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David Ess · 08-10-2021, 08:40

In spite of all the examples, the physics, the evidence that the best new boats are going for modern electric induction stoves, some STILL try to argue that propane is safer than electric on boats. Amazing.

dbraymer · 08-10-2021, 08:57

CT47 checking in here. Really nice vessel that came from the yard with an AMIDSHIPS propane locker. The locker was below the deck behind the stove in the galley. There was a propane line coming thru the locker wall behind and obscured by the stove/oven base. The locker had a central drain which was neatly blocked by the circular base of the propane tank.

After noting that the drain vent was perpetually blocked, and that the shut off solenoid really would not stop any sort of primary tank valve failure leak from entering the vessel thru the locker hose path anyway, and also that the tank occasionally would kinda break free and bounce around within the locker in heavy seas...

I concluded that the yard had designed me a "fill the vessel with a killing gas" mechanism, and that it would be my fault if I did not fix it.

So I pasted over the deck locker lid, (added a little cabinet above and behind the stove as well!) and built a little carrier for TWO smaller propane tanks that now sit on the deck between the cockpit and the foremast. They are short enough to see over from the raised cockpit seats. The propane line just goes into the coaming thru a rubber grommet.

Any propane leak/spill just flows down onto the deck and then out onto the ocean.

This is a copy of the propane locker on the deck of the 72 foot Alden schooner that I owned, but then that is another story.

In one sentence; if you have a vessel with a below decks propane locker, I would advise that you take a serious look at it...

**Adelie** · 08-10-2021, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Ess

In spite of all the examples, the physics, the evidence that the best new boats are going for modern electric induction stoves, some STILL try to argue that propane is safer than electric on boats. Amazing.

Something being a market trend does not mean it is safer.

David Ess · 08-10-2021, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adelie

Something being a market trend does not mean it is safer.

That means youre another one.....ignore physics...ignore history.

rslifkin · 08-10-2021, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Ess

That means youre another one.....ignore physics...ignore history.

And on the other side of the coin, you have a history on this forum of saying that if you don't have an unlimited budget for the latest and greatest of everything, then clearly you don't care about your safety and shouldn't be boating.

I don't like propane on boats for several reasons, but a good propane system can be good enough and safe enough, particularly on a boat where supporting an electric alternative is challenging.

boatpoker · 08-10-2021, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Ess

In spite of all the examples, the physics, the evidence that the best new boats are going for modern electric induction stoves, some STILL try to argue that propane is safer than electric on boats. Amazing.

I don't think anyone is saying that. My point is that propane fears on boats are highly exaggerated and unsupported by the numbers

Mare Nostrum · 08-10-2021, 09:10

Hello all, our home port is Acapulco. We sail frequently between Acapulco & Puerto Vallarta, about 470 n.m. Our galley is powered by a 1100 watt micro with an Origo alcohol stove for back-up. And a charcoal BBQ grill on the starboard stern stanchion. Propane is just not a part of our culinary crew...

David Ess · 08-10-2021, 09:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by rslifkin

And on the other side of the coin, you have a history on this forum of saying that if you don't have an unlimited budget for the latest and greatest of everything, then clearly you don't care about your safety and shouldn't be boating.

I don't like propane on boats for several reasons, but a good propane system can be good enough and safe enough, particularly on a boat where supporting an electric alternative is challenging.

Glad Im not one of those, and never even mentioned price, just better in terms of safety.

Pelagic · 08-10-2021, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adelie

Something being a market trend does not mean it is safer.

I agree, nor would the primary belief by those switching, that it is safer, ...
.....would make it safer.

boatpoker · 08-10-2021, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Ess

Glad Im not one of those, and never even mentioned price, just better in terms of safety.

So what is safer ? a ladle or a spatula ?

David Ess · 08-10-2021, 09:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatpoker

So what is safer ? a ladle or a spatula ?

False analogy, =false logic. There is a bigger difference between heavier than air propane, and electric stoves on boats, than various spoons. But if you would be all right with that message above where the yard installed the blocked propane cabinet, no problem.

seacap · 08-10-2021, 09:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Here it is:

Yachting Monthly: Test Boat - Gas Explosion
https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/sail...xplosion-29779

LittleWing77

+1

I'm with dfelsent.

It's not propane per se, but the improper storage and use of both prope and gas.

Don’t forget bug bombs. Guy blew up his boat and killed his friend in St Thomas a few years ago. Set off twice as many bombs as recommended, then a pilot light ignited the bug stuff. I heard the explosion half way down the island.

Lokiyawl · 08-10-2021, 09:19

I have never had a propane explosion on my boat but a number of my friends have. Locker doors have been blown off, hatches and in one case part of a deck was lifted but never any hull damage. None of the cases resulted in a fire. Not saying it is impossible but like yourself I rather doubt the blowing a hole in the hull part of this story myself. The pressure required to blow a hole in a well made fiberglass or metal hull would have to be incredible and what is going to hold that much pressure in a hatch? Should be a link to a news story at least. Personally I am staying with Butane/Propane for cooking, just be super careful and always always turn off the valve when you are finished.

James
SV Sueno

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Well, I stand corrected on the energy component Adelie, thanks.

Just seems odd the explosion wouldn't flow in the path of least resistance. A decent hull, backed against dense water, presents a pretty solid barrier. I'd think it far more likely a propane explosion would do as you describe Kelkara, and blow the sole and deck up rather than blast a hole in the hull.