Greetings to all. I use a Primus Eta MF for my galley stove aboard. The boat is an old Pearson Triton and there's not allot of room for a full galley. I prefer to burn kerosene but it's getting hard to find here. Red kerosene is all over the place but white is very difficult to find. The same can be said of white gas. I remember when I was a kid you could find white gas at most gas stations, usually next to the kerosene pump. Now the only stuff I'm seeing is in camping stores, and that's fairly pricey. MSR sells 32oz. cans for $12./per which, at $48. a gallon, probably makes it one of the most expensive fuels in the world, aerospace fuels included. Coleman fuel is comparatively cheap at about $14./gal. I've used Colman fuel in their own stoves for years with little to no problems. When I burn it in the Eta MF or Nova+ I get fouled jets. Is there some way I can exchange out the Primus jet for a Coleman jet, or modify the Primus jet to burn Coleman fuel without clogging? Propane is very common, of course, but I have an aversion to carrying that stuff onboard. Having seen the results of a couple tank explosions with the cabin trunks blown to smithereens, I'll burn wood before taking that stuff aboard. Also, I saw an Optimus 155W for sale in Germany recently but they're out of stock and the owner says they won't be getting any more. Is this stove still in production? I asked Optimus Sweden this directly and they neatly gaffed me off by referring me to Katadyn US, who know roughly about as much as I do. Any info is appreciated. Have a great Christmas! Paul
I am surprised that the Coleman fuel causes problems, I find it burns in all my stoves with no problems. Check your local hardware store for kerosene, it will not have the dye but it will cost nearly as much (or more) than Coleman fuel. It will at least be safer than Coleman for use on a boat.
Look for fuel Distributors, they often have Kero in 5 gallon tins. There are still a few gas stations selling bulk kero, the closest to me is a three hour drive away, tho... You might check the truck stops too.
I wouldn't be using propane or Coleman fuel on a boat. Both vapors are heavier than air and naturally collect in low spots. Though 5 gallons of kero in the can is expensive at $40, it will last a LONG time and is far safer for marine use. I have never had Coleman fuel cause any problems with clogging. Is it possible that the CF may be breaking down carbon from previous other fuel use? Coleman burns much cleaner than just about any other fuel except maybe alcohol. Mike
Thanks for the info. Like I said, I've got no use for propane on a boat, but find it strange that if you look at the marine stoves in Defender's or West Marine's catalogs, you'd get the impression that it's the most popular game in town. Origo has a couple non-pressurized alcohol stoves but that's got to be about as effective as cooking over burning newspaper. Eight minutes to boil a liter of water? Wow. Anyway I've already got an Atomic-4 in the boat that I worry about as it is; propane would just compound my concerns more. I didn't know about the 5 gallon jugs of kerosene. That would last a very long time with me. Even at $40. bucks, that's a pretty decent deal in that I wouldn't have to resupply for awhile. I'll check the truckstops around here next week. Thanks for the responses.
The Lowe's home improvement stores around here carry the 5 gallon steel drums of K-1 kerosene for the $40 that Mike mentioned. Also look for 1 gallon cans of "Klean-Strip" K-1 for about $11, last purchase. Kero / pariffin is the traditional sailors fuel, for the reasons you've mentioned. Depending on you budget, Sportsman's Guide had some of the Optimus two burner kero stoves, and also some of the e-bay sellers from Sweden and Poland, for several hundred USD per unit. Paul
What you need is the Primus "Shipmate" from the late 1930s, just illustrated by Iani in the gallery (look to you left). Among the most elegant boat stoves ever designed. Paul
Thanks, Paul. I'm guessing the Klean-Strip K1 is a more refined grade? I'll hop on over to Lowes and have a look.
Lowe's may have both the 1 gal. and 5 gal. options for you. It just depends on the length of your voyage... I find that having a supply of efficient fuel is better than money in the bank. Paul
Come to think of it, the True Value stores used to carry k1 kero in a 2 1/2 gallon jug. (in the paint section)
Home Depot and Fred Meyers in the US, carry the 5 gallon can for $40. A bit expensive but it is the K1 kero and it does burn clean. I always wait for it to go on sale at end of season and pick it up for a little more than half the price. sam
If getting from a fuel distributor (jobber), ask for K-1, water clear kerosene, they may try to sell you something less clean burning. Duane
