Propane refregeration on boats ?

[Bob Rutland]

Why is propane refregeration not more commonly used on boats? I've seen it used very successfully in campers, but have never seen it used on a boat.Is it a safety issuse? Or the need to vent the pilot light?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Gas refrigeration needs to remain level

which is impossible on a boat, especially a sailboat. RVers even have problems with 'em when the vehicle has been parked on a hill or when traveling in the mountains.

 

[Jim Wolfgram]

Don't think it will work and there is a safety pro

I believe it is a safety issue and I think it won't work as well. Don Casey's book "this old boat" has a good write up on it. In short, I believe the risks are an open flame on board the boat. I also believe that this form of refrigeration system needs to be pretty close to level to work, thus the it won't work thought.

 

[barrett]

L

Many will say "Absolutely Not!!" but, Hal Roth (or Eric Hiscock,I mix them up sometimes)used a propane refrigerator as he curcumnavigated many times.....He was a great sailor/crusier who wrote many books on how to do it right...Of course, it's easier to store amps now than it use to be, making electric refrigeration more user friendly... I have seriously researched allthe following:Most folks say they shouldn't be on a boat for a couple reasons 1) Venting is an issue, and 2) because LPG is heavier than air. If you get a leak your bilge will fill with the gas until it reaches the location of the pilot light, then "Kaablooie"...The USCG is very strongly against the use, but they are also very strongly against the use of a propane stove/oven...they just do not think propane is a good Idea...I have a 12 volt refer now,and,because of the large use of amps,I have considered a propane refrigerator, but have so far decided against it because of the venting issue,and the fact that I sail in a warm climate and the additional heat of the pilot light is something else I want to avoid...Also, energy to run it is easier tomake now that not that long ago...the link below is to a british site that talks about safe installation of different LPG appliances on boats,including refers...When it comes to safety, it is no more dangerous than any other propane appliance used on your boat...Some say propane refers need to remain level. Not true. They just will not work if kept at a constant angle..ie; Parking an RV at a angle on a hill...While moving (like on a sail boat or an RV driving down the road) the movement prevents the coolant from 'vapor locking'...The biggest problem you will have in Florida will be the heat put off by one,unless you can figure out how to vent it...if they can't 'get rid of' the heat the transfer, they do not work very well...Good Luck

 

[Debra B]

so many 12 volt options

given the problems with propane and the many 12 volt options from holding plate to evaporators that make ice cubes possible.And 12 volt is a lot less likely to explode than propane. I would not have propane on my boat if I could have gotten a decent diesel stove that was not a better heater than it was a stove.(Don't assume that what you see on the big web-sites is all there is. If you have a large refrig or a refrig and freezer there are a lot of double-compressor holding plate systems that can handle enormous spaces...with enough insulation.)

 

[Mark M Smith]

They use propane on the new gemini

catamarans! I have often wondered why more sailors don't use them.