Pressurized Alcohol Stoves

Nereussailor · May 7, 2009

I have one that I picked up on ebay a couple of boats ago. It's pretty simple to light, you just have to be careful when you do it. Try lighting it a few times on a table outdoors until you get the hang of it. keep as little alcohol in the priming cups as you can to reduce the flame size. Once you do it a few times, it will become easy. I always kept a fire extinguisher close, but never had to use it. They use less alcohol than the Origo ones that you just pour the fuel in and light. Some people like 'em some hate 'em I guess it's a preference.

sailingdog · May 7, 2009

Considering that a large number of boat fires were started by pressurized alcohol stoves causing them...yes, they're as dangerous as they say. I've seen at least two boats burned to the waterline cause of them. Boat US, the insurance company, has a section in its recent book, Seaworthy, about pressurized alcohol stoves...taken from its insurance company case files. They also have some interesting statistics about how boat fires that are galley related have dropped as propane has become more popular as a fuel.

One major problem with alcohol stoves is that the flames can be very difficult to see, since alcohol burns with a nearly clear, bluish flame. Also, the fires can be difficult to put out. Pouring water on them can displace them and leave them burning in places like the bilge without warning. FYI, water is not a recommended way of putting out alcohol fires, since alcohol needs to be diluted very heavily to stop burning. If you don't believe that, try torching some 80 proof vodka... it's only 40% alcohol by volume, and still quite flammable.

MoonSailer · May 7, 2009

The safest way to light a stove is by using a propane or butane torch to preheat the burner. Once the burner is warm/hot turn on the alcohol and it will light right up. This is especially true during the winter when it is cold. During the summer we usually don't use the torch. If you add enough alcohol to see you have added too much. Also if there is a flame up it is no big deal unless you have a really big flame up. Turn off the alcohol during the flame up and turn it back on as the flame dies down. You have got to be carefull !!! We have used our stove for almost 6 years and yes we have had some flame ups. But the thought of propane blowing up the boat has made us realise that any kind of flame on a boat is dangerous and must be handled with care. We have used water to put out a flame-up and it worked well. But it was scarey!!!! I am not advocating that you use an alcohol stove but only saying that we have for years and our boat has never caught fire. If you decide to sell let me know and I might buy it.

Royal Flush · May 7, 2009

I have an old Princess alcohol Stove and gave it a try. My burners leaked and caused a semi major flareup. I burned my counter and sides plash which were both in pristine shape. I had an extinquisher but chose to not use it. I guess I should have. I'd like to know how to get the stove serviced and obtain replacement parts.

Richard Bryer · May 7, 2009

I believe Holland marine up here has parts for Princess stoves
http://www.hollandmarine.com/

Steve Dion · May 7, 2009

Capt J:

The "best" thing to do is to get rid of the stove. An Origo makes a relatively cheap replacement and puts out decent heat.

Another option is to use one of those cheapo butane units ($40) that you can place on the counter. We use one as a backup.

tsmwebb · May 7, 2009

Steve Dion said:
Another option is to use one of those cheapo butane units ($40) that you can place on the counter. We use one as a backup.

Do be careful. The propane or butane should be stored in a vented locker. You don't want to turn you boat into an FAE.

--Tom.

Alec · May 7, 2009

Alcohol Stove

I used one for 25+ years with no real problems. I would pump it up, fill the ring about half way up with alcohol & light it. When that burned away COMPLETELY (NOT BEFORE!) I would upen the valve until I heard a hiss (the hot vaporized alcohol) and then I would light that with a barbecue lighter.

I believe that most "flare-Ups" come from putting too much alcohol into the rim or trying to light it before the initial pre-heat alcohol burned completely off.

That being said, I would have preferred using a Non-Pressurized stove primarily because I believe they provide considerably better heat.

Benny · May 7, 2009

The fact that they don't make them any more should give you a hint. Besides the flareup hazard they are unreliable. I like to eat when I get hungry, not when the stove decides that I may.

jackhartjr · May 7, 2009

Here is a 'Primer'...no pun intended on lighting them;

http://www.pearson323.net/documents/Kenyon Homestrand 206 211 209 operating manual.pdf

Jack

sailaway78 · May 8, 2009

I got one

For me, it is not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. If you are an idiot, then by all means get rid of it. It's kind of like the old 500ccc single cylinder motorcycles, you have to learn the starting drill. Begin with a very small amount of alcohol in the little dish, or as moonsailor recommended, pre heat the burners with a propane torch. Do not believe the stuff about not making any heat, being slow etc. It may be a tad slower than propane, but not a lot. If I had the space for a properly vented propane tank, and all the associated lines, and valves and safety stuff, then I might consider propane. But conversion is expensive, takes up room, and is overall a PITA. Not a knock on anyone, but I wonder how many who knock the alcohol have actually used one, or are giving second hand info.

Ron20324 · May 8, 2009

There's a Princess on the Digital Dumpster site.

MKirk51 · May 8, 2009

I second Nice N Easy. I've never had a problem. Pump it up, crack the knob to let a small amount flow into the depression under the burner, let it burn dry, and off you go.
When I first got the boat, one of the burners didn't work. I pulled the stove out, drained the fuel, pumped it up and submerged it in the bathtub. No leaks so the plumbing and tank was good, so I ordered a replacement burner from packstoves.com. When I installed it and fired it up I realized how much better it was than the old working burner, so I replaced that one too. Kinda pricy but still cheaper than a whole new stove. You might wanna pull it and check for leaks before making any decision. I've read that slight leaks can cause headaches. I always open the fill cap and release the pressure when I'm done just in case.

Ken Palmer · May 9, 2009

This is an easy one... Put some water in a pot, then place it on the burner. Light the alcohol in the bowl at the burner. The flames will not shoot up in the air because the pot will keep the flame down, and the water keeps the pot cool.

Prime Time · May 9, 2009

Not so bad

I've used one for 35 yrs. Not so hard to do. The key is not to put too much alcohol in the lower cup area before you preheat. DO NOT FILL IT UP COMPLETELY.

Bad Obsession · May 10, 2009

I once had a very small alcohol fire in a boat that I had a long time ago. I filled the NON-Pressurized stove but it had a small leak as it was old. It caught a cushion on fire in the boat. I used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. It took me a very long time to clean up all that crap from the fire extinguisher.

It may be a good idea to replace the stove with something a tad safer if you value your boat and your life.

Pressurized Alcohol Stoves

Cpt. Jon

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Nereussailor

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sailingdog

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MoonSailer

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Royal Flush

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Richard Bryer

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Steve Dion

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tsmwebb

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Cpt. Jon

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Alec

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Benny

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jackhartjr

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sailaway78

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Ron20324

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MKirk51

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Ken Palmer

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Cpt. Jon

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Prime Time

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Bad Obsession

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