Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Paul Cassel" wrote in message
. ..
Wayne.B wrote:
On Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:46:59 +0700, Bruce in Bangkok
wrote:

If I were planning on putting a generator in a boat I'd "ping" Larry
as he recently described a new model Honda that apparently is a DC
generator and an inverter combined. Larry says that he uses one and it
is quite and efficient.

Unfortunately that is not a marine generator that can be installed
below decks, nor it is a diesel.
Technically untrue. You can create an isolated compartment and vent
overboard.

I don't think Glenn's goal can be achieved on a small boat without silly
compromises. Frex, I could create the compartment, sound proof it, etc,
but then he'd lose his fuel tank, etc.

The more I think this over & read the responses (thanks all) & think I've
come to an interm conclusion. I think that I will put off the aquisition of
another generator & go ahead with the installation of the wind generator &
solar panels to charge batteries. This year I added a 90A alternator so
battery charging should be handled pretty well by these two means. Small
amounts of AC power can supplied by an upgraded inverter, while larger AC
power requirements are most often for shorter periods of time & can be
supplied by the trusty Honda iu2000.

Noise & the Honda. When this think is running slow on eco-throttle, it's
very fuel efficient & very quiet anywhere away from the boat. When loaded
up it does make more noise, but this is usually durring the day and for
short periods of time. Running the AC has me scratching my head a bit
though. Certainly don't want to be the noisy one in the anchorage, though
that 'honor' is usually claimed by someone pretty shameless about it. The
AC is the one fly in the ointment. We usually don't use it, but usually
cruise durring the winter months & aren't interested in it. Summer in FL &
the Bahamas might be harder to deal with though.

Hmmm.

Glenn.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"
wrote:

Even if I can't hear the exhaust, I can smell the
fumes. So what diesel boats need to do is anchor downwind of
EVERYBODY! Unfortunately you rarely see it. They know that
downwind from everybody exposes them to assholes who anchor upwind
of everybody and run generators.

There are plenty of cruising sailboats running the diesel aux at night
to charge batteries. It's not just generators. Frankly I've never
found fumes to be a big problem. The noise from on deck Hondas is
the real issue.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"
wrote:


"Richard Casady" wrote in message
. ..
| On Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:56:30 -0600, Paul Cassel
| wrote:
|
| Also even though these are very quiet by generator standards,
they are,
| IMO, disruptive in a completely silent anchorage, but YMMV.
|
| Just as is done with smoking, you could have segregation.
Generators
| here quiet over there. The generator crowd will invite those less
| endowed, electricity wise, over for very cold drinks with lots of
ice,
| and adequate or better air conditioning. Perhaps a voluntary
curfew on
| unnecessary noise. Pigs might fly.
|
| Casady

Pie in the sky. It'll never happen. Portable generator users don't
wanna listen to a bunch of portables grinding away all night long
any more than the rest of us. When they turn off their noise they
expect it to be quiet. That's how these people are. It's me, myself
and I. That's their mentality.

Built-in generators with water lift mufflers are an acceptable
alternative as far as noise goes. If there's any wind at all they
can't even be heard because their exhaust sounds pretty much like
waves lapping on a hull. But, most of them are diesel. And we all
know diesel stinks. I sure don't wanna be breathing diesel fumes
all night long. Even if I can't hear the exhaust, I can smell the
fumes. So what diesel boats need to do is anchor downwind of
EVERYBODY! Unfortunately you rarely see it. They know that
downwind from everybody exposes them to assholes who anchor upwind
of everybody and run generators.

The only civilized alternative is anchored boats should all contain
considerate people who care about their fellow boater and who all
agree that once the sun sets any and all generators are to be
turned off. (Ever hear of storage batteries? Try fans instead of
air conditioning!) This includes those obnoxious wind generators,
too. The noise they make is particularly bothersome. How has it
come about that a few selfish people are ruining cruising for all
concerned?

Greg


On the other hand one can simply anchor somewhere away from the common
herd. I for one go sailing to get away from people. Then you can do as
you damned please.


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(Note:displayed e-mail
address is a spam trap)

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On 2007-10-23 21:55:45 -0400, Wayne.B said:

On Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:49:03 +0000 (UTC), Harald Hannelius
wrote:

That size sailboat usually has such a relatively small engine anyway,
I've often wondered why someone doesn't market a combination primary
propulsion/genset. IOW, one engine that drives both the prop and the
generator. Seems it would help with the space problem as well as
weight distribution.

