electric range vs. propane range

[warren feldstein]

If you order a boat with a generator. Presumably you could switch from the propane range to an electic one.The electric one costs less and could be run off the generator.You would never run out of propane. Less risk of explosion from propane in the Cabin.It is not likely that you will run out of the diesel necessary to run the generator. Diesel tank quantities are easier to monitor than propane. It is easier to fill up on diesel than to remove the propane tanks and get them filled.You need to run generator periodically anyway.The propane tanks would be reserved for bar-b-que.Propane might be less expensive but I dont think that this would be that relevant.I believe that this is what the Power boats do.Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Paul Bednarzyk]

Stoves

Warren, Although on the surface this appears to be great idea, and in theory it is. However, I know of one boat that made this conversion (not a Hunter) and it worked well until he got a bad tank of fuel and as result the generator went down, no generator, no stove and no hot meals. This put a definite crimp in his trip. Just a thought, not necessarily a condemnation.Paul BednarzykS/V Knot Again

 

[Pete Albright]

Same Thoughts

I have a '77 with the Kenyon alcohol pressure stove top. I haven't tried it yet, but stories of alcohol fires have me leary.The cost of a new propane stove/oven and adding a propane system is significant. The boat has a small microwave now, that runs off of a 800 watt inverter. Adding a toaster oven and a two burner range top would handle most situations for me.There isn't room for a generator on a 30. I was thinking of getting a larger inverter and increasing the battery bank.

 

[Bill Sheehy]

Only 30 amps

On the dock I am on we only have 30 amps. I can run 2 small heaters and heat water. How much power would it take to run the stove?

 

[John]

Don't consider cost!

Let's see - you've ordered a new 460 and

 

[warren]

cost definition

John,The electric range likely costs less than the standard propane range. Accordingly, factory might switch ranges at no cost. Therefore capital cost is aproximatley the same.As far as operating costs, I do not think that it is material either way. My reference to cost was to the per hour operating cost of the two alternatives only. I have no idea what impact if any it could have on resale. However, obviously have no desire to sell vessel anyway.Thank you for your response and I hope that this clarifies the question.

 

[Jay Hill]

More Electric Thoughts

Personally, I like to look down at the burner and see exactly how much heat I'm applying with a flame. If I had gas at the landhouse, I'd replace my electric stove and oven with the LP version. OTOH, all your comments sound like good ones; matter of personal preference I guess, but running the generator (heat and noise) while settling down for a meal (either preperation or relaxation while someone else prepares) does not sound pleasant to me. Just thinkin'Jay