272 seamanship secrets
OPERATING AN ALCOHOL STOVE
You must preheat an alcohol burner before lighting it to prevent a flare-up.
Most two-burner alcohol stoves have three devices used in the priming
process: a pressure/fill cap, a pump, and burners.
- Open the fi ll cap slowly to allow the pressure to release. Stoves with a separate
tank have a pressure relief valve. Use a penlight or tongue depressor to check
the fuel level. Keep the tank fi lled to within a half inch of the top. Replace the
fi ll cap. Close all valves and burner controls. - Operate the pump until you feel heavy resistance. Stoves equipped with
pressure gauges should be pumped to between 15 to 20 psi. - Crack open the desired burner valve for an instant, then close it. You want to
release just enough alcohol to cover the bottom surface of the burner cup. If
your stove has a separate fuel tank, open the valve 90 degrees counterclockwise
before opening the burner valve. - Light the burner cup and let the alcohol burn off completely. Th en immediately
crack open the burner valve. If you hear a steady, unbroken “s-s-s-s-s,” you’ve
done things right. Light the burner immediately. If you hear a broken, gurgling
hiss, allow the burner to cool; then go through the preheat steps again.
SEA-CRET TIP
X Alcohol fi res may be extinguished with water, so keep a bucket
nearby. Baking soda works too.
X Use fi ddles to secure pots and pans in place. Keep food levels below
the three-quarters-full mark in pots and pans. Add tight-fi tting or
strapped lids to pan or pot tops.PROPANE STOVES AND OVEN SAFETY
Check your propane locker. It should be completely airtight and top-loading. Make
a strong, secure installation of tank, regulator, pressure gauge, and solenoid. Install
a vent tube to carry propane gas overboard in case of a leak. Periodically check
the integrity of all fi ttings. First, pressurize the system but keep all appliances off.
Brush a soapy water solution onto every fi tting, from the tank valve to the galley.
Bubbles indicate leaks, and you must repair these as soon as possible.
Start-up and Cooking
- Check that the main tank valve and stove burners are off.
- Ventilate the galley area for 5 to 6 minutes. Open all hatches, vents, opening
ports, and doors. Run blowers.