LPG

[melp64]

Reading a lot of article here on this website seem like folks aren't fond of having propane on the boat. I was looking for a small refrigerator that uses AC/DC/LP. Is having lp gas on a boat a bad thing. I know the stove on the boat right now is gas. Do you think a refrigerator that uses gas would be a bad idea. I was thinking of building it in underneath the nav desk.

[Holger Dieske]

... to my knowledge, a gas-powered refrigerator will not function satisfactorily unless it is stationary and fix.
But I'm not a specialist on the subject.
Holger

[senorquill]

I wouldn't go that route simply because if you are cruising and your propane runs outs all your food will spoil. I bought a Dometic Fridge and have solar panels, so it runs basically forever. It uses like 50w when cooling and is heavly insulated.

MQ

[Jim Hardesty]

Fire and boats don't mix well.  Having one of the DC/gas fridges in a camper there was big warning to turn off gas while moving.  I'm curious what the fridge manufacture recommends.
Jim

[Ron Hill]

Dan : If the "gas" on you boat is propane? there are thousands of boats/campers so equipped!!  You just need to turn OFF the propane AT the BOTTLE when not in use!! The reason that most boater switch from Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) although safer, is because propane is easier to find when you need a refill!  Your vented enclosed box make it safe for propane on your boat.

A few thoughts

[Craig Illman]

Propane refrigerators (common on RVs) need to be level, or nearly so, to function. Along with the safety issues, this precludes effective use on boats.

Craig

[melp64]

Having to be level was something that I didn't think of. I had one in a camper and the thing worked awesome, but you are correct it was always somewhat level. I assumed my stove was propane as it isn't alcohol. I never heard of CNG, how would I know if its one or the other.

[Ron Hill]

Dan : CNG is a about a 2ft? long tank stored under the seat in the aft cabin.  Propane is a small bottle stored in a small locker in the aft cockpit.

A thought

[Noah]

Different shaped tank and it should be labeled for CNG vs LPG.

[melp64]

I know there is a fitting for a what I assumed was a propane tank under the seat in the aft cabin. If it was propane would it be in a different location on the boat? There is no tank just a hose with a fitting, where would you by a CNG tank or get one refilled. I don't suppose you can run down to uhaul and get it refilled.

[Craig Illman]

https://www.practical-sailor.com/belowdecks-amenities/hunting-elusive-cng-refill

Craig

[Stu Jackson]

I know there is a fitting for a what I assumed was a propane tank under the seat in the aft cabin. If it was propane would it be in a different location on the boat? There is no tank just a hose with a fitting, where would you by a CNG tank or get one refilled. I don't suppose you can run down to uhaul and get it refilled.

It would help if you told us where your boat is located.

A skipper who I know has found a CNG refill place near Seattle:

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/cng-filling-station.1249934842/?highlight=cng

Otherwise, CNG is getting very, very rare.

[Ron Hill]

Dan : In your production year Catalina made the storage under the aft cabin seat for a CNG tank!!!  A Propane tank in 1987 C34 was in a outside vented box stored in the aft transom hatch!!

It sounds to me that your 1987 C34 is set up for CNG and your stove/oven is setup to burn CNG  --   NOT Propane

A few thoughts

[scgunner]

Dan,

Ron is correct that's where the CNG tank was originally stored that's where mine has been since I got the boat. A propane tank won't fit in that locker. CNG is more difficult to find but once you find a supplier that's a problem solved. The first place I'd look is at your marina boat fueling station, that's where I get mine. They swap the empties like propane. I also carry a spare tank which I can swap with the one in use if it runs out on a trip and also doubles capacity.

To be sure CNG is more expensive and harder to source but being lighter than air it's also safer than propane.

[melp64]

I guess I will have to figure out something else to cook dinner on because according to the marina there is only one supplier in Michigan and its in Detroit, across-ed the state. And the marina is not sure they carry it anymore because of the small demand.
I did ask if the stove would be able to convert to LPG but a propane locker with fittings and solenoids would be close to 1,000.00. I'm thinking maybe a barbecue grill and marshmellows