Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

Hi all,

A request for advice.

I am setting my legacy up for short cruising (3 or 4 nights ) and I wish to be able to prepare basic meals on board.  I would like to be able to boil water for coffee or tea, toast bread at breakfast time and being an ever optimistic fisherman be able to fry the occasional freshly caught bream, or if fishing is not successful at least heat up a can of something.

I intend to set up a portable galley (that sounds too grand for what will more likely be a box with everything tossed into it) for use in the cockpit under the boom tent or to be able to be easily carried ashore and used there.

I realize the bigger ComPacs have the luxury of fully equipped fitted galleys, but what are the smaller boats using? I have checked what is already posted and I fell in love with the Chinese wooden tool box idea, but couldn't buy one. Back to the drawing board.  What I am particularly interested in are the types of stove being used and the pro's and con's of the various fuels.  I only need one burner and don't have room for anything much larger anyway.

So, help please, what have you found works and equally important what doesn't ?

Thanks,
Regards

Pete H

I have been pondering this same question.
My wife wants a little unit but with our little dogs I am not too worried about doing anything right away.

What is the Chinese Wooden tool Box thing? I did a search and didn't find anything.....

Be interested to see what peoples ideas are.

Pete H, Are you willing to sacrifice a bunk for a drop in unit that is removable if need be in order to have that stuff also? There is a thread somewhere on here (who did it escapes me at the moment.......I am ready for bed!) of a drop in unit on the Starboard side that was really nicely done. Had storage too if memory serves me right.

Hopefully who made that will post here..... I have been pondering doing that....... (This winters list is LOOOOONNNNNGGGG....)

Mac

Pete H, Above the post, hit 'Modify message' and then the header can be changed from compacts to Com-pac's. And if you want after the correction is made to the post's header, the message [the second post down the thread] noting the error can be removed.


Need heat? Butane. Peazode [sp] crystal ignition. Here you go. Stores in a plastic closed lid thingy. On my CP-19...

Take the drop board [I cut mine in half on a 45 degree to shed rain and store much easier.] and place either piece across the cockpit settees with a boom tent. The boom is held up by a cable dropped down off the back stay and a quick disconnect hooked into the loop at the back of the boom and held fast by the main sheet and boom vang. The boom tent keeps the dew off, the rain off, the sun off, and the wind out. It's just a tarp with eyes tied to the life lines. You can sleep under it stretched out on a settee or go below. The best thing it keeps the dew off when anchored out for the night in the lee of some island.

Nothing like knowing that there is no one around for six or seven miles. The boat's bow into the wind, no bugs, the slapping of the waves, no phone, no iPad, a good book with 100% red or white LED lighting. It's just so cool.

No cooking below deck. But can use it to warm a cool cabin before bedtime. Don't gas yourself out. The cooler I place between the two quarter births and that holds the metal bowels/plates/silverware, mugs, ice and food in plastic snap containers. Additionally ice and adult beverages go below the potty in the bilge, right on top of the electric bilge pump. When the ice melts in three days, pump out the water.

Better then camping on the ground. Cook eggs, a steak, warm spaghetti, and all of my on board utensils are metal and go right over the flame. Washing is simply over the side with a scrubby and bar soap. Well why not? Use the bar soap that floats.

The stove stores easy under the settee. I bought mine at 'Cook's Corner' but I have seen these at department stores. About $30.00 and a can of fuel lasted me two seasons. What, twenty meals? A can of fuel is about six bucks.



skip.

Skip,

Thanks for your advice both on how to fix the heading on the post and the galley. Your suggestions really appeal to me and that is exactly what I will do. I have seen the butane stoves in camping stores and will get one tomorrow. The hatch boards or storm boards are in two pieces, I hadn't thought of using them as a "table" until you suggested it, but that will work a treat and saves making and carrying something extra.

Thanks for posting photos of " Comfort and Joy", she is a really pretty and nautical looking yacht. Congratulations!!

Regards and best wishes,

Pete H


Mac Guyver,

I sail with my wife so I can't sacrifice a bunk, there are only two of them and they are pretty small, no hope of sharing one!

I  was looking up galley stuff here and there was some discussion of various ideas, one of which was what was described as a "Chinese wooden toolbox" which was available for sale from Amazon, it had several draws and a flat top where you could put a stove, apparently the varnish was a bit basic and workmanship was too. However, it looked ok to me. There was a link to Amazon, but it is out of stock.

