Propane for Cooking and Heating on Sailboats

Propane is the most widely used fuel for cooking and heating aboard sailboats for a reason -- it is cheap, readily available, burns hot and clean and is relatively safe. Still, propane on a boat is a bomb waiting to happen.

Propane is heavier-than-air and sailboat hulls are sealed. If the gas leaks, it will sink into the bilge. From there, it is difficult to get rid of. All it needs is a spark -- switching on just about any electrical appliance will do -- and the boat blows . (Automatic bilge pumps are famous for this).

Propane is a great product. But like any sharp tool in the shed, it should be used with respect.

Cooking with propane is great. It is cheap, easy to find, burns cleanly with no odor and packs lots of punch per pound. Sometimes too much.

Most people know that propane is a gas. And most think that if a gas escapes, it just goes away. Propane is different: It is heavier-than-air. At the barbecue on the back porch (or on the back rail of a boat), propane does just go away. Only, it goes away by sinking.

By definition, sailboat hulls are airtight. Anything which settles into the bottom of the boat stays there. Propane escaping from the stove inside the boat -- or anywhere between the tank and the stove -- will settle into the bottom of the boat and stay there until it is removed. (By you or by combustion).

So should you scuttle the stove? No. Just follow these tips for using it safely:

Shut off the tank. All propane tanks have a manual shut-off valve. Use it and turn off the tank when not in use. (Remember -- righty, tighty. Or, turn it right -- clockwise -- to close).

Use a Propane Locker. Propane lockers are sealed boxes which house the tank. They have an airtight plug for the stove supply hose to pass through and a vent at the bottom of the locker which allows any escaped gas to flow safely overboard. If you have one, use it. If you don't, install one and use it. And check the bottom vent frequently to make sure it is not blocked.

Check the Propane Hoses and Connections. Visually inspect the hoses between the tank and stove for cracks or leaks. Turn on the gas and listen and smell. Anything suspicious should be slathered in soapy water. Any leaks will blow bubbles. Check all connections with soapy water.

Get an Alarm. Various companies sell propane sensors and alarms. If you use your propane system on a regular basis, get an alarm. An alarm costs several hundred dollars. Your boat -- and your life -- cost much more.