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clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts
Initially Posted - 12/14/2004 :  16:14:09  Show Profile
I am refinishing all of the teak on my 1980 C25 swinger. This weekend I was in the cabin sanding and removed the stove to get a bit more access. At the end of the day I decided to take the "curtain burner" inside and see if I could get it up and running. Now I am not much of a sailor, yet, but I do know stoves. Having ran a college outdoor program for 17 years I have routinely Cooked for 20 or so college students for days at a time on all kind of camp stoves. And the Optimus name is a very well respected name in mountaineering stoves. My first inclination was to convert to propane, since when I left the outdoor program every thing we had was propane. But after some research and talking to Bob at A&H enterprises, www.packstoves.com, I have decided to refurbish this little classic. Bob knew the stove well and was able to provide parts and good advice. I had the choice to buy the rebuild Kit ($30.00) or a new burnner (60.00). I went both ways a couple of parts for one burner and a new burner for the other side. He sugested useing the stuff you can buy at the Home Depot paint department as opposed to the West Marine alcohol. and also take a wire brush to the cap with all the holes once in a while.

Clay C
Kamalla 1980 C25 SK/TR
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Waterboy
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USA
204 Posts
Response Posted - 12/14/2004 :  17:39:50  Show Profile  Visit Waterboy's Homepage
Clay - I too am considering options for the stock 'curtain burner'. Which Optimus stove are you using, and what type of fuel? I've used 8R and 111B extensively (switched to MSR's years ago) on extended wilderness outings and, given the priming and warmup procedure I'm familiar with, the visual I get is a bit dicey. You also mention two burners? I'm not picturing this properly - and chance you could provide a photo?
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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts
Response Posted - 12/14/2004 :  20:38:01  Show Profile
IMHO, if you understand a pressure alcohol stove and are meticulous about operation and maintenance, it will serve you well and at a reasonable price to use. The key is : will EVERYbody that uses it follow all the rules all the time? I used them for years successfully, but I would not be bothered with one now. I use propane or butane camp stoves and love it, but am careful to turn the tank off first and store the fuel out side. Fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 12/14/2004 :  22:55:15  Show Profile
No quarrel with camp stoves... But I like my Origo non-pressurized alcohol unit. No special procedures, no shut-off or storage issues, no burning curtains, and plain water can extinguish it. Some friends recommended the Soot Free alcohol that West and others carry, saying it was worth the few extra pennies, so that's what I use. If I intended to be a maritime gourmet, I'd look into propane, but I don't--I make coffee and scramble eggs. I might add a propane stern rail grill for steaks and fish.
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cvwall
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts
Response Posted - 12/15/2004 :  08:31:20  Show Profile
A grill on the stern rail is a great addition; nothing like really fresh fish on the grill. It also can be used for baking - hot sweet rolls for breakfast, buscuits or quick bread for dinner.
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 12/15/2004 :  18:15:21  Show Profile
Clay,
I'm surprised that A&H would recommend the cheaper alcohol. I bought a higher grade and it made a big difference in the stove's performance. I'm a purist about most things - but I still later converted my Princess to propane.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.