Mac, this is a huge site and as I was just browsing I didn't pay particular notice to where I saw it. I tried to find it again tonight, but unsuccessfully.  There is a thread in the CP 19 area, called "Fold away galley", it is on page 18 I think and was started by Mgoller, there are some great ideas and photos, but is probably too big for use on a Legacy, I think Skip's suggestions above suit my requirements exactly and that is how I will proceed.

Thanks for your help guys and if you're ever down in Australia, make sure to contact me and we may be able to arrange some local sailing for you.

Regards,

Pete H

I don't know what a butane stove costs in a store, but they are pretty darn cheap on Amazon: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/butane-range-1-burner-butane-countertop-range-portable-stove/472E10SL.html?utm_source=Amazon (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/butane-range-1-burner-butane-countertop-range-portable-stove/472E10SL.html?utm_source=Amazon)

You can also get a dozen cans of butane for pretty cheap as well. I used one of these stoves on my CP16 a few times in the cockpit. I just set it on the sole and fired it up to boil water for pasta/coffee. Not the safest way to do it, but it worked for the few times I did it. Technically you shouldn't store the butane canisters in the cabin in case the seal gives out and fills the cabin with explosive gas. But I store mine in a plastic container with a gasket and latch like this one: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/64-oz-stainless-steel-ingredient-storage-canister-with-clear-plastic-lid/407CAN8AC.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=407CAN8AC&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CJySh8rBybMCFcRU4Aodk3gAUQ (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/64-oz-stainless-steel-ingredient-storage-canister-with-clear-plastic-lid/407CAN8AC.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=407CAN8AC&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CJySh8rBybMCFcRU4Aodk3gAUQ). If a canister lets loose, it should hold most of the gas in the container.

If you are just going to boil water (no fish fry), then it is hard to beat the convenience of a jetboil http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69056?pi=1154053&subrnd=0&qs=3016887_pmd_google_pla (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69056?pi=1154053&subrnd=0&qs=3016887_pmd_google_pla).

Brenda and I use the same butane stove (GasOne brand) and love the little devil.   You can save money on the butane cans by going to any local Asian food store.  They sell them at less than two bucks a can.  You'll be amazed how long a couple of cans last.

Mike and B

  I'm still working on my new to me 16, so I haven't bought a stove yet. This is the one I'm getting when I do buy:

(http://www.forespar.com/media/images/products/thumb/150000-good-boat-stove-sail-power-boat.jpg)

Bill,

If you are just looking to boil water that will be fine. However, it is very small so you can't do much cooking on it. If you watch the used market you might be able to find a Force 10 SeaCook which is the same idea but larger for more cooking area. These are both variations of the earlier SeaSwing type kerosene stoves.

Shawn

One our Sun Cat we cook all the time in the cockpit. I put the butane stove forward by the port side of the cabin. We have a Sunbella tent that provides a second room that is wind, sun, and rain proof. We limit our meals to one pot with the occational pot plus fry pan. While we eat we put on the big pot of water to do dishes and make tea. We cruise and anchor out about 21 days during our North Channel trip each summer. Our Meals are soups, stews, Sausages, steaks, pork chops, potatoes and carrots. Breakfasts are cold cereals, bacon and eggs in wraps. Lunches are snacks and crackers with tinned meats, tuna, chicken salad, etc. The fresh stuff last for 3 or 4 days (we take no ice) then we use backpacker meals from Harvest Food Works, and other two meal packaged dried meals. About every 7-10 days we get to the marina where a meal in town and a ice cream cone afterwards is well appreciated.
For us criusing in the Sun Cat is an extension of canoe tripping, just no portaging! We canoe trip in the spring and fall. So we use only bowls (no plates as food sides around) and SS nesting pots. Utensiles and cutlery is stored in a rollup pouch. We take a thermos to hold the morning tea hot on the days we are traveling.  All the cooking gear fits under the companionway step.

We take along 10 gallons of water for 10 days. And also a case of bottled water.  A butane fuel bottle lasts about 3 days. That is if the days are hot. On a cold day the fuel lasts only two days. We will change the bottle during a cooking session as the bottle gets real cold and the pressure drops. The almost empty bottles are good to cook eggs with on low heat settings.

