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Choosing the right gas stove for your boat or yacht |
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There are several options for choosing the right gas stove for your boat or yacht. But whatever type you choose, the most important thing is to make sure that the stove is installed properly and is safe to use.
Undoubtedly one of the most used appliances in a boat, your stove can run on different fuel types. The choices vary from bottled petroleum gas, bottled natural gas, diesel fuel oil, alcohol or kerosene (paraffin). Most powerboats today come with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). A certified technician must install your cooking and/or heating fuel system. Regular checks must also be done on the cooking system as LPGs can cause fatal explosion. It is also advisable to install a good gas detector with sensors for each gas appliance.
There are some who stick to paraffin or kerosene stoves, used largely in older boats. It could be a little smelly though and lighting the fire could be tricky at times. And then there are the diesel-powered stoves. However, diesel-fuelled stoves take some time to reach operating temperature and can have soot problems.
Pros and cons of Boat Stoves
In an article first published at the Good Old Boat magazine (Volume 3, Number 2, March/April 2000) and posted at the Boatus.com website, writer Theresa Fort details the pros and cons of the main fuels for galley stoves.
Alcohol fuel for stoves has been promoted as ideal environmentally safe fuel because of its low volatility. This seems safer for closed environments as in boats. Alcohol stoves also do not require stove owner to carry heavy storage tanks. The fire can also be easily extinguished with water.
However, some people feel nauseous about the sweet smell of burning alcohol. Alcohol fuel is also more expensive than other alternatives.
Compressed Natural Gas
Compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a mixture of hydrocarbons, is favored for its clean-burning fuel. It also burns hotter than alcohol and lighter than air. It is seen as a safer gas for boat stoves since leaks tend to go up to the cabintop and escape through any opening outside. Vapors, though, could still build up poorly ventilated areas of the cabin.
It is also highly volatile under pressure.
To be safe, CNG cylinders should be place in self-contained storage lockers. A good-quality, spark-proofed alarm and sniffer should also be installed aboard any boat with a compressed natural gas stove.
Diesel
High-energy and stable, diesel fuel does not give off flammable fumes. It is affordable and easily available. Pressurized and non-pressurized diesel stoves may be used for your boat depending on your preference. Diesel stoves can cause heavy soot, however. The filth could be a problem especially in long sails so it is best to learn how to operate and adjust it properly.
Electricity
If you have access to shorepower or have enough generator power, then using electricity to power your stove may be a better choice. Electrical appliances such as microwave ovens yield faster cooking time. Since electricity is a dry heat, using it for cooking will cause your boat cabin to be drier. But relying on a generator to power your stove will also increased your consumption of diesel or gas, depending on your energy source. Your generator will also require better maintenance since you are using it often.
Kerosene
Kerosene, a colorless, thin oil from hydrocarbons, is inexpensive and highly available. It is less volatile than alcohol and can be stored easily. You can have odorless and soot-free cabin if you properly run and maintain kerosene-fueled stove in your boat. But it can be a challenge to light kerosene stoves as the stoves need priming with alcohol. They can create big smoke and smell awful. Spills also take a long time to evaporate and could be a fire hazard in the long run since cushions inside the boat could absorb kerosene fumes.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
LPG is a popular fuel choice for most marine-stove owners, especially international cruisers. It is cheap; burns hot and clean, and can be bought anywhere. However, LPG fuel can be highly explosive and poses serious fire hazard inside the boat. LPG use and storage inside the boat should be carefully monitored.
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