Propane tank in forward starboard storage locker

[Beflyguy]

What are thoughts on putting a propane tank or tanks in the forward starboard storage locker in a Tomcat. I assume it could be ported down into the hull for venting and hoses could be run aft into the kitchen area. I'm also planning to install a Propex water heater.

[thataway]

That locker is not sealed from the interior of the boat. Thus it would be in violation of ABYC standards. I would not do it. Unfortunately the seat locker, and the lazarette lockers are contigious with the hull and potentially the inside of the boat, plus could not be properly vented to the outside.

The safest place would be in a locker on the Outboard bracket.

The water heater appears to me to be one designed for a UK "Caravan"--known as RV's in the US. Many of these are not safe in boats. How will you support it? Where will it be placed and how will it be vented? About 35 years ago a few of the flow through heaters were installed in US boats. (I had one)--but there were some significant problems.

[Captains Cat]

Bob's right (as usual). I would not put it inside anywhere. Propane, being heavier than air would find the lowest point if leaking which would be the bottom of one (or both) of the sponsons and the first spark of any kind would send you skyward! The Armstrong bracket is the ideal location.

Charlie

[Byrdman]

Do not walk, but run away from the idea of placing a "large" propane bottle tank, with sealed/over board vented storage box inside the boat.

Another idea, would be to have this same, sealed/over board vented storage box as a step box as to assist folks when getting on/off the boat.

I say...large above as I know that folks sometimes stow the one pound bottles in the cabin, under the sink area and/or other places, but, again, out back in the gunnel storage shelves may be a better idea.

[Beflyguy]

I found this link. http://www.abyc.com/committees/A-01.pdf It is very clear on the standards for propane connections and storage. I don't know why but it was hard to locate.

[starcrafttom]

I always felt that the new fiberglass propane tanks would be easily mounted on the radar arch if you have one. keeps it out of the boat and in to the wind in case of leaks. does not take up floor space and would weather well in that location. Maybe even make a canvas cover for it. Just not in a dark color.

just mount on the inside of the up rights.

[matt_unique]

I too would avoid keeping any propane tanks in an enclosed space. The risk from leakage could be catastrophic.

It sounds like you are really outfitting the boat though! I'm sure it will have some great features once you are done.

[thataway]

Belflyguy,
The ABYC standards are generally only available to members (this is really a dis-service to the general yachting community--but gives ABYC a source of revenue). The Coast Guard rules for inspected vessels and Transport Canada are other sources of regs, which are parallel to ABYC.
ABYC standards are copyrighted--and members are not susposed to publish them (although occasionaly parts are).

As you may know, many inboard boats use the same water heaters as are in the Tom Cat--but the inboard boats run the engine cooling water thu a coil in the water tank, to heat the water. This is difficult to do with an outboard. Thus heating water requires either a generator or dock power. There are a few flow through electric water heaters which will work fine. Probably the best system is to have boat heating and hot water heating on the same diesel fired system. In the PNW this is practical--not so in Florida.

As you are finding the Tom Cat is a difficult boat to put propane in--but a locker on the engine bracket is the best way--to be safe. Yes, I suspose that you could put a tank on or under the radar arch--I would want to have it somewhat protected so that it would not have a chance of the valve or regulator being knocked off. Also you would need to either put a selenoid valve, or easy access to a manual valve on the tank.

I have seen people use propane refigrators on larger boats, along with propane water heaters--but thes all were vented directly to the exterior--again something hard to do on the Tom Cat.

[SEA3PO]

Yes it could be done.... by fiberglassing that cabinet solid and sealed from the inside.... not hard.... then vent overboard.... I wanted to install a larger propane tank in my lazarettee so I built a deeper bottom and installed that in the bottom of the lazarette ... installed the vent lower down in that extension... perfectly safe...check my photos of what I built....

Joel
SEA3PO

[SEA3PO]

I used one of those new epoxy propane tanks....very nice and light...won't rust..and LOTS of propane....for this short trip to the delta I will only use my one gallon tank...

Joel
SEA3PO

[lloyds]

Who supplies the epoxy tanks?

[thataway]

I have always used aluminum propane tanks on my boats. They are more expensive, but there is not the fear of rust. I don't know who makes epoxy tanks--and my concern there is that they would probably burn.

The C Dory 22 is fairly easy to convert a lazarette to propane locker, since it opens to the outside of the boat (the top). The Tom Cat has all of its lockers opening either into the cabin (the anchor locker for example--or the lazarette or seat lockers.

If you had to have a propane tank, you could glass in the foreward lockers which were originally refered to--then make a hatch on the deck to access the tank. One problem might be the route of the propane hose to the appliances. Generally this is from the outside of the boat, and near the top of the locker. I guess that you could put a bulkhead fitting on the top of the locker (not put the hose thru) and then attatch hoese inside of the foreward cabin and in the locker to the thank. Again--having to go forward to open the valve, or use a remote 12 volt valve would be essential.

[journey on]

Try this. They're composite tanks, not just epoxy ( if that.) And they aren't free.
Defender Marine and search for propane tank.

Boris