Oh, like the new Yanmar-set?

http://www.yanmarmarine.com/press/ar...ist=100&id=420

That's an interesting product but you can get almost as much power
using a big alternator and an inverter. Add a large battery bank of
400 to 800 Amp Hours and you have a great deal of flexibility. It's
important to get the alternator mounted correctly: Solid mount,
properly aligned, and the right belt(s).

3 or 6 kWH would be a SUPER big alternator, and this thing's only 4"
thick and connects between the engine and transmission.... Sounds like
direct-drive off of the crankshaft, industrial strength components and
a lot of reserve power for a boat. Heck, I think I could run my house
off of that if it weren't 50 Hz. Also suspect their power measurements
are more conservative than the Honda's.

I like the idea better than two engines, one only for the generator,
particularly since I see more problems for generators than primary
engines -- probably due to their low usage.

If I ever have a boat that needs 40 or 55 hp, I believe this might be
on the list of things to consider.

--
Jere Lull
Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:34:34 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

Summer in FL &
the Bahamas might be harder to deal with though.

Rig lots of awnings and wind scoops; go swimming a lot.

The Bahamas are generally more tolerable than Florida in the summer.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
The problem with a fixed gen set in a 35 foot boat (I think the OP
said that) is where do you put it? I've seen them installed but
generally it turns out to be a compromise.

PhantMan wrote:
That size sailboat usually has such a relatively small engine anyway,
I've often wondered why someone doesn't market a combination primary
propulsion/genset. IOW, one engine that drives both the prop and the
generator. Seems it would help with the space problem as well as
weight distribution.

Harald Hannelius wrote:
Oh, like the new Yanmar-set?
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/press/ar...ist=100&id=420

Exactly! ... I think.
Without a picture.... well, the description is less than a thousand
words. But it sounds about like what I was thinking. Smallish engine,
generator lined up behind and on the centerline for balance, spins the
prop or the generator or both, yeah... like that :-)
Nice find :-)

Rick

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"

On the other hand one can simply anchor somewhere away from the common
herd. I for one go sailing to get away from people. Then you can do as
you damned please.

Maybe in the magic land of far far away but anyplace I've ever been,
anchorages are designated areas or only a few areas are suitable. During
my singlehanding the entire eastern coast, I'd say I only anchored alone
maybe half a dozen times over many months. Someone else always showed up
or was there.

The only discourteous boat was a power boat who played music loudly.
Someone (not me) cut his anchor rope & he got the message I suppose and
left.

-paul

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:19:24 -0500, lid wrote:

Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
The problem with a fixed gen set in a 35 foot boat (I think the OP
said that) is where do you put it? I've seen them installed but
generally it turns out to be a compromise.

PhantMan wrote:
That size sailboat usually has such a relatively small engine anyway,
I've often wondered why someone doesn't market a combination primary
propulsion/genset. IOW, one engine that drives both the prop and the
generator. Seems it would help with the space problem as well as
weight distribution.

Harald Hannelius wrote:
Oh, like the new Yanmar-set?
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/press/ar...ist=100&id=420

Exactly! ... I think.
Without a picture.... well, the description is less than a thousand
words. But it sounds about like what I was thinking. Smallish engine,
generator lined up behind and on the centerline for balance, spins the
prop or the generator or both, yeah... like that :-)
Nice find :-)

Rick


I suspect that this is what Larry was talking about - a DC generator
which can run at varying speeds coupled to an inverter to give stable
AC.

If this gizmo is as efficient as Larry says the Honda units are I
expect that within a few years this will be THE system used on, at
least the smaller, cruising sailboats.


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(Note:displayed e-mail
address is a spam trap)

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On 2007-10-24 09:14:47 -0400, Paul Cassel
said:

Glenn (s/v Seawing) wrote:
Summer in FL & the Bahamas might be harder to deal with though.


It all depends on breeze. If you on anchor, it's ok. If you are tied up
at the dock, especially in Aug and Sep, then it's tough, but then you
have shore power.

We've rarely wanted more than wind scoops at night. During the day, a
quick swim does the trick...

It's so sad to see folks in an anchorage on even moderate days, all
buttoned up with the generator running to keep the a/c going. Doubt
they even look out the windows, yet they're "out on the water".

--
Jere Lull
Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

lid wrote:
Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
The problem with a fixed gen set in a 35 foot boat (I think the OP
said that) is where do you put it? I've seen them installed but
generally it turns out to be a compromise.

PhantMan wrote:
That size sailboat usually has such a relatively small engine anyway,
I've often wondered why someone doesn't market a combination primary
propulsion/genset. IOW, one engine that drives both the prop and the
generator. Seems it would help with the space problem as well as
weight distribution.

