Mrs Kipper says we have to get gas - how best to do it?

Our bottles live in the anchor locker too, as designed by the builder. Can't say I'm a fan though - they rust like hell, are a pain to get at to change, and having the windlass motor effectively inside the gas locker cannot be good practice.

Pete
 
Lazy Kipper said:
What do peeps think of gas shut off solenoids?
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When I get round to refitting our gas locker, I'm going to fit one.

It's too much effort for us to turn off manually in the locker except between trips - and my crew are bad at turning off the cooker tap located at ankle height. A switch above the worktop with a warning light should ensure the gas gets switched off more often, and it will be turned off in the locker so safer against leaks in the supply pipe.

I'll fit a manual bypass valve in the locker so that we can still make tea in the unlikely event of flat batteries :)

Pete
 
As I understand it works that it's open if there's power but closes when the power is off. It does make switching off the gas easier. This is one of the reasons I've always loved Origos, not much chance of gas going wrong but when it does it goes wrong in a very big way :eek:
 
Lazy Kipper said:
As I understand it works that it's open if there's power but closes when the power is off. It does make switching off the gas easier. This is one of the reasons I've always loved Origos, not much chance of gas going wrong but when it does it goes wrong in a very big way :eek:
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to date we have used gas for 40+ years o/b, give it a go :encouragement:
 
Lazy Kipper said:
As I understand it works that it's open if there's power but closes when the power is off. It does make switching off the gas easier.
Click to expand...

Correct.

Very common in the US, where their gas standard says there mustn't be any joints between the gas locker and the cooker, because every joint is a possible leak point. This rules out the shutoff tap in the galley that's common here, and formerly they had to go to the gas locker every time to turn off (or just not bother). The electric remote switch allows them to turn off in the locker without having to go on deck, so is understandably popular.

Pete
 
Lazy Kipper said:
What do peeps think of gas shut off solenoids?
Click to expand...

I have one. They require current through a solenoid to create a magnet to open the valve. I can't find anywhere how much power it consumes but assume that it is quite a lot after running an already low battery down quite quickly. On the other hand, as I have an ancient 2 burner without modern safety features, it makes it easy to turn the gas off without having to go out in the rain. I fitted it myself and have a nice big red LED to indicate when it is on. Obviously one needs to practice the usual safety measures of turning the gas off at the bottle when leaving the boat, etc.
 
Lazy Kipper said:
What do peeps think of gas shut off solenoids?
Click to expand...

Very good... I have one... it's located very near to the gas locker, so it shuts the gas off immediately after the regulator. I just flick a switch, saving me the trek outside, lifting the lazarette lid, undoing the wing nuts that hold the gas locker lid down, sliding the cover off, reaching down... then all in reverse... just to make a cup of tea first thing in the morning.

There are two types of valve... one uses a constant current to stay open, and the other 'latches' open. The latter being more expensive, but saves the battery a bit. I think mine (costant current type) draws about 200mA so it's not huge... and only on for a short time anyway. Probably the only time it's an issue is if you bake alot.. but for normal use it's never an issue.
 
Mrs Kipper says we have to get gas

You have an Origo already? Then over-rule Mrs Kipper. If fumes are a problem try biofuel instead of meths. We have used an Origo for the past 10 years - safe, effective, and no need for a gas locker and anxiety about gas regulations.
 
yerffoeg said:
We have used an Origo for the past 10 years - safe, effective, and no need for a gas locker and anxiety about gas regulations.
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Reasonably safe, yes.

But only about 60% as effective if I've got my J/Kg maths right, plus the intangible aspects that matter to the cook such as controllability, refueling, decent grill, etc (is there even such a thing as an Origo with a grill?)

The difficulty of retrofitting a gas locker to an older boat is about the only reason I might avoid gas - but then I'd probably go for paraffin instead. And it's only an issue to those with old boats and low freeboard - to the rest of us it's not a problem.

I do not have any anxiety about gas regulations.

Pete
 
Where to put the gas locker?

1. On the coachroof just in front of the wheelhouse replacing the diesel tank locker for the Taylors - advantage is minimal pipe run to the gas cooker, disadvantage is slight loss of visibility. P.s. anyone what to buy a lovely Taylors cabin heater - complete set up?
2. On the aft deck, there's a large box there already used for the alcohol for the Origo, obvious advantage but big disadvantage that the pipe run will be about 20 feet of tortuous bends and bulkheads.
3. Lazy Kipper was built with a gas locker in the wheelhouse, gas tight lid under the seating cushions and vented overboard but it's technically inside the acomodation because the wheelhouse is fully enclosed and an integral part of the living area.

What would you recommend?
 
I plan to fit gas, but no electric solenoid. Two reasons: one story of people who nearly starved on an ARC because their solenoid rusted shut and they had no way to cook anything. Second, it is an additional safety habit to keep the burner open after cooking and turn off the gas at the bottle. Positive verification that there is no gas in the boat.
But I would be happy to have prejudices shaken!
 
coenvanwyk said:
Second, it is an additional safety habit to keep the burner open after cooking and turn off the gas at the bottle. Positive verification that there is no gas in the boat.
But I would be happy to have prejudices shaken!
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I don't believe that's additional safety. The gas in the pipe won't burn fully. Instead, there's a possibility that some of it may leak into the boat. You'd be better just turning the burner tap off.
 
coenvanwyk said:
story of people who nearly starved on an ARC because their solenoid rusted shut and they had no way to cook anything.
Click to expand...

If they couldn't work out some way to remove the valve, jury-rig a bypass, take the cover off and jam it in the open position, etc etc, then they are numpties who had no business setting off across an ocean.

In any case, I would always fit a manual bypass valve so that such measures aren't necessary.

coenvanwyk said:
Second, it is an additional safety habit to keep the burner open after cooking and turn off the gas at the bottle.
Click to expand...

Indeed, yes. And wouldn't it be nice if "turning the gas off at the bottle" meant flicking a switch in the galley instead of lying down on the foredeck in the rain?

Pete
 
Danbury said:
+1 for the Nelson Spinflo... Great stove, and it does proper toast too !!

As for gas... I have 2 x 13kg bottles in my gas locker... don't forget you'll need an Annex M regulator not a normal one.
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We have a Nelson Spinflo and it does the job well.

It's minus points are similar to many others....

1. there are many places where dirt is hard to clean from. As with cheap s.s. domestic hobs of the past, the top is not in one piece right across the top and overlapping the sides. Therefore a crack down the sides is a haven for grease and dust to collect.

2. It does not have a press button ignition. This is not such a problem until at sea when rolling around and trying to ignite the oven .......has proven to be more than swmbo likes.

My son has an Origo now in his Folk boat and for one or two people (and accepting the fumes need to be vented) they are almost foolproof. I sold one to a gentleman near Cambridge and sadly, never did find the pan supports to fit it,

S.
 
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