Propane Hob

[Nigel_Cro]

Hi Guys,

Please forgive the appalling lack of knowledge, but gas is generally not my thing.

I want to upgrade the gas hob on our narrowboat. The existing hob is a Belling caravan/motorhome style hob and I would like to fit something a little less 'camping' and a little more 'domestic'.

The question is - are all gas hobs able to work on Propane as well as 'normal' gas, do I need to make sure to buy a propane specific hob, or can you get converters?

Second question - does it need to be fitted by a Gas Safe engineer? It will have to pass a Boat Safety Certificate so I am guessing it does.

Thanks for any help.

 

[kbdiy]

You need a hob that is specified as suitable for LPG or is capable of being converted. But worth a trip to some of the boat chandlers to see what they have to offer. It is often more preferable to have something specifically designed for boat use rather than a modified domestic.

Yes you will need a Gas Safe installer. Again many boatyards will have the necessary contacts.

(and yes, I own a narrowboat too )

 

[Nigel_Cro]

Thanks for the response (nice to hear from a fellow ditch crawler)

The trouble is, a lot of the hobs you can get for boats/motorhomes don't look very special. We went to Crick this weekend and saw some really great fit-outs using domestic style hobs, so I started wondering...

I guess I will have to do some serious research?!?!?

I see you are in Surrey, where are you moored? We are on the Wey.

 

[kbdiy]

That's the trouble with boat shows - all nice a sparkly

I know what you're saying about the appearance but you will need to make sure any hob is LPG compatible.

Moored on the K&A for this year.

 

[Agile]

Many of the domestic hobs come with a set of new jets needed to convert them to LPG use.

But like all gas appliances, they should be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Not just any but one who holds an specific assessment element for LPG and I think for LPG on boats as well.

Boats are a potential problem because LPG is heavier than air and any leak will cause the gas to remain in the lower part of the boat !

Furthermore, the vibration from a boat engine requires special attention to the pipework.

No, I dont own a boat but was on the Committee which manages the Savoy Hill boats.

Tony

 

[Nigel_Cro]

Thanks Tony, that's really helpful.

Many years ago I used to race with a skipper who would insist on pumping the bilges every morning for 5 minutes, even though they were as dry as a bone - when asked why, he would say he was pumping out the gas. I used to have a laugh with any new members of crew by telling them it was the human generated gas he was getting rid of!!

It is a long time since I did mine, but I think the Yachtmaster syllabus still teaches about the potential problems of gas on boats.