Replace electric cooktop with propane - 2013 R31-CB

[genelson]

I would like to change out my electric cooktop for propane. I assume others have done this. What brand and model propane cooktop fits in the factory cutout? I am having trouble finding one that fits. Or if you have propane from the factory, what unit did it come with? I imagine and hope they use the same cutout dimensions. I am also curious how the propane hose and solenoid wiring get through the transom to the propane locker. Can anyone explain that to me? Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

 

[iggy]

Personally, I would stay with the electric and have a small grill on board that uses a 1lb tank.

LP gas introduces its on dangers init self. I would rather start the genset to use the stove than have LP on-board. But thats me?

 

[Martin610]

Agree with Iggy on that. Not easy to retrofit propane. Safer to stay with electric .

 

[Jim and Jackie]

We replaced the two burner electric with a Force 10 Propane in our 2010 R 29. The model that fit ours was the European. I got the specs from Ranger. If you do a search of the archives I had several posts on the subject. Or pm me.
Been more than happy with the instalation.

Jim Demerest
2010 R 29 Chessie

 

[Red Raven]

... I am also curious how the propane hose and solenoid wiring get through the transom to the propane locker. Can anyone explain that to me? Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

We have a factory installed Seaward Princess Gourmet II range in our R27 Classic. I don’t believe they are available any longer. Propane tanks are in the propane box on the swim step. Shutoff solenoid valve is in the propane box. Propane hose and solenoid control wires run through a single grommet in the transom behind the propane box. Sniffer/solenoid control switch is next to the range.

We spend most of our time cooking when without shore power. Having the propane range was a critical factor in the selection of the boat. Love it!

 

[knotflying]

Here is a thought. I carried one of the portable chef cook tops in case mine crapped out while cruising. For the price get one and keep your current setup. It takes little room and works great. Go electric when you can and use the butane when you need to. No changes to current configuration and you have the best of both worlds. I belive they make double burner ones as well. https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ch...ajC38RP_C5G6Hs0n9EzH4FbvGexNxS2UaAmIREALw_wcB

 

[bluestreak]

Our house had an electric range.
We don't like cooking on electric so after using the electric for a while, we finally replaced it with natural gas.
The house was plumbed/wired for either.
So if the boat had an electric range, it would be replaced with a propane unit.
I would save the electric and reinstall when you want to sell the boat.
A strange disease seems to attack all of us eventually called 2 footitis!
2 footitis can strike at anytime.
You know it is a 27 but that 29 sure looks good.
You buy the 29 and then the 31 sure looks good.
And on and on it goes!

 

[genelson]

The Princess 2276 seems to have been the unit. I found a spec sheet on it and it will fit the factory cutout. Sadly, as indicated, it is no longer available, at least that I can find.

I appreciate everyone's perspective. I plan on starting the loop and hope to spend half a year on the hook. The idea of starting the generator in the morning for a cup of coffee or hot breakfast, or even an evening cup of tea and disturbing a peaceful anchorage is something I would like to avoid.

I have researched the the installation requirements and I think the are manageable. I also want to run a line from the tanks to the Magna grill. I hope that one will be very straight forward. Now I just need to find a two burner propane cooktop that will fit the cutout. I have found dirt hm models but they have grates and burner covers that are above the counter height. RVrs and boaters who have tried them have found that those parts will go flying if there is any rough stuff.

Please keep any suggestions or opinions, formulated through experience coming. It is all helpful.

 

[Red Raven]

Force 10 seems to have options that may fit as Jim and Jackie used.

http://www.force10.com/gas_gimballed_2burner.html

 

[Bobby P.]

We have the Force 10 in our 2017 R31CB. Previous boat had electric cooktop. We really like and prefer this gas unit. We are social isolating aboard. Twelve days so far. We've been making break and pizza and all kind of goodies. Our generator is down, so this gas stove has been a real winner for us. Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Bobby

 

[genelson]

Bobby,
The Force 10 looks like a nice range option. On my 2013 R31-CB there is a convection microwave mounted under a drop in two burner electric cook-top. I was hoping to just drop in a replacement propane cook-top without modifying the counter top at all. In order to install a range, I would have to modify the cabinets and the counter top. I think that might be a bridge to far for me abilities. Was yous factory installed or did you install it?

 

[rackline]

We are all electric and spend most of our time anchoring or on moorings. I'd love a propane cooktop but expense wise it's low on my list of improvements. Our workaround is a one-burner Coleman camp stove that uses the same 1# bottles as the grill (butane cooktops seem to have a lower profile and may be better in a sea way) We also have a an induction burner. If the batteries are topped off and not too long of a cook time we'll use the induction burner off the inverter. We also do that while powering. For longer cook times in the am before the solar has topped off the batteries we use the propane burner.

 

[franktricon]

Mine (R27) came with both propane and electric-i took the electric out and stored it in my attic-we bought a rail mounted charcoal grille made for marine use-best thing we ever did
Frank L in Pensacola FL

 

[Matty]

I like the electric outside primarily because I don’t need to worry about wind. On the small portables that was an issue in blowing flame out. Nice to have electric out and gas in. But as they say....to each his own.

 

[Bobby P.]

Greg,

We've now been aboard everyday for a month, anchored out each night, and use the Force-10 once or sometimes more each day. Just finished a loaf of bread. No need to be plugged in or run the generator. You can even make your daily coffee on the stove top! We had a 36 foot trawler with an electric stove top burner. Did not like it! Anytime you wanted something heated up while at anchor you had to fire up the generator. Who likes to hear your, or some else's, generator first thing in the morning? I'd never go back to electric.

To answer you question, it is factory installed. PM me with your email address and I'll snap some pictures. I can also show you where the microwave is mounted. And I have a great tool for making the necessary cuts, if you have to modify anything.

Best,
Bobby