I'm looking for feedback as to what is involved (and cost) to convert from compressed natural gas to LPG. I'm looking at a lot of boats that are in the mid to late 1980's era and many have CNG. Since it can be more difficult to get CNG and I also understand it is more expensive I would like to know what would be involved in doing a conversion both costs and what is required? Thanks in advance for any feedback, experiences or pointers to other sites that may discuss this.
Converting CNG to LPG
- Thread starter philippe-nw
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How many tanks of CNG do you go through a year?
Depending on the number of tanks you use a year, if may be cheaper just to stay with CNG. I looked into it a while back and talked to Sure Marine in Ballard, and that is our decision. We carry two CNG tanks, and that will take care of us on most long trips, up to a 8 weeks cruise, including tank swaps at marinas. Agreed, it is harder to get CNG, but as long as you stay around the Northwest, most marinas will swap CNG tanks. If you plan to go south, way way south like Mexico, then LPG is obviously a better choice. By the way, if you switch from CNG to LPG, it may be a good idea for you to contact your boat's insurance company.
Depending on the number of tanks you use a year, if may be cheaper just to stay with CNG. I looked into it a while back and talked to Sure Marine in Ballard, and that is our decision. We carry two CNG tanks, and that will take care of us on most long trips, up to a 8 weeks cruise, including tank swaps at marinas. Agreed, it is harder to get CNG, but as long as you stay around the Northwest, most marinas will swap CNG tanks. If you plan to go south, way way south like Mexico, then LPG is obviously a better choice. By the way, if you switch from CNG to LPG, it may be a good idea for you to contact your boat's insurance company.
CNG to LPG
Since the stove body, piping, and accessories, of both CNG & LPG, are virtually identical, you may be able to just change the burners and air orificesin the stove. Contact the manufacturer of your range and see if this is the case. You will also need to install a vapor-proof LPG box in an above-the-waterline location, and drain it over the side (CNG tanks do not require a vapor-tight locker overboard drainage). New propane bottle(s) will need to be added, along with a new LPG regulator. Depending on the location of the locker, you will probably need to run new hose from the tanks to the stove, and a new LPG shut off solenoid, with a remote switch in the galley (c/w integral ‘sniffer’ alarm).
Since the stove body, piping, and accessories, of both CNG & LPG, are virtually identical, you may be able to just change the burners and air orificesin the stove. Contact the manufacturer of your range and see if this is the case. You will also need to install a vapor-proof LPG box in an above-the-waterline location, and drain it over the side (CNG tanks do not require a vapor-tight locker overboard drainage). New propane bottle(s) will need to be added, along with a new LPG regulator. Depending on the location of the locker, you will probably need to run new hose from the tanks to the stove, and a new LPG shut off solenoid, with a remote switch in the galley (c/w integral ‘sniffer’ alarm).
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Alice C.
LPG is better
We converted to Lpg 4 years ago. It was very expensive to fill the CNG tanks here-at that time 80$. I'm sure it's much more now. We have a Hillerange 3 burner stove with oven. They were very efficient at sending us the kit to convert the burners and oven. Also, the LPG lasts longer and burns hotter. We had to replace the gas hose and install a cutoff switch. My husband says it was not a bad job. I am very pleasedwith our conversion. We are extremely careful about propane safety issues and it has been great so far. Alice C.
We converted to Lpg 4 years ago. It was very expensive to fill the CNG tanks here-at that time 80$. I'm sure it's much more now. We have a Hillerange 3 burner stove with oven. They were very efficient at sending us the kit to convert the burners and oven. Also, the LPG lasts longer and burns hotter. We had to replace the gas hose and install a cutoff switch. My husband says it was not a bad job. I am very pleasedwith our conversion. We are extremely careful about propane safety issues and it has been great so far. Alice C.
Just did it
We loved having CNG due to the safety factor and it seemed to last forever however availability is going to be an issue in Mexico and Central America. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. Hillerange (the mfg. of our stove and oven) sold us the conversion kit for 120.00 plus shipping. The harder part was running Propane lines (Expensive too 95.00 for 25 ft.). As posted by others you will either need to put the tanks in a sealed vented storage box or as we did, mount the tanks outside. I found that a lifesling 2 bag will just barely hold two 6 lb tall tanks. I just built a thin plywood box to insert in the lifesling bag and hung it on the pulpit. If you want to chat offline send me an email alopez865@earthlink.net
We loved having CNG due to the safety factor and it seemed to last forever however availability is going to be an issue in Mexico and Central America. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. Hillerange (the mfg. of our stove and oven) sold us the conversion kit for 120.00 plus shipping. The harder part was running Propane lines (Expensive too 95.00 for 25 ft.). As posted by others you will either need to put the tanks in a sealed vented storage box or as we did, mount the tanks outside. I found that a lifesling 2 bag will just barely hold two 6 lb tall tanks. I just built a thin plywood box to insert in the lifesling bag and hung it on the pulpit. If you want to chat offline send me an email alopez865@earthlink.net
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