Converting electric stove/oven to propane

[Islandoaks]

I'm interested in knowing if anyone has converted the electric stove/oven to propane on a classic RT 27 and if so the approx cost involved?

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[scross]

I briefly looked at this while we were shopping for a C-28. There was a C-28 LE with electric cooktop in WA. We absolutely needed propane given the amount of time we intend to be away from marinas.
Didn’t get exact costs just an order of magnitude.
Marine propane stove with cooktop $1,200 to $2,200, propane tanks $120 to $200, safety valves, solenoid and lines $200 to $300, propane locker from RT $???, misc. stuff a couple hundred dollars. Rough guess on labor from WA Cutwater dealer $1,500 to $2,500 depending on unknown labor hours required.
Once the costs for the conversions went over $3k I decided a LE edition boat was not an option for us.
Good luck!

 

[Bosn Mate]

We have an 2018 R29 and removed the propane stove and solenoid as we rarely used it.

If you decide to go with propane and our gear would work on your boat, give us a shout. We will sell you the stove at a good price to free up storage space in the garage.

Mike and Kathy

 

[Rocky Lou]

I briefly looked at this while we were shopping for a C-28. There was a C-28 LE with electric cooktop in WA. We absolutely needed propane given the amount of time we intend to be away from marinas.

I have an LE version that is always in a marina. It's all electric with a gas generator that I never use, except to run for maintenance. Isn't that what the generator is for, when you are not connected to shore power? I'm curious how well it works, since I may try it out some day.

 

[scross]

RockyLou,
We had an inverter on our R-25 Classic that we never used except to test. I didn’t remove it but it really was unnecessary for our purposes.
A generator would just add expense, weight, maintenance costs and noise to the boat. When we anchor out we try to avoid being near boats that run their noisy generators if possible. The only time we’ve ever had our CO detector go off was in the middle of the night at Poets Cove parked next to a sailboat that was running its generator overnight.
If you live in the Gulf States or East Coast I guess a generator, a/c and electric stove are necessary items. But for the PNW I choose to go simple and quiet with solar and propane.

 

[YukonRon]

I will agree the on solar and propane option for someone who spends time at anchor. We upgraded the solar and switched to lithium batteries. Everything except the stove/oven and the BBQ runs from the batteries; even some cooking in the microwave, or we use a crock pot under way. Cooking with electric is a power hog, so we are happy to have propane for the stove and BBQ, where we do most of our cooking. Generators are noisy and there are getting to be way too many out there. We go out for peace and quiet, so I don't want to ruin anyone else's experience with a generator, just as don't want to hear theirs.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Ah, sounds like generators are the 'leaf blowers' of the PNW coves and inlets. I'm very noise sensitive when trying to sleep and didn't even consider the idea of running at night. The gas generator also has a noisy blower that you are supposed to run all the time the generator is going. I'd certainly run mine at anchor to power the electric grill, range and oven. However, I'd never run at night.

 

[Bobby P.]

We spend 90% of our time at anchor. Propane stove is great for coffee/breakfast and dinners. No noisy genset (although we do have one)! Our solar panel, along with good batteries, keeps up the fridge and 12v lights. Our previous boat had an electric cooktop. We rarely used it. We grilled most of the time. So yes, propane and solar with good batteries makes for a pleasant anchorage but, I too, would have trouble shelling out $3K for it. We also had an alcohol stove on our last boat that we used to supplement. That might be a reasonable solution. You can use it inside on the counter or outside during good weather. Just some thoughts.

Good luck!
Bobby

 

[YukonRon]

Ah, sounds like generators are the 'leaf blowers' of the PNW coves and inlets. I'm very noise sensitive when trying to sleep and didn't even consider the idea of running at night. The gas generator also has a noisy blower that you are supposed to run all the time the generator is going. I'd certainly run mine at anchor to power the electric grill, range and oven. However, I'd never run at night.

Yes, the 'leaf blowers' of the PNW coves and inlets, ha ha . Good description but unfortunately all too true. Most boaters run their generator for cooking during the daytime which is expected. Unfortunately, we have noticed an increase in gererators running long into the evening as the glow and flicker of TV or comptuter screens illuminates the interior. I can imagine this will only get more prevalent as StarLink becomes more commonplace; allowing boaters the luxury of unlimited streaming at all hours of the day and night in our favourite anchorages. Don't get me wrong, I think Starlink is a valuable tool, but it uses a fair bit of power and those who use it at anchor without a good house bank will be running on generator.

 

[knotflying]

We never used our oven on the propane setup that we had. The stove was basically storage. If I had my choice I would have gone with a cooktop and had cabinets under it. I also found that using the small Coleman canisters lasted for about 5 hours of cook time. A friend of mine got rid of his larger propane tank and just used the Coleman canisters. He stored extras in the propane locker. We also got a lot of use out of our microwave using the inverter with engine running, a small crockpot while underway. The grill also served as an all in one cooking experience. Roasted vegetables etc. in a foil rolled up and the meat grilled on the side.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

When I was researching the purchase of my R29, I researched propane conversions on this site and found someone who said they paid 4K to convert from electric to propane. I new then, that I would need to concentrate on used R29's with propane cooktops/stoves.

 

[bob daily]

Another option is to purchase a portable gas stove for indore use, wether single Brunner or double can be purchased at any sporting goods store or on line for less than $100. Safe and quit and can be stored out of site when not in use. Then you will have the best of both without breaking the bank.
Butane or propane canisters are small and storage is minable. Just a thought! Bob

Edit: for those of you that want the gas oven, you probably all ready have one it's called a BBQ!
Yes you can bake on a BBQ but it takes a little practice, go on line and look up baking using your BBQ, lots or good info and suggestions. You have all winter to practice your culinary skills and be ready for next season. So head to the store and get a few brownie mixes brush the snow off the BBQ and have fun.

 

[dbsea]

running the wiring for the solenoid switch and the propane hose would be the most labor-intensive part. The solenoid valve is easy (I'm replacing mine now, it rusted from salt water in the propane locker). It could probably be done in a day with some planning.