CNG/LPG

[Dave]

I bought a 1996 Catalina 30 MKIII last spring, and believed 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. If the stove is LPG, can I safely use CNG? Thanks in advance for any info.DaveS/V Westwind

 

[Tom Soko]

Not the Same

CNG and LPG are not the same. CNG is lighter than air, LPG (Propane) is heavier than air. Easiest way to tell which one you have is to look at the tank. If it looks like a scuba tank, you have CNG. LPG tanks come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, but the thing they have in common is that they are in a sealed compartment/comtainer that is vented out the hull. They also would have a solonoid switch mounted near the galley or elec panel in the main cabin. CNG is supposedly safer, but it is far more expensive and much harder to find. Most newer boats come with LPG.

 

[Dave]

Thanks

Hi Tom: Thanks for the info, that is what I needed to know. I will check the tank and use the appropriate fuel. I will also check with the selling dealer to see if they have the records on what was installed.Dave