Association Forum - any info on that damn "curtain burner"?

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any info on that damn "curtain burner"?

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goodone
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/29/2002 : 00:40:08

Ok, this may be a dumb question to many of you and I'm SURE
someone has answered this but please bear with me...
I now know why that Catalina stove is called a curtain burner
but does anybody know what causes this? Almost set my boat on fire
and she was still on the trailer! YIKES!!! Talk about excitement!!
The make is "SEAWARD" and it's a pressure alcohol stove, could I
still get parts? What the heck went wrong? Any info would be appreciated....thanks! Gene

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2002 : 01:55:49

The pressurized alcohol burner needs to be hot before it will burn correctly. On my princess stove I've found that if I fill the pan with alcohol, close the valve, light it, and let it burn off, then do it all a second time, it will not erupt in flames when I open up the valve. I've done a lot of camping and have used similar types of heated fuel stoves so I'm a little more used to their idiosyncrasies.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 05/29/2002 01:56:57

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frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2002 : 07:28:13

Gene

In a past post I mentioned that I have the original owners manual for the stove. If you would like a copy send me your e-mail or fax number to: frich1230@aol.com

Frank Rich

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2002 : 09:43:05

Gene,
My ears are ringing as I write this <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> . You may want to review the "Original stove repair" thread a few threads down.

Steve Madsen
#2428
OJ (Ode to Joy) <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2002 : 21:20:31

Hi Gene...

By the time we bought our C-25, I had read at least a year's discussions here on the pressurized alcohol stoves that were original equipment. "Curtain burner" was the nickname, as you have learned. Several owners swear by them, and insist that with a little training, you can tame the little beast... However, I had read enough--we never lit ours.

Some friends had an Origo non-pressurized alcohol stove that they built into their very classy Mystic 30 cutter--it was an in-counter unit--worked nicely and they appreciated its simplicity and safety. We decided to part with a few boat units to buy the Origo 3000, a unit that fits precisely where the curtain-burner lives, and works exactly like our friends' unit. Unlike the pressurized models, the steps are: (1) turn the knob to open the burner, (2) light it with a butane lighter (we use a long-neck lighter with a trigger), and (3) adjust the flame with the knob. No flareups, no explosive fuels, and very reasonable cooking, although admittedly not quite as efficient as propane. Our friends did recommend that we use "Soot Free" brand alcohol, sold at West and other places, for best results.

That was a year ago, and we've long forgotten the few boat units expended, but will long remember the peace-of-mind and simplicity that this little investment brought us. I have to confess that stories like yours make me that much more satisfied. I hope our story helps you.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/29/2002 21:23:03

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IndyJim
Navigator

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USA
130 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 00:36:07

Gene,
Like you, I had to learn what "curtain burner" meant the hard way. I felt like an idiot but I thought something was wrong with my Seaward stove when it flamed up. Since I had just bought my Cat25, I learned that the fire extinguisher worked well. When I called Seaward to "fix the problem" they sent me a copy of the operator's manual.
I was a newbie and then...and only then, did I read the wonderfully informative thread about "curtain burners" on the great site. At first I thought that the method described was screwy. I was certain that I was going to replace it with propane. At that time I couldn't talk my wife out of any boat units, so I had to master it. Its not a big deal anymore. Even though its still a screwy system, it works fine. However, I am now the owner of some nice new curtains and a new fire extinguisher! ha ha ha Who knows? Maybe next year....

Jim
"Itza Dew Sea"
'85 SK/TR #4525

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IndyJim
Navigator

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USA
130 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2002 : 22:58:57

Gene,

Boy, can I relate! After I got my C-25 in January, I was tinkering and thought I'd check out the stove. Well, I also got to check out the fire extinguisher! Then when I called Seaward to inquire about gaskets or the hardware that I might need to fix it, they told me that it was operating just like it was supposed to.

As Don mentioned, you need to open the valve momentarily and let a little alcohol into the basin. Then light that small pool and it will superheat the actual burner in a very short while. Then the stove will work fine! It just has to be pre-heated.

But now I have a new fire extinguisher and new curtains. But I do use the stove and I've read all the threads about replacement and propane. Maybe someday... who knows. But knowing how to light it is monumental!

Good luck!

IndyJim
"Itza Dew Sea"
'84 TR/SK #4525

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