Quote from: slowshoes on November 12, 2012, 01:54:15 PM

 I'm still working on my new to me 16, so I haven't bought a stove yet. This is the one I'm getting when I do buy:

(http://www.forespar.com/media/images/products/thumb/150000-good-boat-stove-sail-power-boat.jpg)

When I bought Wrinkles she had one of these on board.  It is a really nice version that has a stainless steel coffee maker and pot rather than the aluminum ones.  If you want to try one out before purchasing one just let me know and I'll ship it out to you.   I planned on eBaying it this winter, as we already have the butane stove and the built in stove on the 23.

Mike

love the little butane stove.  found the butane cheapest at our local ace hardware.  one can goes along way.  used our stove on a 30 day trip around the keys with no problems. 

we cook, vacuum seal, then freeze all our food before the trip.  when comes time to eat, we just boil water and drop the bags in.  hamburgers, brats, spaghetti, rice, noodles, anything. much easier and cleaner than cooking onboard.


carl

One approach that worked well for  long weekends camping in a c16 was to
1- think of using a backpacking approach and equipment but butane stove would work too.
2-put all food and eating equipment into a milk crate in the cockpit footwell- never any fuel in the cabin
3-put a little ice chest in to footwell also if you must but you can do very well without refrigeration.
4-make cross boards for the cockpit seats so the whole cockpit is a flat place to sleep out.
5-cook and eat in the cockpit and keep the cabil clean. 8-)

I also use the butane stove noted above in the Amazon link. I like it better than the Coleman style (screw-on-can) as it is much more stable.

I bought a 12 pack of cans two years ago and have about 10 left - the can goes a while.

Boiling water takes a while on any one of these stove in the open cockpit if you don't get it down low and out of the wind.

   Alot of good info on this thread fella's - thanks to all. 

  Mike -what are you asking for the Forespar stove - I could definitely be interested.

  Great idea regarding vacuum sealing your food Carl - you have any recommendations for a good vacuum seal unit?

  Keep the great info coming.

      Bill

Pete H,

I cook simply aboard a 17' Sun Cat using the Coleman Single Burner Stove that screws on top of the small 1 lb Propane cylinders. The cylinder bottom fits snugly into a plastic base to stabilize the unit. I am very pleased with its performance and efficiency, the large burner area supporting a good sized pot and boiling about 2 quarts of water in several minutes. Although some may argue that it might not be very stable with a pot on top in a rocking boat, it is not a serious concern if constantly supervised and/or assisted for stability under those conditions. In settled weather I've cooked on it while moving about the boat (causing some hull movement) without problems. I've considered the small Butane Units but have decided to stick with the Coleman Single Burner Stove since I'm so satisfied with it. Bon Appetit!

capt_nemo

In the Small Craft Advisor issue #71 which is from Oct/Nov 2011 they have a nice feature on a DIY Cockpit Cook Box. The design is pretty cool if you have the skills and tools necessary for construction. This is the same issue that has the review of the Compac 23. The article is nicely done and includes detailed drawings with a parts list. A cool little all in one portable galley!
Dale

Mike,
If Slowshoes doesn't want it, I definitely I do. How big is the pot?

Pete,

I had an earlier version of the Florespar Mini Gallery Stove from backpacking days. It was of French manufacture and may have been a different brand- I loved it.  

If you purchase one, I would recommend that you make a broader base. A simple slip-in plywood board could be devised with a hole or mounted support frame to help prevent the stove can from tipping over.  

My supply of cans was purchased from a 'back packing' store; they are much shorter than the fuel cans pictured above. They too seemed to last a very long time but for one apatite.

Citroen/Dave

Quote from: Billy on November 13, 2012, 12:53:41 AM
Mike,
If Slowshoes doesn't want it, I definitely I do. How big is the pot?

I'll take a picture and get measurements tonight.

Mike

Later that night....

(http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt211/greene2108/Sailboat%20ideas%20from%20others%201/002.jpg)

(http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt211/greene2108/Sailboat%20ideas%20from%20others%201/003.jpg)

Pot is 5 1/2" in diameter and 9" tall.  I don't have a gas cylinder to try it out, so it is untested.  I'll pull the two mounts out of Wrinkles that go with it as well.  $50.00 and whatever it costs to ship it. 

