MacGregorSailors.com

We have been through this on a number of occasions but I think it is good that we do. It airs a very useful debate which may be of benefit to newer members.

All types of fuel are inherently dangerous. Following procedures for good quality installation, maintenance and day to day usage will reduce nearly all risks to a negligible level.

If things go wrong, different fuels have different consequences. Gases can accumulate and can explode quite easily. Mishandling of alcohol can cause fire but it's not as volatile as gas.

If you run out of alcohol fuel in the middle of cooking breakfast, there's a temptation to try to refill the alcohol whilst things are still hot. This is extremely dangerous. In fact it is suicidal.

Anyway, I still like my Origo

When I was camping once, I had a small gas cooker burning in the open air on the ground with a pot on top. A few feet away, I started to install another canister into another cooker. As soon as the seal on the canister was broken a minute jet of gas must have shot across to the flame on the other cooker because it ignited directly from the canister in my hand. Needless to say, the canister was dropped then kicked straight into the river. Makes you think.

Mike

Catigale wrote:

... one day came out to the parking lot and found the propane cylinder had leaked the whole contents into the bus. Could have easily set it off with the door light and been the first solo trip to the Moon....

Aaarrghh... that's the kind of incident that does wonders for the heart rate

The other issue if it blows out (or just goes out) the propane can snuff you out while sleeping.

The heater does at least have a 'flame' detector auto shut-off, so it won't just leak butane if it goes out.

I shall see if I can get a new sensor for the gas detector and re-instate in the bilge.

Cheers, Rick

If the Origo stove is too expensive for you, you can always make your own.

I dunno, for the low cost of the boat, relativly low cost of upkeep, I think splurging on a well made stove like the Origo is worth it. We have the built in flush mount single burner and love it. Cut a big ass hole in the galley, drill a few holes. done! Buy fuel at Home depot for $3/gallon or so!

Great Clip Moe!!!

one thing that you do have to be carefull with alcohol stoves is that you dont add the fuel whilst the stove is hot as mike said,one guy in the UK had an accident with his origo,he got badly burned.It is important to fil the stove up whilest it is cold and to allow some time for any excess fuel to evaporate.

bastonjock wrote:one thing that you do have to be carefull with alcohol stoves is that you dont add the fuel whilst the stove is hot as mike said,one guy in the UK had an accident with his origo,he got badly burned.It is important to fil the stove up whilest it is cold and to allow some time for any excess fuel to evaporate.

The stove has stickers all over it and in the manual stating that. Still can't help stupid people!

I fill the containers in the cockpit, then put it in the galley..usually way before I am going to use the stove (like before I trailer it to the ramp)

Paul - can I use my lawn mower to cut my hedges?? I looked in the manual and it doesnt say not too....please advise....

Catigale wrote:Paul - can I use my lawn mower to cut my hedges?? I looked in the manual and it doesnt say not too....please advise....

As long as you do it while you are not asleep and using a hairdryer!

http://www.oddee.com/item_88437.aspx

I'm not sure that one would help. It assumes people know what end is the "wrong" end...

That chainsaw sign is just too funny...ROTFL!!!

Those little caterers stoves from the swap meet are perfect.

10-15 new they fold up into their own case and If you want to permanent mount it just pop the butane can out at the end of the day

Nice clip Moe, but I'm glad I bought the built in factory stove (which I have NEVER used - - - even though I did buy that alcohol stuff) - - - I DO use my microwave a LOT!!

Rick

pokerrick1 wrote:Nice clip Moe, but I'm glad I bought the built in factory stove (which I have NEVER used - - - even though I did buy that alcohol stuff) - - - I DO use my microwave a LOT!!

Rick

yeh but pokerrick,you are meant to put the alcohol in the stove,not mix it with something to drink it

Causes of boat fires rated by Seaworthy mag.

1. AC / DC wiring (55%)
2. Engine transmission overheat (24%)
3. Fuel leaks (8%)
This might be the worst kind of fire to have on a boat. Many boats carry over a hundred gallons of gasoline on board and burning fuel can be hard to extinguish (95% of fuel-related fires were caused by gasoline). Typical problem areas are fuel lines, connections on the engine itself, and leaking fuel tanks. Fortunately, the first warning sign is usually a gas smell that is easily detected by the average human nose—if you can smell raw gas, something’s wrong. Several fires were started by carelessness around gasoline; cleaning engine parts with gas, overfilling a fuel tank, and installing non-ignition-protected parts. One fire started when a member poured gas down a carburetor to start the engine. The engine backfired and caught the overhead on fire; the member jumped off the boat and ran to his house carrying the gas can, spilling gas along the way. The fire department report noted a zigzag burn pattern on the lawn up to the member’s front door. Fortunately, aside from some burned grass, there was no damage to the house (Claim #0009144). A gas leak has to be taken seriously since it has the potential to explode and destroy a boat – that’s why it’s critical to run the bilge blower for four or five minutes before starting the engine. Diesel is not immune from igniting either – one fire was started when a ruptured line sprayed fuel on a hot manifold.5. Unknown (5%)
6) Stove 1%
Stove fires appear to be less common (1%) than in the past, probably due to fewer alcohol stoves being installed on new boats. Still, alcohol can be a dangerous fuel; though it can’t explode, an alcohol flame is hard to see. One fire was started when a member tried to light the stove and gave up because he couldn’t see the flame. Unfortunately, he had succeeded, but didn’t realize it until he got a call from the fire department. Only one fire was started by propane; a portable stove fell off a counter and ignited a cushion.