ALCOHOL TO PROPANE STOVE REFIT
Part 2 -- Specifying the System
Date: May 30, 1999
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
As I mentioned when we first bought our Endeavour 32, one of the main issues we had with the boat was the alcohol stove that came with it. Standard issue galley for the Endeavour 32 seems to be a "Galley Maid" 2-burner alcohol stove with an oven. Ours came in dark brown and reminds me of the kitchens I saw in trailers during the late 60s and 70s--although those we're propane. It's gimbled and has a lock to prevent it from swinging. On the Endeavour 32, the galley is located at the bottom of the companion way stairs along the port side. The galley is sort of 'L' shaped with the stove parallel to the port side, a top loading ice box in the corner, and the sink aft running athwart ships. Not a lot of space to work with but functional. I've seen some minor variations on accessories (ie: sink faucet, etc) but the layout is consistent through out the production run.
For me there were 3 issues:
- A stove that fits in the existing space
- Safe storage for the fuel tank
- A safe delivery system
THE STOVE
Since there seems to be more options in choosing a fuel storage and delivery system, I initially focused on selecting the propane stove. Two major issues were 1) does it fit the existing space and 2) how good of a stove/oven is it. How well does it work, how long has the company been in business, maintenance/repair availability, and reputation. Practical Sailor ("Top Stove: Seaward Princess" Practical Sailor, March 15, 1996, pgs 8-12) was my main source of information for answering these questions, and for many reasons, chose the Seaward Princess (Hillarange) which was available through West Marine and Boat U.S. by mail order. It was also just a tad smaller than the old Galley Maid so I knew it would fit. It comes in a 2- or 3-burner stove with an oven, although the 3 burner is too large for the space on the E32. It's stainless steel on the outside and porcelainized on the inside--apparently for a more even heat. As it turns out, it was the 'recommended' choice by PS, it was one of the least expensive for new stoves, and it fit the space. Also, the matching formica top/insert for the stove should fit with minimal adjustment. The only regret is that the burners aren't sealed which will allow stuff to accumulate under the top. I think that they now have a sealed version model.
THE FUEL LOCKER & TANK
By far my biggest concern was safety and may have been one of the reasons I've procrastinated as long as I have before installing a propane system. The placement of the fuel tank, connections, control, and delivery system are of primary concern so as to prevent ANY leakage of propane into the boat. On the E32, there are two fuel lockers located in the cockpit, one to starboard and another to port. Both are the same size and are located under the seat lids which simply lift up to expose the lockers. However the starboard one has an adjoining opening down into the lazerette which leads inside of the boat to the engine compartment and bilge. Both have 1/2" drains which connect to through hulls so that they drain directly overboard. Both will just fit a 10lb propane tank with about a 1/2" play around it. There is roughly 3" clearance above the tank to the bottom of the seat lid which should accommodate the pressure gauge, regulator, and solenoid. Choices on tanks are either steel or aluminum. Steel is a little easier to fill as you can drop yours off and take someone else's--steel can also rust. Aluminum tanks don't rust, have a shorter certification period and need to be filled on the spot--they also cost more. After having dealt with our rusting alcohol fuel tank, repainting it every year and having the drain constantly plug up from 'rusty bits', I opted for the aluminum tank. Both are available thru West Marine and Boat U.S.
THE DELIVERY SYSTEM
The third component is getting the propane from the tank to the stove safely. This includes the 'Propane Control System' and connections. The propane control system is an electronic device located in the galley that controls the solenoid in the fuel locker and can additionally be connected to a 'sniffer' for detecting propane leaks--an essential piece of equipment. We purchased a Xintex "Fireboy" S-2A, which quite frankly, was the only one we found. The same company makes another model which essentially allows one remote sensor, our will allow 2 if we choose to add another. We also purchased a 20ft length of propane fuel line hose to bring the propane to the stove from the locker, wire managers and pipe insullation for 1/2" pipe to wrap the propane line at critical points. The Island Packet I looked at earlier uses copper tubing with compression fittings for its run to the stove. This is apparently the recommended way to go for runs over 20ft. Another potential problem that needs to be worked out is the space in the fuel locker. The locker may be a little too small to allow us to put the pressure gauge and regulator directly on the tank and am looking into shortening the fittings or mounting the regulator on the locker wall. I also have a compression fitting for where the fuel line exits the locker into the boat, and plan to use foam pipe insulation (tube) and wire managers to hold my run in place and to minimize wear.
BUYING IT
All said and done, we mail ordered everything from Boat U.S., including shipping for $1,235.00. Not only was everything was less expensive than anyone else, but we took advantage of their Spring 10% off sale as well. In addition to this they sent us another $10 coupon for every $200 we spent, saving us another $60! Not too bad for a brand new system!
PARTS LIST |
| Hillerange Seaward Princess two-burner gimballed range w/broiler (model 2172) Pot holder kit (2 fiddles) Xintex "Fireboy" S-2A Propane Monitor and Control System 10lb Aluminum Propane Cylinder, verticle Trident Single stage regulator with 300psi leak test guage 20' Propane hose assembly Straight-Thru fitting (for hose thru bulkhead seal) 30' 18 guage wire (black and white) 3/8" flare x 3/8" pipe fitting (regualtor to hose fitting) 1/4" NPT x 3/8" male flare (solenoid to regualtor fitting) 3/8" 90 elbow (T to gauge fitting) Joint compound |
Now all I have to do is install it . . .
