Propane Conversion

[bviKetch]

Our Dickerson 41 Ketch, On Eagles Wings, was set up with a Northern Lights genset and 110 volt electric refrigeration and range. We recently removed the genset, installed a 12 volt refrigeration system, and plan to use a wind generator and the engine to charge our batteries. The remaining question is what we do for cooking. We are considering either a none-pressured alcohol system or a propane system. I would welcome any advice/suggestions from the Dickerson Community. Alcohol looks the easiest to install, but would seem to have limited utility. Propane would work fine, but we don't have an obvious place to create a propane storage locker. The only spot I can see is on the aft deck. This would require relocating the blocks for our “two-line” split mizzen sheets or perhaps installing a traveler.
Does anyone have experience with installing propane on a Dickerson 41 ketch?
Thanks,
Art Pearce

[Fleet Captain]

Hi Art,

The skipper of D41 CAVU just completed a very nice (and safety compliant) 2 propane tank locker installation on the aft deck.  I'll get him up on the net to provide details.

Cheers

[Fleet Captain]

Al,

As promised, following are thoughts from D41 “CAVU”:

Here's a good article:

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/propane-systems.asp

I bought a propane locker from West Marine “Dual 20lb.” locker, part # 356198.  It sells for $1139.99 retail.  Mine is installed on the aft deck below the mizzen boom.  I secured it to current deck hardware via four turnbuckles, also from West Marine.  Previously, the tanks had been stored in the cockpit locker, in its own section.  The surveyor objected for several reasons, primarily that it was accessed from a hinged side panel rather than a top panel.

The commercial box is not a panacea.  It is in my opinion the fiberglass  is way too thin.  You should not stand on it, for instance.  The shipwright who did the work had to add fiberglass to the inside so that the turnbuckles could be installed to a strong enough point.  That being said, there is still the comfort of using a box specifically designed for propane.  It looks nice.  Be careful none of your friends cuts his shin on the latch, though.

Please note there are a many firm rules for installation of the system and little wiggle room.  For instance, the hose from the box to the stove had to be one continuous unit, which had to be fabricated by a propane company.  The article above covers most of the requirements, but you should go over ABYC A-1(9) yourself.

[bviKetch]

Thank you for the reply and the link to additional information. We will check out the West Marine locker and others to see if there may be a sturdier version of the prefabricated locker. In the 2013 West Marine catalog they list a dual locker that weighs 35 lbs while the Defender catalog has one that weighs 81 lbs. If that is extra fiberglass it may be something we look at.
Thanks
Art Pearce

[bviKetch]

Some months ago information was posted about the propane installation on D41 “CAVU”. It would be really helpful to get more information about how the mizzen is rigged on this boat. Our D41 has a two sheet system with a port and starboard deck mounted block. The sheets will rub against the propane locker when sailing anything but close hauled. How did CAVU deal with this problem? Does CAVU have a single mizzen sheet with a traveler?
Thanks
Art

Al,

As promised, following are thoughts from D41 “CAVU”:

Here's a good article:

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/propane-systems.asp

I bought a propane locker from West Marine “Dual 20lb.” locker, part # 356198.  It sells for $1139.99 retail.  Mine is installed on the aft deck below the mizzen boom.  I secured it to current deck hardware via four turnbuckles, also from West Marine.  Previously, the tanks had been stored in the cockpit locker, in its own section.  The surveyor objected for several reasons, primarily that it was accessed from a hinged side panel rather than a top panel.

The commercial box is not a panacea.  It is in my opinion the fiberglass  is way too thin.  You should not stand on it, for instance.  The shipwright who did the work had to add fiberglass to the inside so that the turnbuckles could be installed to a strong enough point.  That being said, there is still the comfort of using a box specifically designed for propane.  It looks nice.  Be careful none of your friends cuts his shin on the latch, though.

Please note there are a many firm rules for installation of the system and little wiggle room.  For instance, the hose from the box to the stove had to be one continuous unit, which had to be fabricated by a propane company.  The article above covers most of the requirements, but you should go over ABYC A-1(9) yourself.

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