Marine FAQ

Below is a list of questions frequently asked of our Marine Shop expert, Peter. Click on the question to see the answer.

I wish to check the gas installation on my boat, however I am unsure which regulations apply.
Where can I get replacement Atlantic burner caps?
Calor gas freezes in the winter. Is this true?
What is the full and empty weight of a Calor gas cylinder?
Can I use a plastic bucket as a cylinder locker?
How often do I need to replace flexible Hose?
How often should I replace a regulator?
What sealant should I use when I make compression joint?
Do I need a CORGI registered installer to fit my cooker?
What is the difference between Calor Gas and Camping Gaz?
Where can I find a Replacement Vanessa Hotplate Burner

This is a very commonly asked question, but there is no simple answer.

There are various Codes of Practice, Safety standards and Statutory Instructions as well as industry recommendations all of which need to be taken into consideration. The Key to understanding, which applies, revolves around the use the vessel is put and where it is being used.

Click here to read the full answer

This type of burner was commonly fitted to older Plastimo Models and other makes such as Taylor’s. The flame picture is unstable and lifting away from the burner base and characterised by a roaring sound when on full power.

On burners in a better condition it is possible to remove the burner cap and crown ring and clean the corrosion away. Once cleaned, the burner re assembled, the flame should be stable a not roar.

On badly corroded burners, the retaining screw will not move. As the replacement burners are no longer available, there are two options left.

The upgrade kit available for the Older Plastimo Cookers consists of a complete new top section of the cooker. Although it is not a difficult job, it is fiddly and should only be undertaken a competent person.

The other option is to replace it with a Plastimo Neptune 2000-3.

Upgrade kits are also available in the Marine Shop.

Both gases (Butane and Propane) are stored as a liquid under a slight pressure. The liquefied gas turns back into a vapour very easily and fills the space above the liquid within the cylinder. As the vapour is drawn off, the pressure drops slightly. The liquefied gas boils to maintain the pressure in the cylinder.

The rate at which the liquefied Butane boils and produces vapour falls with temperature until –10^oC, when it stops. As it’s the vapour we need to burn, as it gets colder the kettle takes longer to boil.

Propane keeps producing vapour down to –42^oC. It is not correct to say that Calor Gas freezes, as the temperature falls it does not boil as quickly.

The heat to make the liquefied gas boil comes through the cylinder wall from the outside air, so wrapping the cylinder up will not help; it will only insolate the cylinder and stop the heat getting in.

All Calor gas cylinders have their empty weight (tare weight) mark on the silver disk placed under the cylinder valve. Each cylinder will have a slightly different weight even if it’s the same size. The gas in cylinders is sold by weight so you will need to add this to the tare weight.

For example this 4.5kg cylinder has a tare weight of 14 pounds and 12ozs, that is 6.63kg empty and therefore (6.63kg + 6kg) 12.63Kg full.

A plastic bucket will not have a 30-minute fire-resistance. A box constructed from GRP should be at least 5mm thick and made with fire-retardant resin. Metal boxes should be at least 0.9mm thick with welded seams. All lockers should have a drain from the lowest practical point to the outside the hull at least 75mm above the deepest loaded waterline when the boat is at rest without sumps which can retain water.

A range of GRP boxes are available from the Marine Shop - click here to see the range.

Flexible hose should be replaced if it shows signs of deterioration such as cracking, bleaching or becoming brittle. They should also be replaced if they are older than five years, check the date stamp on the hose. The British Standard BS3212/2 should also be marked on the hose. If you cannot find one, replace it.

Replacement hoses are available from the Marine Shop - click here to view these products.

Regulators should be checked for corrosion and deterioration annually and should be replaced after ten years; the date of manufacture can be found stamped into the brass-connecting nut or embossed on the body of the regulator.

Click here to see a range of replacement regulators available from the Marine Shop.

The addition of jointing compound to compression joints is totally unnecessary, in fact applying a sealant could give a false impression of sealing the joint when the compression nuts may be only hand tight. It can also prevent the olive from engaging properly with the coupling body. The resulting shrinkage of the sealant would lead to a leak.

Gas installations on private vessels are not covered by current statuary Instructions. You must take "responsible care" of the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your work under the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Your work must be completed in accordance with national standards (BS5482 pt3 and ISO 10239) and their references. If you do the installation yourself, get it checked by a CORGI engineer who will issue a gas safety certificate. Your insurance company may insist upon it.

A list of suitable installers can be found by clicking here.

Vessels used for commercial gain come under different rules set out by the MCGA and must use a CORGI engineer.

Nothing. Calor Gas Ltd and Camping Gaz are two separate companies that sell Butane in small blue cylinders, however Calor Gas only operates within the UK while Gaz operate worldwide. Calor Gas and Camping Gaz cylinders are not exchangeable.

Flavel stopped making the Vanessa a few years ago. Although it was made for the Caravan market, has been fitted on countless yachts. As you know it does not have flame supervision on the grill and hotplate burners, so consideration should be given to replacing it with a newer model, such as a Plastimo Neptune or a Spinflo Nelson that does.

Replacement hotplate and grill burners are available in the Marine Shop.