CNG/LPG

[Dave]

I thought my Seaward stove and oven were CNG, but when I checked the owners manual, it refered to LPG. Are CNG and LPG the same product? The manual also says that LPG is heavier than air and will sink to the bilge. Thanks in advance for any info.DaveS/V Westwind

 

[Pat Spino]

CNG

Your information is correct. LPG is heavier than air. If you are using LPG the compartment housing the fuel cannister must be vented OVERBOARD. I use CNG which is considered safer because, if a leak develops, the gas will naturally vent up and out due to it being lighter that air. CNG is like the gas used to cook at home. You can buy fittings to convert from one fuel to the other. We like the convenience and "no-worry" (by comparison) of CNG. The drawbacks are few. 1. It is more expensive 2. It is not as readily available in areas outside L.I. Sound and the Chesapeake.When we are out cruising the primary cooking appliance is the LPG Bar-B-Q. I'll buy a number of fuel cannisters on sale during the winter and store them in the transom locker. Use of the oven and stove is minimal, but not at all eliminated. Therefore, our CNG lasts quite long.PJSp

 

[Mark Johnson]

Think I'd find another place...

to store your LPG canisters! I don't believe your transom lockers are vented overboard. Those canister vent off gas when they get hot(like in the summer) and that gas will be going right into the bilge area. That's an accident waiting to happen!

 

[Pat Spino]

Another place

The locker is vented outside, thank you very much.PJSp

 

[Bob Camarena]

How to Tell

There's a major difference in the appearance between CNG and LPG tanks. LPG tanks look like gas barbeque tanks (but might be shaped differently) while CNG tanks are of heavier construction and look more like scuba tanks. The stoves can be interchangeable by changing the jets that feed the burners to match the type of gas used.