cng to lpg conversion

[Greg Hatcher]

Looking for info and pictures if possible on conversions of Hilleranges from CNG to LPG. I know of the safety factors and other equipment needed, but would like to pick someones brain about their instalation/ conversion. Just purchased this boat and have about 2 years to make this a "cruising the carribean boat". Love the boat, my 2nd Hunter the last a 31. I would appreciate any info helpful.
Thanks Greg

 

[Marco Garcia]

Seaward PH 562 699 7997. Have not converted to LPG, CNG easy to find at Chesapeake bay marinas, but Seaward cust service is very good at getting troubleshooting and parts help.
Marco

 

[Benny]

Just be aware that CNG stoves usually lack thermocouple switches. On a propane stove these switches will sense a change in temperature should the flame go out and shut off the propane supply. It is not a deal killer but be aware that you may lack that protection against an open or leaking valve.

 

[Steve Dion]

Greg: Contact Sure Marine www.suremarine.com

These guys can help you with any of your questions. They sell everything you need and can tell you about your existing stove.

 

[Paul Cossman]

Greg, I switched over a Seaward range/stove from CNG to LPG some years ago. Seaward sold me a set of new gas apertures for the units for around $100 or so. They were extremely easy to replace, and the entire project was complete within one hour. It's a standard conversion for them, and they sell the kits directly from Seaward.

The more serious effort was installing a propane locker and new hose. THAT took some effort.

 

[SV Tumbleweed]

We have a Hunter 35.5 and didn't have enough room for a propane locker so we built a SS mount and hung a propane bottle from the stern rail. The propane bottle is of fiberglass construction so no chance of a bleve from catastophic failure also not rust. We purchased the new orfices for the stove from the manufacturer of our stove and ran a hose from the tankregulator to the stove using a clam style bulkhead fitting and we dressed up thwe whole shebang with a sunbrella cover. We valve in the gas when on the boat and valve out and bleed the system when off. I really see no need for an automatic shut off if you use it responsibly. CnG was expensive and hard to come by and we love to cook. this was a good improvement to our vessel.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/SV_Tumbleweed/100_2072.jpg
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http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/SV_Tumbleweed/100_0593.jpg
Fair Winds,
Bill
SV Tumbleweed

 

[Vinny]

I really see no need for an automatic shut off if you use it responsibly.
Fair Winds,
Bill
SV Tumbleweed

Bill,
Not trying to be a SA but you don't need a parachute if the plane keeps flying either. Two things. One it will not pass a survey without an electric solenoid. Two as soon as your insurance company finds out they will require one and if something happens to the boat in the mean time due to the lack of an electric shutoff they won't pay the claim.

 

[BLIGHT]

Ok so we have seen one place to mount the LPG tank and I guess that you could even use the 1.5 lb tanks that are used on the grills. Is there a better place to mount the tank and housing and vent it overboard?

 

[SV Tumbleweed]

Bill,
Not trying to be a SA but you don't need a parachute if the plane keeps flying either. Two things. One it will not pass a survey without an electric solenoid. Two as soon as your insurance company finds out they will require one and if something happens to the boat in the mean time due to the lack of an electric shutoff they won't pay the claim.

Mr Vinny,
One does not pass of fail a survey. A Professional Maine Survey is an opinion of someone experienced inspecting vessels. The Report generated is used by the potential Buyer to determine said condition/value of the vessel. The ABYC LPG regulations state;

A-1.7.3 A readily accessible manual or electrically
operated (e.g., solenoid) shut-off valve shall be installed in
the low or high-pressure line at the fuel supply. See the
requirements in A-1.7.6.1 for valve location requirements.

A-1.7.3.1 The valve(s) or its control must be operable
from the vicinity of the appliance(s) in the event of a fire at
any appliance(s). If the cylinder shut-off valve is readily
accessible from the vicinity of the appliance, the shut-off
valve on the supply line is not required.

Reference Link. http://www.abycinc.org/committees/A-01.pdf

Which allows this manual system to be in full compliance...

Parachutes are not required on Planes/ Helos either.
No Flame intended...

As to the requirements of my insurance carrier however, I could not comment nor have I inquired. I wouldn't want to alarm them with my questions in any case. The Policy is already quite high, Thank you.....

Fair Winds,

Bill