Harald Hannelius wrote:
Oh, like the new Yanmar-set?
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/press/ar...ist=100&id=420

Exactly! ... I think.
Without a picture.... well, the description is less than a thousand
words. But it sounds about like what I was thinking. Smallish engine,
generator lined up behind and on the centerline for balance, spins the
prop or the generator or both, yeah... like that :-)
Nice find :-)

Google on "KMG65E" and you'll find pictures too;

http://www.boatingoz.com.au/default....ws%2F13034%2F0

--
A: Top Posters! | s/y Charlotta |
Q: What is the most annoying thing on mailing lists? | FIN-2674 |
http://www.fe83.org/ Finn Express Purjehtijat ry | ============= |
Harald H Hannelius | harald (At) iki (dot) fi | GSM +358 50 594 1020

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
The problem with a fixed gen set in a 35 foot boat (I think the OP
said that) is where do you put it? I've seen them installed but
generally it turns out to be a compromise.

PhantMan wrote:
That size sailboat usually has such a relatively small engine anyway,
I've often wondered why someone doesn't market a combination primary
propulsion/genset. IOW, one engine that drives both the prop and the
generator. Seems it would help with the space problem as well as
weight distribution.

Harald Hannelius wrote:
Oh, like the new Yanmar-set?
http://www.yanmarmarine.com/press/ar...ist=100&id=420

PhantMan wrote:
Exactly! ... I think.
Without a picture.... well, the description is less than a thousand
words. But it sounds about like what I was thinking. Smallish engine,
generator lined up behind and on the centerline for balance, spins the
prop or the generator or both, yeah... like that :-)
Nice find :-)

Harald Hannelius wrote:
Google on "KMG65E" and you'll find pictures too;
http://www.boatingoz.com.au/default....ws%2F13034%2F0

My faith in capitalism and ingenuity has been bolstered... again.
That idea, along with a few others, has been stuck in my head for
years. Can't tell you the number of times I've pushed it on
manufacturers at boat shows etc. whenever the chance arose but I don't
think anyone listened. *Finally*, somebody has seen the light.
Now... if I can only get a TV manufacturer to install a "page button"
on their TVs, that'll beep its remote control so I can find it under
the couch or amongst the cushions or magazines. The cordless phone
guys already had the idea, now the TV guys just need to steal it ;-)
Ya think that's asking too much? ;-)

Rick

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"
wrote:

This includes those obnoxious wind generators,
too. The noise they make is particularly bothersome. How has it
come about that a few selfish people are ruining cruising for all
concerned?

The ones that put out a megawatt or more don't make all that much
noise and are not particularly obnoxious. Low RPM, they make kind of a
swishing sound. Too bad they weigh fifty tons and up. We have 600 of
the big ones here in Iowa, and as far as I know, none of the little
ones you object to. I have seen pix of the ones you refer to.

Casady

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:35:55 GMT, (Richard
Casady) wrote:

We have 600 of
the big ones here in Iowa

I saw the wind farm near Denison last summer, very impressive.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

Richard Casady wrote:

The ones that put out a megawatt or more don't make all that much
noise and are not particularly obnoxious. Low RPM, they make kind of a
swishing sound. Too bad they weigh fifty tons and up. We have 600 of
the big ones here in Iowa, and as far as I know, none of the little
ones you object to. I have seen pix of the ones you refer to.

Did you post this for any reason other than to post? The fact is that
the wind gennies used on sailboats are noisy and also dangerous. While
rare, if one of them comes down, it'll kill you if it hits you. It'll
tear the squat out of your boat too.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

The Honda generators can be converted to run on propane. Supposedly they
lose about 10% of power as a result. But at least you do not need to
carry gasoline (although I bet we all do for our dinghies).

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Jere Lull" wrote in message
news:2007102503284716807-jerelull@maccom...
On 2007-10-24 09:14:47 -0400, Paul Cassel
said:

Glenn (s/v Seawing) wrote:
Summer in FL & the Bahamas might be harder to deal with though.


It all depends on breeze. If you on anchor, it's ok. If you are tied up
at the dock, especially in Aug and Sep, then it's tough, but then you
have shore power.

We've rarely wanted more than wind scoops at night. During the day, a
quick swim does the trick...

It's so sad to see folks in an anchorage on even moderate days, all
buttoned up with the generator running to keep the a/c going. Doubt they
even look out the windows, yet they're "out on the water".

--
Jere Lull
Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/


Yes, both of you make sense. When the weather is hot...or actually even
when it's not, I spend little time below deck. Actually, I most often end
up launching my dingy and go exploring or fishing or both (I'm really bad at
fishing but persist).

