what with salt water and rust and everything. You will find propane in more places than everything else combined. In less affluent countries everyone uses small tanks and get them refilled or exchanged. You do need to be concerned how you store them though. They can be quite dangerous when filled and start flying about when not tied down. A leak settles in the bilge and then blows up when you start the engine. Blasts everything into nice small pieces too. Quite dramatic. Personally I think it's the only serious way to go. You of course need to do it all up right Gord has the right web links.

over40pirate · 18-06-2008, 15:57

The first 2 years I used propane, I used a 20# steel tank (s)
Had it secured to the stern rail as many cruisers do. the 2 nd time I need to fill it after about a year on the boat, I didn't bother to take it and see if they would fill it. It looked so bad, I bought another one. Another steel one. The alum ones were so expensive and not in the budget.
Have since picked up 2 10# aluminum tanks.

BoatTed · 14-07-2008, 05:57

I am in the process of buying a 1983 Cape Dory 30 which is equipped with a very clean, hardly used Hillerange pressure alcohol stove with oven. I would like to change the burners to kerosene but have not been able to find a source. Any suggestions? I know most sailors poo poo the idea of kerosene because of the greying effect, but in the US I use paint thinner (recommended as superior and not smoky by a qualified petroleum engineer) instead of kero with great success. Unfortunately, only the US stuff works..something about the way it is refined here.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

22-03-2008, 22:19	#1
MaDouleur Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 52	Propane vs Kerosene vs Other Cooking Fuel I'm working on figuring out what household items to keep for when I move aboard (detailed in another post). I have two of the new type (5-gallon?) propane tanks for my current land-lubber bar-b-que. These aren't cheap and I'm thinking I should keep them for use onboard. Propane stove in the galley and bar-b-que hanging off the transom? Feedback appreciated. Thanks - Jake

22-03-2008, 22:46	#4
jackdale Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Posts: 304	Remember that both of the propane tanks must be stored in lockers that vent overboard. Aluminum tanks weight less and are less subject to corrosion. Get a good quality marine BBQ. Dickenson and Magma get my vote. A propane sniffer is OK, but I would suggest that the tanks be turned off when not in use. An inline solenoid with a switch on the electrical panel and one near the stove is also essential. Jack __________________ ISPA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor CYA Advanced Cruising Instructor As I sail, I praise God, and care not. (Luke Foxe)

25-05-2008, 10:30	#8
sandy daugherty Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: near Annapolis Boat: PDQ 36 "Page 83" Posts: 770	There is little risk of a Propane tank 'going boom' in a lightning strike; it shouldn't be part of a path to ground. There is some chance of it contributing to a pre-existing fire if it is punctured or exposed to sustained high temperatures, so a separate locker is recommended. Solenoid valves and sniffers are no-brainers. Propane tanks make mediocre bombs. A REALLY good bomb starts with deisel fuel. (See Mcveigh, Timothy) [g] Last edited by sandy daugherty; 25-05-2008 at 10:37.

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22-03-2008, 22:27	#2
senormechanico Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Whidbey Island WA Boat: Dragonfly 1000 trimaran Posts: 1,181	IMHO, it's the best way to cook as long as you have a propane sniffer. I recently took out a kerosene (wallas) glass cooktop and replaced it with propane. Propane makes better popcorn, heats faster and cools off quicker. Steve B.

25-05-2008, 10:14	#7
Greenman Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Halifax NS Boat: '77 Hunter 27 Posts: 144	Is there much risk of a Propane tank going Boom in the event of a lightening strike? I really like propane BBQ's, but could do without if the risk was too great.

25-05-2008, 13:49	#9
Greenman Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Halifax NS Boat: '77 Hunter 27 Posts: 144	Thanks, I doubted they would be much of a risk, but was not certain.

26-05-2008, 07:32	#10
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr" Posts: 194	I started cruising with alcohol, switched to kerosene, then finally joined the real world and got Propane. The Alcohol stove I had, I believe was a Hilerange, with large cast iron burners. It was a hot stove, but we were using 3 galons of alcohol a month! A apin to get sometines, and more of a pain to store. I then found a nice used Kerosene stove. It used a litle less fuel, but the inside of the cabin slowly got grey. So slow that we hardly noticed it at first. The kerosene stove didn't boil water any faster than the old alccohol stove. I tested both. with the same pot and a measured amount of water. I know it's not to be that way, but with these stoves it was. Finally I was thinking of switching to Propane, and was in a ASurburbane propane store and was able to get the burners, and valves, that I figured would fit my stove. I went to back to the boat to measure, and when I went back a few days later to buy them, The guy wasn't there, and when I told the person that he hadn't given me a price, she said, "well then, merry Christmas!" I installed them and it worked fine. Sorry, no safety thermocouple. I used a solenoid, and had the tank mounted to the pushpit. a 20# propane tank would last us about 4-5 months! 2 years later I bought a stove with oven/broiler, because the home built one was rusting out. I kept a PVC tube with 2 small propane cylinders, sealed and strapped under the helm seat, in case we couldn't get a fill up. Had to use them 1 time.

30-05-2008, 17:14	#11
Colorado Dreamer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: - San Diego and Fort Collins, CO Boat: 38' Homebuilt Cutter - "Atticus" Posts: 136	Is propane readily available as you cruise? Like in Mexico and Central America? Or do you need to bring enough with you?

30-05-2008, 19:19	#12
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr" Posts: 194	Not sure of those areas. East coast of US and Bahamas, no problem, plus the propane lasts a long time.

18-06-2008, 15:57	#14
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Boat: Bristol (Alden) 35 Sloop "Zephyr" Posts: 194	The first 2 years I used propane, I used a 20# steel tank (s) Had it secured to the stern rail as many cruisers do. the 2 nd time I need to fill it after about a year on the boat, I didn't bother to take it and see if they would fill it. It looked so bad, I bought another one. Another steel one. The alum ones were so expensive and not in the budget. Have since picked up 2 10# aluminum tanks.

14-07-2008, 05:57	#15
BoatTed Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Piney Narrows Yacht Harbor, Chester, MD Boat: Egg Harbor, Aft Cabin,37', "Rare Bird," Bristol 29.9, "Rag Time" Posts: 14	I am in the process of buying a 1983 Cape Dory 30 which is equipped with a very clean, hardly used Hillerange pressure alcohol stove with oven. I would like to change the burners to kerosene but have not been able to find a source. Any suggestions? I know most sailors poo poo the idea of kerosene because of the greying effect, but in the US I use paint thinner (recommended as superior and not smoky by a qualified petroleum engineer) instead of kero with great success. Unfortunately, only the US stuff works..something about the way it is refined here. Any suggestions would be appreciated.