Alcohol Stove - Safety First

I am more than happy that Balaou has a propane stove-it actually heats as opposed to alcohol which is only good to drink. The insurers insisted that the tank be outside of the well where it was originally located, so I have mounted a small bucket on the stern pulpit that holds a disposable tank-everyone is happy and my food cooks quickly. Put a clay pot on the burner and it heats the boat. Turn off the propane at the tank when not in use and there is little risk of explosion.

The majority of Lasers have alcohol stoves. The early boats had propane stoves... original new owners were complaining that their insurers were complaining about the high risks associated with propane and were recommending alcohol instead. Accordingly, Laser switched to the Origo 3000 2 burner alcohol stove in early 1985. Although alcohol stoves are deemed safer because there are no gas lines piped below deck, they can still be hazardous. The risk with alcohol is that it can burn without being visible. While reading a horror story on "Pat's boating in Canada" site, I realized this was a must read for owners and operators of alcohol stoves. It also addresses the importance of having fire extinguishers in accessible areas.

http://boating.ncf.ca/firegalley.html

 

Edited by Bill Layton - 16 May 2012 at 10:40pm