Why no gas?The reason for most of Zinfandel’s special features stems from one basic requirement: we didn’t want any gas on the boat. We didn’t want the inconvenience of having to change gas cylinders, and we didn’t want the risks associated with having an explosive substance on board. The kind of gas used on boats – LPG – is heavier than air. If it leaks it can collect in a pool at the bottom of the boat, and this can be very dangerous. |
Special cooking appliancesWe could have had a normal electric cooker, but we wanted something more interesting and more generally useful, so Zinfandel is fitted with a full four-ring induction hob (as quick and responsive to use as gas) plus a family-size combination microwave oven – a small oven, a large microwave and a grill all in one unit. For convenience when cooking, the PropGen can be operated from the galley by the cook when power is needed. |
What we have insteadIn place of a normal engine, Zinfandel is fitted with a 7 kVA Mini PropGen from Beta Marine. This powers the boat and generates 240V AC output for cooking. It also charges the batteries, which are used to drive appliances such as the fridge and television that need less power. |
Extended decksThe PropGen wouldn’t fit under the rear deck of a standard 40-foot Sea Otter. That’s why Zinfandel is a 46-foot boat, with extended front and rear decks. This means that the person at the helm need never be lonely, as there is room for the whole crew on the rear deck. It also means that there is plenty of outdoor sitting space at the bow. |