Butane vs propane on a narrowboat ?

Question

Hi fellow boaties,

So many different views on this

I bung two butane bottles in the gas locker, one on line and one spare, for the cooker & fridge. All is well.

Propane is cheaper, but of less calofic value, so which works out best and safest. ?

I know that large propane tanks are preffered by those that moor up remotely for long periods, but the convenience of butane bottles when I am not usually more than a day or two from a supplier seems best.

Any thoughts ?

Bob

Answer 1

I may not be of much help.

Butane may be more of a health hazard should there be a leak, but, good judgment should prevail. I know Propane is heavier than air and can settle in a low area and be an explosion/fire hazard. I guess Butane is the same. In fact Propane may have a small amount of Butane added to it.

When you mention the Fridge, I not sure how you use this. I know there are Ammonia Refrigerators and the Propane/Butane just heat the internal ammonia to do what it do. Then there is the use of Propane/Butane in a more pure form as the refrigerant itself. In this type application, I think the Propane is more efficient.

So, that about what I know. Not sure I help.

Answer 2

Propane burns much hotter than butane, but what you use depends on what your equipment is set up for.  Butane is "cooler" which is why it's used for camping stoves and the like, being deemed to be slightly safer.

We use butane because that is what our equipment (cooker, fridge, water heater) uses, and the bottles live on deck in a locker sealed at the bottom and vented from the bottom to overboard so that any leaks go that way and not into the bilge.  These gases are heavier than air, so any leakage can make its way to the lowest point, gather in the bilge and then - boom!

You'll probably notice fishing boats and the like carrying propane cylinders because it is more efficient, but the bottles are always out in the open air.

Answer 3

some fishing boats use gas, and I only see Propane also a 47kg will last longer than a 15kg calor, you can get 47,19 and 15kg Propane, but the regulator is different between the gas,s, Propane burns hotter than calor, I use Propane for cooking with

Answer 4

Choice can depend on typical temperature of use.  Propane may be cheaper but can freeze up more easily if you use in cold situation.  Butane most often chosen for caravans and boats where propane would freeze.  There are some amazingly effective parafin stoves these days for boats without any of the gas hazards.  Easier to store a few litres of parafin liquid.

Answer 5

This is based on caravans not boats but I think it fits.

1) Propane volatilises at a lower temperature than Butane and is therefore more suitable or even essential in really cold weather.

2) Both sorts of gas may be used in the same appliances BUT the cylinders require pressure reducing valves matched to the gas in them. Blue valves (Butane)for blue bottles and Orange valves for orange (Propane) bottles.

For safety keep the bottles in a locker with only a hole for the gas feed pipe between it and the living area and turn the gas off at night. The gases are heavier than air so in a boat they can accumulate in the hull if there is a leak. A gas detector in the hull is a GOOD idea. Otherwise there can be  a BIG, BIG BANG!

RoyS