Paul's on to something...it's the insects in the summer that drive us below.
I am planning to build a hard bimini with bug screens, so this will provide
an above deck place with a breeze but 'bug-free'.

I'm not big on hiding below deck with a/c...but want the option...especially
with wife and kids aboard & for a longer term (year...year & a half...maybe
more). I want the family to be happy aboard so all will be happy to keep
going.

Thanks guys!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"
wrote:

Even if I can't hear the exhaust, I can smell the
fumes. So what diesel boats need to do is anchor downwind of
EVERYBODY! Unfortunately you rarely see it. They know that
downwind from everybody exposes them to assholes who anchor upwind
of everybody and run generators.

There are plenty of cruising sailboats running the diesel aux at night
to charge batteries. It's not just generators. Frankly I've never
found fumes to be a big problem. The noise from on deck Hondas is
the real issue.


This can be an issue. Funny, usually I run my Honda in the morning...hot
shower for the Admiral.

Glenn.
s/v Seawing.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Paul Cassel" wrote in message
. ..
Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
On Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:06:18 -0400, "Gregory Hall"

On the other hand one can simply anchor somewhere away from the common
herd. I for one go sailing to get away from people. Then you can do as
you damned please.

Maybe in the magic land of far far away but anyplace I've ever been,
anchorages are designated areas or only a few areas are suitable. During
my singlehanding the entire eastern coast, I'd say I only anchored alone
maybe half a dozen times over many months. Someone else always showed up
or was there.

The only discourteous boat was a power boat who played music loudly.
Someone (not me) cut his anchor rope & he got the message I suppose and
left.

-paul

Okay, so we've been blessed...or very anti-social. I love people & being
around them...and also time with us alone. Funny, but in Florida I've often
found places to anchor alone...or at least pretty far from any other boats.

Power boaters blasting music...and kicking up huge wakes as they pass
through the anchorage...stink-boaters! O...right...my dear ol' Dad is now
running a GB...oops. :-).

Glenn.
s/v Seawing.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"126298" wrote in message
...
The Honda generators can be converted to run on propane. Supposedly they
lose about 10% of power as a result. But at least you do not need to
carry gasoline (although I bet we all do for our dinghies).


Okay...so this I'm interested in...how?

Glenn.
s/v Seawing.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:52:40 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

This can be an issue. Funny, usually I run my Honda in the morning...hot
shower for the Admiral.

If you have a FWC engine it is easy to heat water with a loop from the
aux. That's a lot quieter on most boats than an on deck Honda and you
get your batteries charged as a bonus.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:58:35 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

my dear ol' Dad is now
running a GB...oops. :-).

I am but I don't think I'm your dad. :-)

FWIW, GBs have proper marine generators. Ours has two and they are
both quiet.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:52:40 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

This can be an issue. Funny, usually I run my Honda in the morning...hot
shower for the Admiral.

If you have a FWC engine it is easy to heat water with a loop from the
aux. That's a lot quieter on most boats than an on deck Honda and you
get your batteries charged as a bonus.

Good thought on the hot water from the auxillary. Mine was plumbed that way
until this last year. We removed the plumbing for that because it was kinda
all wrong. We removed alot of things actually...bags & bags of old hose &
wire that was either wrong or not connected to anything at either end.
Typical old boat...keep installing new without removing the old & broken.
Sure clears out the engine room taking a few days to do that.

Thanks for the reminder Wayne, I'll put that on my list for this year. It
makes sense too 'cause I just installed a higher output alternator for
battery charging.

Glenn.
s/v Seawing.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:58:35 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

my dear ol' Dad is now
running a GB...oops. :-).

I am but I don't think I'm your dad. :-)

FWIW, GBs have proper marine generators. Ours has two and they are
both quiet.

Dad's GB had a real screamer for a generator (can't recall the brand off the
top of my head...though I've spent hours and ours hugging it). Replacing it
with a larger & quieter take-out this year.

Glenn.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:17:53 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

Dad's GB had a real screamer for a generator (can't recall the brand off the
top of my head...though I've spent hours and ours hugging it). Replacing it
with a larger & quieter take-out this year.

Be sure and get an 1800 RPM unit (as opposed to 3600), a sound shield,
and a water lift muffler. Our primary unit is rigged that way and it
is almost inaudible from the flybridge or off the boat.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

www.propane-generators.com/eu2000i_ kits.htm

Correction to my comment about losing 10% of power, apparently this is
no longer the case with the latest conversion mod:
www.propane-generators.com/dedicated_kits.htm "This type of conversion
will produce FULL power because the carburetor is now delivering fuel at
the exact location that was engineered for the delivery of gasoline to
the engine air stream."

