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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Feb 2013 : 19:47:00
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Hi all
I know, I know, Butane doesn't technically freeze, but it does suffer from incredibly low pressure (or no pressure) when the weather gets chilly.
Having spent a ridiculous amount fitting a Propex last winter with the idea that we would be able to enjoy the Broads at their very best during the quiet winter months.
The heater is brilliant, keeping the cabin at a steady 18degrees and puffing comforting warm air onto the helsman's feet if wanted, and all this wothout really trying too hard (running for 8 - 10 minutes an hour).
This weekend, however, we really struggled to keep the burners going (cooker too at times) without shaking and swapping bottles for those kept in the cabin for an hour or so.
My gas locker is open to the rear of the boat (23 with outboard engine), but previous owner has lined it with 25mm "Kingspan" insulation boards.
Advice please!!!
I would have thought the insulation would make matters worse.
I know it was -4degrees while we were out, but that was the whole idea of the heater.
What do you all do?
Steve |
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merlin
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2013 : 21:02:27
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swopp to propane
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stratford4528
United Kingdom
414 Posts |
Posted - 24 Feb 2013 : 21:12:16
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| Buy a propane regulator and a bottle of propane. No more problems |
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Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 09:53:32
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I totally agree with the swop to Propane. Doing BSS Exams on Butane boats in the winter can be a complete pain. It runs at some 10mb to 15mb below that of propane and just will not evaporate when the cylinders are in a cold ambient (Anything below about 5 C and you'll have problems). You will often get what I call a 'lazy flame' with butane and the difference when you change will be immediately obvious. Only other trick is to stand the cylinder in a bucket of warm water. (But that only works if you can heat the water first!!!)
regards
Ollie |
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adi-n-chez
United Kingdom
1980 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 21:09:30
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Move the bottle next to the cooker ?
Seriously - Swap over to Propane. In winter we get really low pressure on Butane, not a problem for us as I might be boiling a kettle whilst working on the boat. Dad is moored 100yds from us & is using the kettle, water heater etc with no probs !
Did have a mate who struggled to stay alive when living on his cruiser using propane but that was when it was between -8 to -10 with a stern mounted bottle.
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 21:46:04
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Thanks - I'll take those four replies as a consensus!
Anyone know if the Propex (or the cooker) need new burners for Propane, or am I just looking at a new regulator and bottle?
Cheers
Steve |
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adi-n-chez
United Kingdom
1980 Posts |
Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 22:46:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Steve T
Thanks - I'll take those four replies as a consensus!
Anyone know if the Propex (or the cooker) need new burners for Propane, or am I just looking at a new regulator and bottle?
Cheers
Steve
Think you will be ok for the switch - IIRC you only need new jets for the switch from natural gas to butane/propane
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
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raymo
United Kingdom
322 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2013 : 00:36:10
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propane is the way forward, been toasty through the last few severe winters,the propex heater also is superb,be mindful though that it is a "blown" heat system,ie your batteries need to be up to it.
raymo. |
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IanM
United Kingdom
2238 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2013 : 06:48:05
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Our boat came with two full butane bottles when we bought her in 2008 so I planned to convert to propane when they were empty. So right now we're about halfway through the second bottle and beside it is a full propane bottle and reg ready for the switchover (which is bound to be at the most inconvenient moment).
Having said that, we've spent quite a few sub-zero nights on board and the butane has been fine. It's only used for cooking but I have not perceived any pressure drop. But I'll still switch to propane when the time comes. The only slight downside to propane is it tends to be a tad more expensive but unless you are getting through bucketloads of it the cost difference is not significant. |
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Steve T
United Kingdom
88 Posts |
Posted - 27 Feb 2013 : 21:22:25
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Thanks Raymo, I has two new 85Ah batteries fitted witht the Propex, along with a 50W solar panel and an intelligent charger unit. We have shore power on the mooring, and the batteries lasted four days no problem last winter with the heater running all night with the lights too.
The OB charges at about 6A (I think), so a couple of hours running a day and we should be fine for a week or so without sun or shore power.
Hope so, it cost enough to install!! OUCH! |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2013 : 19:56:51
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Just pop the spare one in the oven on a low heat for an hour. Works great for us.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2013 : 17:15:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Deano
Just pop the spare one in the oven on a low heat for an hour. Works great for us.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/
Lol!Don't you dare Deano !!! I'll have a seizure !!!
regards
Ollie |
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ken cattell
United Kingdom
192 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2013 : 23:00:01
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| I guess a lighted tea candle in the gas box to keep he canister warm aint going to be approved either then! |
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Topic |
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Freezing Butane
