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Many boats use gas to run some of their appliances. The type of gas used is LPG (liquid petrolium gas) that is stored in bottles and connected to the boats gas system to supply the appliances.
Appliances that use LPG gas would include the galley hob and oven, a fridge, hot water heating and even the boats heating system.
LPG gas is a very convenient fuel but also very dangerous if not managed and maintained well. A story of boats exploding due to gas leaks in badly maintained systems is not unheard of. This risk is reduced if you follow the simple rules to keep you and your boat safe. We will cover these rules later.
If you are new to LPG on boats we would suggest you that a look at the installation section of the Boat Safety Scheme at http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/part7lpginstallations_97.asp
Many people ask us what is the best type of LPG gas to use on a boat.
Well, you have a choice of two types, Butane and Propane.
Most of you will recognize the different types by the colour of the gas bottles. Blue bottles are Butane or commonly referred to as Calor Gas. The orange bottles are Propane.
The differences between the two are as follows:
Butane - Has a higher freezing point and a lower pressure than Propane.
Propane - Has a lower freezing point and a higher pressure than Butane
Most liveaboard boats and houseboats will use Propane as it has a lower freezing point and burns hotter which is better for heating and cooking.
It is worth mentioning that these two gases use a different regulator to connect the bottles to the boats system so be sure you get the correct bottle for the regulator you have or change the regulator for the type of gas you want to use.
For a liveaboard boat you should always carry two bottles so if one runs out you can switch quickly and keep your appliances running. There is nothing more frustrating than having to find a new gas bottle at 8pm on a Sunday so always keep a spare.
For anyone that uses LPG gas on a boat there are a few simple rules that you should follow to keep you and your boat safe.
- Make sure your gas system is well maintained. It should be inspected as part of the Boat Safety Scheme.
- Make sure your gas appliances are well maintained.
- All gas bottles housed in a locker must be vented to stop build up of gas and risk of explosion.
- When you are not using your gas or are away from your boat turn off the gas at the bottle.
- If you smell gas turn off the gas at the bottle and vent the boat by opening windows and doors.
- Fit a Gas Alarm, they are not very expensive and could save you and your boat from an accident.
- LPG gas is convenient and works well on a boat but do not get complacent. Treat it as a highly explosive substance which it is.
If you are not keen on having LPG gas aboard your boat there are alternatives.
Here are some ideas you might like to think about.
Galley cookers are available that run on diesel, kerosene and other liquid fuels as well as electric. These can be a good alternative to a gas cooker.
Hot water for the galley and a shower can be supplied using a storage tank that is heated by hot water from the boats engine. When the engine is not running an electric emersion heater can be used when connected to mains shore power.
If you are using gas for space heating there are many other options that we covered in another article.
We hope this has cast some light on the use of LPG gas aboard a boat and some alternatives if you are of a very nervous disposition. In general it is a good fuel and works well but please make sure you follow the safety rules to keep you and your boat safe.
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