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thudbranch thudbranch is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Oct 2007
Posts: 7
Default Propane vs Alcohol

If you go with the alcohol stove, you can save a lot of money on
fuel-- buy it at the hardware store as "denatured" alcohol (the cans
say for stove use also on them.) I found the cost about 1/2 of
marine store retail! I had an origo two burner that was fine but
slow. It was also a pain to fill the canisters - very hard to do
without spilling when underway.

I am about to install a LPG system on my Cal 31 and am going to put
two tanks behind the steering wheel and built a seat over the tanks.
The cockpit drains will serve to let any leaked propane flow downhill
and overboard. I just bought the new fiberglass tanks that won't
corrode and cost about 1/
the alluminum cost. These tanks also let you see the liguid level in
the tanks. Great invention.
Greg


On Oct 9, 10:10 am, Gordon wrote:
My Pearson 365 ketch currently has a pressurized alcohol Kenyon cook
stove. This sucker has got to go!
Propane would probably be the best way to go but finding a place to
put the tank is a major PIA. I don't like hanging things on railings.
Looks crummy and tends to loosen stanchions. And I don't like extra
stuff on deck. Converting a space in a locker to meet all safety
requirements also seems like a PIA.
Also the cost. Tanks, solenoid. pressure regulator, hoses, sniffer,
installation of wiring and hoses, yada yada
Go, I'm also considering Origo alcohol stoves. Non pressurized, no
tank, no hoses or electrical. However, alcohol is expensive and can be
hard to find if doing extended cruising and you don't want to carry too
much on board. Also, alcohol doesn't have the BTU's of propane.
So, any good advice?
Gordon