Introduction
This week marine red diesel in some areas of the U.K. edged towards and over 90p per litre and petrol at 130p per litre, whilst marine LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is being sold at 44p per litre and has not followed the rapid increase Petrol and Diesel have over the last year. Is it the time to reconsider converting to marine LPG?
Advantages
After taking into account the cost of conversion over a few years’ savings can be made. Hamble Marine Ltd claim a typical 250hp 5.7litre V8 engine consumes fuel at around 80lit/hr at full throttle and around 50 to 60 lit/hr while cruising. The cost of conversion (from £3,000 for a single petrol engine) can be recouped in about 100 hours.
LPG has a low risk of pollution and pilferage. Emissions are more environmentally friendly than petrol and red diesel
By retaining the fuel system the cruising range is extended and allows for dual fuel options.
Refuelling is quick.
Disadvantages
At present there are a limited number of facilities providing marine LPG. The author is aware of two in Wales and five in southern U.K. so planning a cruise along the coast could be prohibitive due to lack of LPG or Petrol refuelling points. Due to the technical level of expertise and training required not all facilities supplying marine LPG can also provide the fitting and conversion expertise required.
Most 4-stroke engines can be converted but not all.
Safety is still a concern when talking to potential converters although that does not appear to have stopped countries like Holland and Australia who are quickly adopting auto-gas. Included in the conversion the electronic management system constantly monitors the engine bay and fuel storage tank areas for any leaks and will shut down the system before they reach a dangerous level.
Specialist annual safety inspection required and test by approved engineers.
Conclusion
If one looks at current waterside petrol prices alone it would seem worthwhile for boat owners to reconsider converting to marine LPG where practical. A shortage of boat LPG refuelling points and conversion facilities at present will however constrain the expansion of marine LPG around the U.K. coast.
Graeme Bissett www.MarineFuelPoint.com
12th July 2008.
