Propane Conversion

[Eric Viehman]

I am giving consideration to converting my CNG to Propane. I am sure this is a common process but, I can't find any articles on the subject. Any experiences you have had would be most appreciated, pros and cons, costs, etc. Where did you put your propane tanks?Also, know where I can buy a good used CNG tank in case I decide not convert? My tank is shot.

 

[Bradley Cavedo]

propane

Hunter made a fiberglass insert for later models of the P42 that goes into the port stern quarter locker. The tank goes into the insert and it is vented overboard. The insert fits onto the rim of the locker and blocks access to the lower part of the locker. To fix that, Hunter sawed a door into the locker from the inside, right beside the pillows on the aft cabin bed. Maybe you can contact Hunter about the insert and see if they sell them or will make you one from their mold.

 

[Rob Koryn]

Eric - I converted our 1993 P42 to propane from CNG. (I sold the CNG tanks on the internet so I can't help you there!) I used the rear starboard locker for the propane tanks. I made my own mold out of some plastic wastepaper baskets that were the right size for the large propane tanks. Once I had the mold made, I layed it up with fiberglass and then used 3/8" plywood to divide the locker in half and then made a wall on the outer side of the locker. It was a difficult job, but it turned out real well. You also realize that you have to change the jets for propane on all the surface units as well as the oven. The pilot light on the oven seemed to be OK-so I didn't change that. There are other requirements to the conversion, like the solenoid, venting, gas line, etc. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me. Defenders Supply has CNG tanks for sale in their catalog.

 

[Bryan]

Scuba tanks = CNG tanks.

The CNG tank on my '88 35 is a steel scuba tank. The only difference is the hardware screwed into the tank. I took it to a scuba shop to have it certified a couple months ago. Can't say whether a higher pressure aluminum tank would be acceptable, though. I haven't converted and do not intend to, as CNG is safer (because it is lighter than air) and I have a convenient CNG source in Miami. I have heard $2000 as a common figure for conversion cost, which seems high to me. As for the burners, I understand propane is a hotter gas and therefore the burner orifices need to be smaller. My guess is that most of the expense involved is building and adding the extra safety gear necessary for propane tank use.

 

[Bryan]

CNG locations

P.S. check out http://www.corpbrothers.com (under marine products) for a list of various locations you can get CNG refills.