Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

[Chum Slick]

I have a two burner alcohol stove in the cabin of my boat. A friend was interested in buying the boat and asked if he could change out the stove with one that uses propane. I told him that would not be a wise move safety wise but I can't recall anything mentioned anywhere prohibiting propane inside a boat cabin. If anyone knows of any safety restrictions covering the use of propane in boat cabins please enlighten me so I can pass along same info to my friend.

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

Propane weighs more than air, so even a small leak in an open boat could go boom. That being said I have seen boats with propane tanks on them. If I were to do it (and I would not) I would have a good leak detector mounted low.

 

[DJ]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

Chum Slick,<br /><br />I agree with Eat More Fish. Propane "puddles".<br /><br />And gues where it would puddle-in the bilge.<br /><br />Even if you did not have a leak, the little bit that escapes before ignition would still puddle.<br /><br />The prpoane I have seen aboard boiats were in boats with no bilges, ie; pontoons and flat hulled houseboats.

 

[capercanuck]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

I've always been warned about using propane aboard a boat. I'm a firefighter and although I've never seen an actual propane explosion first hand, I've seen several training videos. The heavier than air comment is dead on when describing the problems with propane. The "puddling" could continue, conceivably, until the "puddle" reaches a level high enough to come into contact with a sparking mechanism on your engine. By that time there would probably be a suitable mass of propane to do a ton of damage to any boat and anyone nearby. I've had alcohol stoves but they can be dangerous in their own right. I've seen the interior completely burnt out in an express cruiser when the alcohol flame got out of control, and alcohol flame is very hard to see. I personally think anything portable, something that is only on the vessel when you are there, and the you have to physically carry the fuel on board is the most practicle. I use a small two burner butane stove. I leave the stove onboard when there and take the sealed butane cannisters with me. I will cook off of the boat whenever possible. They are very economical to operate also. Anyway, I hope this helps.

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

I know and understand the common sense safety reasoning behind not using propane in enclosed areas but I was curious about any written safety guidelines. I have a propane fueled stainless grill that mounts on the rail of my pontoon that I use all the time but that is about as open as you can get.

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

It does not have to be "in enclosed areas"<br />Even an open boat will hold it like a cup will hold water. Just because they don't say you can't do something does not mean it is a good idea.<br />Your safety is your problem it does not need to be a written rule!<br />just my 2 cents

 

[dustydiesel]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

www.tssa.org technical standards and safety authority. They look after all the rules and regulation for propane handling and appliances in Ontario Canada. I would suggest contacting your local propane supplier they should be able to direct you to the proper authority for your state laws.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: Alcohol Vs Propane Burners?

You certainly opened up a can of worms.......<br />Here in the US the standard for the boating industry is set by the ABYC American Boat and Yacht Council. The USCG also requires their standards be used. The specific reccomendation can be found in ABYC's Standards and Recommended Practices for Small Craft as per Standard A-1 8/19/93. <br />Here are a few links to information on installation of LPG on boats.<br /><br /> http://www.marinegas.com/install.htm <br /><br />And finally the USCG site:<br /><br /> http://www.uscg.mil/d14/units/msohono/myweb/cfrs/sub t/part184.htm#240