Alcohol Stove Makes the Boat Wet. Myth?

[cal40john]

I keep reading that alcohol stoves really make a lot of water when they're used. I've noticed my boat gets relatively damp when using my propane stove. Hard to compare to alcohol on a subjective basis since I was on different boats when I used alcohol. So I have attempted to do the calculation.

Each fuel was assumed to burn completely to CO2 and H2O.

Gallons of water produced per million BTUs of fuel burned:

Methanol _____ 14
Kerosene _____ 9
Propane ______ 11

So, if I've done the calculations right alcohol does put out more water, but it is only 1/4 more than propane. Not exactly night and day difference.

John

[Tbrad]

Hi John. All i can say is I use my Origo alcohol stove every day and I've never had a problem with excessive moisture that I could attribute to the stove. Actually my boat is always really dry and is considerablly smaller than your 40 footer. I have never even felt the need for a dehumidfier and I'm uper here in the PNW.

[zeehag]

i have no problem with condensation nor humidity as a result of cooking with propane. none whatsoever. happy trails.

[otherthan]

hahaha stop this nonsense your killing me!!!

I use a non presure alchol stove similar to origon...also I am a pofesional chef and worked in some of Montreals best restaurents...traust me an alcohol 2 burner stove is all I will ever need to entertain any guests, regardless of test or class.
I mean it thers nothing I cant cook on this little jewell, at least nothing id be ashame to offer anyone.

think about this and you be the judge!!!
alcohol stove can burn many fuels...99% alchol leaves 1% water...70% alchol leaves ??? yah you probably have figured that cheap fundue or 70% alchol will in fact produce lots of water vapor.

cheers

[capnorv]

I guess if humidity is a problem from cooking you should go to Kerosine, or better yet, diesel...but then everything will taste like kerosine or diesel. I find the quickest way to raise humidity in my boat is the breathing of guests...haven't figured out what to do about that yet. Cook with propane or alcohol, use diesel for space heating and everybody will be happy...except the auxillary if you forget to fill the tank.

[otherthan]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i have no problem with condensation nor humidity as a result of cooking with propane. none whatsoever. happy trails.

zee in our boats we can cook pasta for eight and not have a problem...we have an extra large opening port over the stove!!!

[David_Old_Jersey]

More of a factor on water vapour / condensation being generated is probably what you are cooking, and for how long.

[Unicorn Dreams]

All liquid fuels will add moisture to the air, whether it's noticable or not. It is more noticeable on wooden boats..

Stoves usually aren't on long enough to matter.

About the only fuel that takes moisture out of a boat are dry fuels, wood, coal, etc.

[Jetexas]

I have a much bigger problem with my ice box sweating and making condensation all over the counter than I do with cooking on my alcohol stove. Of course, in Houston it so humid anyway that there's no real solution unless you're running the air conditioner.