American Yachtsmen Visiting Europe

4.1 American yachtsmen visiting the U.K., France, etc., frequently find it extremely difficult to get their American Propane cylinders refilled because either they are incompatible with U.K./European filling facilities (see UK Yachtsman) or they do not meet the necessary local 'Approved Standards'. Furthermore, many suppliers like Calor Gas Limited in the U.K. operate an exchange service rather than a 'refill on the spot' service.

4.2 In North American, Propane is the LPG normally supplied to fuel appliances manufactured to operate at a pressure of 30 millibars. In Western Europe, Butane tends to be the most popular fuel supplied in cylinders for use with appliances for marine use and operate at 28 millibars with this fuel.

It should be noted that although the operating pressures are similar, the two gases have different calorific valves and burning characteristics. Butane has a higher calorific value and will burn with a slightly hotter flame. In a situation where a yachtsman substitutes Butane fuel for this Propane, overheating of appliances could result. This may cause warping, buckling of oven shelves or doors and even melting of burners. Also, the burners may burn with a yellow tip to the flame leading to sooting of the pans.

Our advice would therefore be to obtain and use Propane where possible, in order to overcome the likely difficulties that can arise from using the higher calorific value Butane fuel.

4.3 Calor Gas suggests that when the American yachtsman arrives in the U.K. he should hire the appropriate Calor Gas cylinder and use it throughout his stay in the U.K. If he were to follow the advice in UK Yachtsman he could attach one end of the spare high pressure LPG tubing to the boat's system (via a spare US compatible nozzle/regulator) and other end to the Calor cylinder via the nozzle that fits any size of Calor Propane cylinder. The cylinder can then be returned with a partial refund of the original hire charge when he departs (70% if returned within one year).

4.4 When visiting France, he may find that Propane is not as readily available as in the U.K. , so may be well advised to equip himself with Camping Gaz cylinders - mentioned earlier in Terms and Conditions- which are available in the U.K., France and most other European countries. But the warnings given in para 4.2 above should be heeded, when using Butane to power appliances manufactured for the North American market.

Alternatively he should acquire the appropriate brand of cylinder available locally, returning it when he leaves (and usually obtaining a partial refund of the hire charge). Terms and Conditions.