Mike

I also saw the article in Small Craft Advisor that Cruzin mentions.  If I remember, I will scan and post for anyone interested.

Good morning Everyone,

Wow!   What a helpful bunch of people.  Thank you all for all the information. 

I have bought one of the butane stoves and will use that in the cockpit, under the boom tent. The Legacy cabin is too small too cook in anyway. If you were younger, smaller and more agile than me it might be possible. My culinary ambitions while cruising are not great any way, a hot drink, something warm to eat and that is all I'm after. Then a cold beer or a nip of Highland Park and snuggle down with a good book. Bliss!

Thanks and best wishes,

Pete H

   I still use the original 2 burner Origo alcohol stove that came with my 23 although I rarely use the second burner. Heats enough water for the french press (3 cups of java) in 8 minutes.. I do plan to make a much longer sliding table for it so it can extend out further.
   Outside its a propane grill in the stern rail.
   I do like that little Butane stove though.
Bob23

Sounds like the single burner is the tool of choice and I use one as well, but no one has suggested a rail mounted grill.  Not too outrageously expensive, propane fueled and wow what a way to go for grilling steaks, kabobs, fish, whatever and sooooo tasty.
Lafayette Bruce

Quote from: Lafayette Bruce on November 15, 2012, 09:57:38 AM
Sounds like the single burner is the tool of choice and I use one as well, but no one has suggested a rail mounted grill.  Not too outrageously expensive, propane fueled and wow what a way to go for grilling steaks, kabobs, fish, whatever and sooooo tasty.
Lafayette Bruce

Bob just said he likes his.
I have a rail mounted grill. However, it is not propane. I figure, if I don't need gas to propel my boat, I don't need gas to cook my food. Charcoal for me!

Plus, with propane, all you are doing is adding heat, and you might as well use the stove and a skillet. There is no flavor added w/ gas, well except some of the old left over meat from last time that got burn and a little charred. I don't use any lighter fluid or instant light charcoal either. I use a chimney. And it works just fine.

However, I will agree that propane is much easier to deal with  :)

To each their own.

I've got the two sliders on my 23, so room not an issue.  The stove is a single burner butane, and I really like it.  It wouldn't do if you were a live aboard or did very long cruises, but for a weekend cruise a couple of cans of butane go with me and I rarely go into the second can.  Starts quick with no fuss, burns hot but can be regulated, low profile so no tipping issues.

I have both the charcoal and propane Magma stern mount grills.  Charcoal I've had for 40 years, have a stand for it so I can use it without the stern mount bar.  It is just the right size for just my wife and I so I use it at home year round.  I take it to the boat often, preferring it over the propane.  The propane came with my 23, and I've used it, but it is a lot heavier and more complicated to set up than the charcoal.  Easy to cook on though and more versatile.

Cooking on board during a cruise becomes more important as your appetite catches up with your "cruising attitude."  My solution is a single burner Origo stove which handles most of the cooking / water heating.  As food prep becomes more important to me, I use the Origo Heat Pal as a second heating station.  Its bulk, for me, is a fair trade-off, as the weather gets cool during the beautiful October and November months in the NE.

I have found that most anything is possible in a small boat.  Just do one thing at a time and stow it away in a gunny sack (labeled) when finished. 

I have scanned the article about the cockpit cookbox but it is in PDF format and I can't figure out how to upload it to Photobucket to share.  If anyone wants it, send me an email to <tjpalek@bellsouth.net> and I will send it.

sorry
Saluki

Saluki,

Save the pdf file as a jpeg and then load it up.

click file, save as, select jpg. done

tg

slowshoes,

we bought the cheapest vacuum sealer we could find.  a genuine "seal-a-meal" from walmart.

it was about $50.  i've seen units as high $300.  i'd rather put the $ towards new sails.


carl

(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee514/scotimier/002C854F-CFB2-4418-8301-44CB8794ABC1-4353-000004AEB006582A.jpg)

After much debate, I opted for the dual burner butane stove.  It was cheap(I paid around $35 online with free shipping), low profile, and slightly safer than propane in my opinion(Butane rises and disperses, propane will sink and collect in the hull).  I love it so far!  Its big enough for 2 huge pots, and doesn't require a match to light.  I bought it for use in the boat, but also for a backup in case we lose power at home, which we have had 3 major storm events in the past year here.  My only complaint is the dual burner doesn't come with a storage case... Which would be nice, but it will be strapped down in the galley of our new boat for trips, so I just store it in its box at home.  The body is made of pretty thin metal, but for $30 what would you expect?  I bought a 12 pack of butane cans for $23 shipped, and I'm still on the original cans after several uses(I probably have enough to last several years).