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:17:53 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

Dad's GB had a real screamer for a generator (can't recall the brand off
the
top of my head...though I've spent hours and ours hugging it). Replacing
it
with a larger & quieter take-out this year.

Be sure and get an 1800 RPM unit (as opposed to 3600), a sound shield,
and a water lift muffler. Our primary unit is rigged that way and it
is almost inaudible from the flybridge or off the boat.

Theirs has a sound shield & a water lift muffler but is pretty loud
still....and a very regular maintenance headache. I spent a number of years
in the noise-control business so have sourced some anti-vibration mounts for
the new generator (much engine noise is actually transmitted by vibration).
Hopefully the more modern unit & better sound control will make it more
livable for them. The crazy thing about the GB is that they've installed an
AC stove. So...without the generator running, there's no cooking going on
(unless one travels marina-to-marina).

Glenn.
s/v Seawing

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:38:02 GMT, "Glenn \(s/v Seawing\)"
wrote:

The crazy thing about the GB is that they've installed an
AC stove. So...without the generator running, there's no cooking going on
(unless one travels marina-to-marina).

A lot of power boats have electric stoves and it is convenient to not
worry about carrying stove fuel. It was a real issue on our old boat
which only had one generator. We used to carry one of the little one
burner butane stoves as emergency backup. We now have a backup
generator on the new boat and end up using every now and then.

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Sat, 3 Nov 2007 05:55:57 +0100 (CET), wrote:

www.propane-generators.com/eu2000i_ kits.htm

Correction to my comment about losing 10% of power, apparently this is
no longer the case with the latest conversion mod:
www.propane-generators.com/dedicated_kits.htm "This type of conversion
will produce FULL power because the carburetor is now delivering fuel at
the exact location that was engineered for the delivery of gasoline to
the engine air stream.

It happens that propane, as well as both alcohols, methanol and
ethanol, have an octane rating of 100. There is no reason not to
expect better efficiency and more power, compared to gasoline.The
carburetor designer's job is easier. You can realistically expect to
get the same near ideal mixture to all the cylinders. The perfect
fuel, actually.Historically, propane has been cheaper and there were
engines around that could use the octane..

Casady...

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:15:26 GMT, (Richard
Casady) wrote:


It happens that propane, as well as both alcohols, methanol and
ethanol, have an octane rating of 100. There is no reason not to
expect better efficiency and more power, compared to gasoline.The
carburetor designer's job is easier. You can realistically expect to
get the same near ideal mixture to all the cylinders. The perfect
fuel, actually.Historically, propane has been cheaper and there were
engines around that could use the octane..

Casady...


Hmmm...the unspoken implication is that high octane implies high
energy content. It doesn't however. It's a common place that 90
octane can have higher energy content than 100 octane.
The high test stuff has better anti knock properties however, so
higher compression can provide better thermal efficiency using that
lower energy content fuel.

Brian Whatcott Altus OK

Cruising Boat Generator (small)
 

On Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:15:26 GMT, (Richard
Casady) wrote:

On Sat, 3 Nov 2007 05:55:57 +0100 (CET), wrote:

www.propane-generators.com/eu2000i_ kits.htm

Correction to my comment about losing 10% of power, apparently this is
no longer the case with the latest conversion mod:
www.propane-generators.com/dedicated_kits.htm "This type of conversion
will produce FULL power because the carburetor is now delivering fuel at
the exact location that was engineered for the delivery of gasoline to
the engine air stream.

It happens that propane, as well as both alcohols, methanol and
ethanol, have an octane rating of 100. There is no reason not to
expect better efficiency and more power, compared to gasoline.The
carburetor designer's job is easier. You can realistically expect to
get the same near ideal mixture to all the cylinders. The perfect
fuel, actually.Historically, propane has been cheaper and there were
engines around that could use the octane..

Casady...


The "Tuk-Tuks", motorized tri-shaws, and most of the taxis in Bangkok
have been using LPG for years. In talking with the taxi drivers they
say that costs are about half what gasoline costs but they feel that
power is slightly less.

I did notice that the conversion shown in the URL is simply a modified
carburetor while the taxis here have a somewhat more sophisticated
system that includes a "boiler", a vaporizer heated by engine coolant,
to ensure complete vaporization of the LPG, but given normal
temperatures in Bangkok I have no idea why that should be required.

Bruce-in-Bangkok
(Note:displayed e-mail
address is a spam trap)