A question of gas

[Graham_Wright]

What's to choose between butane and propane and what's the most widely available container?
The dumpy Calor seems about the right size but I haven't seen anything similar in France (everything but it seems).

I have also spotted plastic containers in France. Are these legal in boats or just inadvisable?

 

[pcatterall]

Propane does'nt freeze its burning charactaristics are not too different from butane.
I am not sure about plastic containers as the gas is under a lot of pressure.
Can't comment on bottle size, depends on your storage space amount of gas you use weight you can carry etc.
Regards

 

[vyv_cox]

Many boats use the French plastic 'cubes' for gas storage. Production yachts have purpose built lockers for them, as they are very shape efficient and maximise stowage.

Modern appliances will run just as well on either butane or propane. As said, the advantage of propane is that it continues to operate at far lower temperatures. In general throughout Europe it is more difficult to replace propane than butane, especially close to ports and marinas.

 

[sarabande]

Propane won't vaporise if the temp is below -44F. So that shouldn't be a real problem, then.

BP sells LPG in fibregalss containers in this country. AFAIK they are legit for use in boats.

 

[VicS]

The table in the link below gives the properties of butane and propane.

The most significant is probably the very different boiling points. you will see that the BPt of butane is -2C, which means that below that temperature it remains liquid. Even at zero the vapour pressure is very low and it is not until you get to several degrees above zero that butane becomes usable. (Remember that the liquid in the bottle cools as gas is drawn off so in use the bottle temperature is always a few degrees below ambient).

There is a difference in calorific value but the most relevant figures to compare are those for BTU/lb which are not in fact vastly different.

Link referred to above

Possibly the most versatile system is one which will can use Calor butane in the UK and, by employing an adaptor valve, Camping Gaz in France. If a 30mb regulator is used then it is possible to also swap to propane when conditions dictate. A different hose will be required to connect the propane cylinder.

A valuable source of info is the Calor marine shop website

 

[mikehibb]

You might find this article helpfull:

camping gas info

 

[Graham_Wright]

To follow up, thanks for some very helpful advice.

Is there any reason why a gas bottle cannot be stowed in the cabin provided that there is adequate ventilation from the bottom of the locker directly overboard, that the locker is completely gas tight from the cabin and that the access hatch (into the cabin) is properly sealed.. In my case, it is quite difficult to find a suitable position with access from outboard.

 

[Graham_Wright]

To answer my own question;- YES!

I have read the daunting info in the Calor website and it is very helpful. Although it seems I may have a get-out due to date of build, it would be stupid not to accept what is obviously excellent advice.

However, a requirement for top loading is difficult to meet. I can install in a deep cockpit locker high up with excellent drainage and ventilation but side loading, or top loading low down but with not such good ventilation. The cockpit locker is watertight from the rest of the boat.