Galley Range replacement and and propane conversion

Images below shows the comparative size of the new Force 10 range vs the original.

Sakura's orignal ENO 0420-0823 galley range was ready for replacement, as were its hoses and the rusting "camping gaz" tanks aboard.  

I connected with Force 10 marine in Vancouver, and managed to chat with Brian Clark - ex-owner of Force 10, who has sold his company to ENO, a much larger French company, also in the marine stove business.   Lucky chat, very expert guy.  

He gave me the lowdown on ranges, sizing conventions, competitors' strengths and weaknesses.   After dutifully suggesting the latest ENO equivalent, he recommended upgrading to a Force 10 model# 63256.   This is a taller Euro Standard unit vs  the original ENO Euro compact unit.  While  the  ENO range is more budget-friendly than the high-end Force 10, the latter offers 2" greater height inside the oven.    I'd certainly have missed that.  

The euro standard (vs the original euro compact) range is taller due to its larger oven, and the gimbals must be mounted around 1” higher.  Shims were made to accommodate the size difference.  The range swings freely, with no modification to Sakura's joinerwork required.  (the gimbal mounts on the Force10 range need to be shimmed between 1/4” and 3/8” total, so half of that each side.)

Plumbing

The force 10 manual states the following

The gas fitting on this range is a 3/8” SAE 45 male flare fitting located in the back on the lower left as you are facing the front of the unit. For gimbaled installation there must be a minimum of 24” (610mm) of flexible hose to allow the unit to gimbal freely. Test all fuel lines and connection points for leaks with a soapy water before use. Do not attempt to locate leaks by using an open flame. An optional 8mm Nozzle adaptor fitting is also available (Part # 87155)

The 8mm copper tubing can be flared to accommodate North American style flare fittings.   I was able to use a SAE flaring tool to flare the metric line.   (1/4" ID flare is very close to the 6mm ID of the 8mm copper line)  The transom stowage locker uses a Panzer gauge PG9 plastic gland where the copper line passes through the bulkhead.   This fitting was broken as many seem to be on the boat, and was replaced.  

April 2024

https://www.cdivalve.com/products/solenoid-valves

AFC models 121 or 151 seem most appropriate as they are rated for up to 312psi.   Tanks can be as high as 200psi.   Some recommend that the solenoid is placed before the regulator (it then protects the regulator).  Sakura is not currently outfitted this way.

Solenoid appears to have 1/4" NPT fittings.

Standard Flex Hose fittings are 3/8" flare fittings.

The whole thing is neatly packed (at a price) here:

Trident 1300-7705.3-KIT

and with a gas detector, here:

1300-7761-KIT

https://tridentmarine.com/product/12-vdc-marine-gas-control-detection-systems/

And a competing setup - here

P-2BNV-R

https://www.fireboy.com/propane-detectors-and-controls/#1610422079793-6b186418-e2dadc20-847a

October 2023

!

Tanks

Viking makes composite tanks in Norway. Cheaper than aluminum, no rust, lightweight, easy on the paint. Pretty too.   Cool stuff. Two 17lb tanks please, they'll fit in the transom lockers.

Safety considerations

I will fit a solenoid valve into the stowage locker in future.       

I was able to get both North American style Viking tanks filled in Curacao, so a smooth job all ‘round.  

Earlier post:

This sort of thing is an intriging option!

https://drinkpod.com/products/cheftop-pro-dual-induction-cooktop?variant=43779654025469

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002594063449.html

Update:

The force 10 manual states the following

The gas fitting on this range is a 3/8” SAE 45 male flare fitting located in the back on the lower left as you are facing the front of the unit. For gimbaled installation there must be a minimum of 24” (610mm) of flexible hose to allow the unit to gimbal freely. Test all fuel lines and connection points for leaks with a soapy water before use. Do not attempt to locate leaks by using an open flame. An optional 8mm Nozzle adaptor fitting is also available (Part # 87155)

I am all at sea about the fittings reqired to adapt to 8mm copper, and whatever was there before...

Propane/CO/Bilge Detector

Found this unit on Amazon, at significantly less than through most marine channels.

https://www.mtiindustries.com/product/surface-mount-fume-fire-and-flood-detector/

The Fuel

As the boat was originally equipped with lighter-than-air camping gaz, some upgrades were required, specifically the appropriate hoses, regulator abd fittings but also a solenoid and bilge sniffer.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/propane-leak-action-plan

The copper hose is a euro-standard 8mm diameter and apparently propane tanks fittings have many standards, so, effectively none.  

Tanks have come a long way.

Viking makes composite tanks in Norway. Cheaper than aluminum, no rust, lightweight, easy on the paint. Pretty too.   Cool stuff. Two 17lb tanks please, they'll fit in the transom lockers.

https://www.vikingcylinders.com/