Smier,

If you really need a "storage case", make one out of thin plywood or even cloth with batting between two layers to protect the stove from damage.

It all depends on how much your perceived "need" is.

Remember, Necessity is the mother of Invention!

capt_nemo

Well Capt Nemo, you gave me an idea!  Not having a storage case wasn't a big deal to me, but I thought others would be concerned about it.  You got me thinking, and I think I am going to build a cutting board cover for the stove so that I don't lose precious counter space in my larger boats galley, and also that will double as a storage case when not in use at home, or if I take it in the compac.  Thanks for the idea, and another winter project!

Smier,

You're quite welcome. I'm delighted when thought seeds are planted and eventually take root.

Sounds like a very practical idea - combining cutting board utility and storage/protection capability. Should serve you well. I like it!

capt_nemo

Have the forespar with the cooking pot and percolator.  Have a mount on the stern rail and another on the companionway board.
Studying a one pot cookbook and ordering a 4 inch cast iron skillet for two eggs. Will heat water or milk and make Starbucks instant coffee.

Quote from: crazycarl on November 19, 2012, 06:59:57 PM
slowshoes,

we bought the cheapest vacuum sealer we could find.  a genuine "seal-a-meal" from walmart.

it was about $50.  i've seen units as high $300.  i'd rather put the $ towards new sails.


carl

   Thanks for the reply Carl. Vaccum sealing seems like a great idea to me, so I will definitely check that out.

  I can second the positive opinions on Origo stoves. Our Union 32 came with an Origo stove/oven. When we first bought our boat, I thought we would eventually "upgrade" to a propane stove/oven, but over time we realized that it's a great stove. It's safe, easy to use, and is versatile (boils water quickly or will simmer as well as any stove). We've owned our boat for 25 years now, and we have never had a single issue with the stove.

        Fair winds,
        Bill

Hi Guys,

There has been a lot of good stuff contributed by everyone here. Thanks.

I was looking through a recent SCA, and I saw a book called "Cooking aboard a small boat" by Paul Esterle advertised, so I bought a copy. Well it was on the topic we had been discussing. The book is not bad, but most of it had been pretty well covered here.  Then a few days ago the latest copy of SCA arrived and lo and behold, the magazine contains an extract from the book, just to rub salt into the wounds, the article is illustrated in colour, while the book is black and white. Apparently there will be further extracts in future editions of SCA. The current edition of SCA also had an illustrated article by Dylan Winters, featuring his portable galley.

I have knocked up a prototype, stealing ideas from left, right and centre. I'll give this a try and post a photo when I have tested this and built the final article.

Cheers,
Pete H

   I just read that article, Pete. For my last birthday, my son gave me a gift subscription to SCA. I was a subscriber, then let it lapse 'cause I'm also a cheapskate. But I have recently rediscovered this wonderful magazine and it really pertains to us small boat guys. However, even Good Old Boat has had articles and photos of some smaller craft...maybe they're waking up to the fact that there is life under 30 feet!
   I use the original equipment Origo 2 burner alcohol stove on my 1985 23/2 along with a propane grill mounted on the stern rail. The Origo will boil enough water for a full French Press for coffee in under 8 minutes.
   Looking forward to your posts and photots.
Bob23

Recently, in response to a Good Old Boat Survey, I suggested that they devote some time, effort, and space to "Pocket Cruisers" since there are quite a lot of us with boats under 30 feet LOA. Mentioned how popular SCA was with our crowd. I reminded them that there is a large potential subscription market out there to be tapped if their magazine would appeal to the smaller cruiser Owners.

Jerry Powlas, Technical Editor, responded that I was correct in observing that there was indeed a division of content based on boat size and that Good Old Boat will give the matter some additional thought.

capt_nemo