I am wanting to convert an alcohol stove to propane. How difficult is the task and is there anyplace I can go for retrofit parts and supplies?
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Safety First
I would not convert, but rather buy a new stove. The time, hassle and safety issues would make an entire new stove a better choice. A possible solution: my H260 has a Kenyon butane stove. There are similar models from Glomate (check West Marine and Boat US). Both brands use the same disposable butane canisters and would eliminate the plumbing you would need with an "installed" system. Alcohol has the advantage of simplicity and safety. If it leaks, the vapors diffuse into the air and leave the boat. Propane and butane are heavier than air and so could end up in the bilge if there is a leak, and turn the boat into a floating bomb. My Kenyon is built into a kind of tray with a hose that leads to a through-hull where the butane would go in the event of a leak. I say this not to discourage you from switching, but to emphasize that you need to ask a lot of questions and be sure that the installation is done correctly for safety's sake. Best of luck and Happy Sailing! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
I would not convert, but rather buy a new stove. The time, hassle and safety issues would make an entire new stove a better choice. A possible solution: my H260 has a Kenyon butane stove. There are similar models from Glomate (check West Marine and Boat US). Both brands use the same disposable butane canisters and would eliminate the plumbing you would need with an "installed" system. Alcohol has the advantage of simplicity and safety. If it leaks, the vapors diffuse into the air and leave the boat. Propane and butane are heavier than air and so could end up in the bilge if there is a leak, and turn the boat into a floating bomb. My Kenyon is built into a kind of tray with a hose that leads to a through-hull where the butane would go in the event of a leak. I say this not to discourage you from switching, but to emphasize that you need to ask a lot of questions and be sure that the installation is done correctly for safety's sake. Best of luck and Happy Sailing! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
Not all alchol stoves are created equal
Todd: Not all alchol stove are created equal. If you ask almost anyone that has a Origo alchol stove they are generally happy with them. If you ask almost anyone that has a pressurized alchol stove they are generally un-happy with them. Origo stoves can be had for under $300 for a 2 burner unit and you are done with it. If you look at propane you need the stove, the valves, the hoses, the tanks, the installation and you should have some type of gas detector aboard too. Too much expense for a small boat with not much benefits (IMHO).
Todd: Not all alchol stove are created equal. If you ask almost anyone that has a Origo alchol stove they are generally happy with them. If you ask almost anyone that has a pressurized alchol stove they are generally un-happy with them. Origo stoves can be had for under $300 for a 2 burner unit and you are done with it. If you look at propane you need the stove, the valves, the hoses, the tanks, the installation and you should have some type of gas detector aboard too. Too much expense for a small boat with not much benefits (IMHO).
Agree with Steve
I have the Origo stove and would not trade it for anything else. Propane certainly would not be my choice for two reasons: expense and safe container storage.
I have the Origo stove and would not trade it for anything else. Propane certainly would not be my choice for two reasons: expense and safe container storage.
Try portable butate stove
I've kept my Kenyon alcohol stove as a backup. BTU output on alcohol is less than other fuels. Alcohol fuel is more expensive when comparing BTU output against propane and butane. Leaking alcohol will evaporate up and out. Propane and butane, however, are heavier than air and can settle in the bilge or lower areas of the hull. Both propane and butane burn hotter (more BTUs) and cook faster. I have a portable one burner butane stove which I use most of the time. I was in the natural gas industry for a number of years and worked with both natural and propane gases. Bottom line is that all gases are safe as long as the proper equipment is used when installing. Proper operation and frequent safety checking should be a normal part of your sailing just as much as any other boat care.
I've kept my Kenyon alcohol stove as a backup. BTU output on alcohol is less than other fuels. Alcohol fuel is more expensive when comparing BTU output against propane and butane. Leaking alcohol will evaporate up and out. Propane and butane, however, are heavier than air and can settle in the bilge or lower areas of the hull. Both propane and butane burn hotter (more BTUs) and cook faster. I have a portable one burner butane stove which I use most of the time. I was in the natural gas industry for a number of years and worked with both natural and propane gases. Bottom line is that all gases are safe as long as the proper equipment is used when installing. Proper operation and frequent safety checking should be a normal part of your sailing just as much as any other boat care.
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