propane vs cng

propane tanks must be installed in such a situation as to allow for any leakage from the tank(s) to flow overboard, therefore, they are usually not within arm's reach, requiring a jump/run, whatever to get there. In our trawler, we have a double tank unit with an auto switchover, working flawlessly for about 4 years now. It is in the flybridge steering station, with drainage if needed down the side and out a scupper..it has both shutoffs in that bridge, then the line that leads to the propane stove in the salon galley(main deck height), with a solenoid shutoff located between the stove and the lower helm next to the door. You are to shut off the solenoid before shutting off the burner, so as to purge the line within the salon, then turn off the burner. To use stove, turn on solenoid, turn burner knob to "light" position, then up higher after it lights. If you want to use the oven, it says right on the oven door: light the closest burner to your right, burn for one minute, then light the oven pilot, then turn up the oven to desired setting. (the burners do not need to be left on). Turn off solenoid before turning off oven. Our cal 29 came with CNG and nice 3 burner stove with oven. Cng flows up,if leaked, and the tank is installed in port lazarette with vent on upper stern. The line leads across the bilge to starboard then down under the quarterberth to the back of the oven. You must be sure your line is not damaged. I was unable to get my stove lit, consulted an old guy on dock, who showed me to light the left rear burner first. Still works that way. Our 36 came with alcohol stove, tank removed. so we bought a nearly new cng stove and two tanks in San Diego from someone going electric which we will install. Cng can be bought in the SF area by taking your tank in for exchange at Whale Pt. Marine in Richmond, or the marine store at the Santa Cruz harbor, both places are pickup/delivery for tanks which get filled in Alameda. Used to be people bought from the PG&E service on the peninsula. We now have 3 colors of stoves with ovens, harvest gold, brown, and a biscuit white. I never cook while underway, unless it's the electric hotpot for water off the inverter. Also, probably everybody know this, you must turn your propane or cng tank valve fully on or fully off, or you will lose fuel.(at the least). Helen