I was in discussion today with a co worker and non stovey, about stoves. When the question came up about why denatured alcohol is the preferred fuel for marine use I could come up with a good answer. So why is denatured alcohol the best and or safest fuel for use on a boat? Rick
The best and safest fuel for a boat is whatever you feel good about using. I've used white gasoline, propane, butane, diesel oil, kerosene and alcohol. The pros of alcohol are that it is easy to use, not residual stink if it should get spilled, is hot enough to cook with and the most important is that an alcohol fire can be extinguished with water. On a boat that is a very large plus factor indeed. The cons are, expense and flames are nearly invisible. Gerry
Yes, ability to put out a fire with water is a BIG plus when on a boat. With improved and lower cost sensors, LPG has become popular on boats but propane is a heavier than air gas so that's always a concern when you're living in a large bucket.
Cautionary tale about use of LPG on a boat ... Yachting Monthly article ... and the Youtube video of the staged explosion Boat goes 'bang John
Good Morning, All, John, many thanks for the excellent article on the dangers of using Gaz onboard boats!! I only have a 17' canoe so this will not be a problem for me. But, if I DID have a larger water craft, I would stick to either kerosene, or Meths, and feel much safer than if I had a boat with a Gaz stove! (Shudder!!!) Meths is probably the safest fuel, due to the already mentioned fact of quenching Meths fires with water, which, IMHO, is a huge plus when cooking aboard a boat! Thanks, again, for sharing the articles. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Mark
Alright that makes a lot of sense. Low residue, and a fire that can exstinguished water. I imagine that if some meths got loose in the bilge clean up would be a lot less problematic. Rick
