Propane Storage

[oldgrowth]

Joe - sometimes you come up with brilliant and simple solutions to complex problems.

[SEA3PO]

I replaced my alcahol stove with a propane two burner drop in stove top..with a electric igniter and all the neat stuff.... I had a marine surveor help me do it properly.... we installed a small one gallon tank in the port lazerette and a solenoid valve in the locker, then used a vapor tight fitting for the line to the stove....we routed the line through pvc pipe that we attached up under the areas in the back where the wiring goes...it is a really neat tight set-up and I feel very safe with it aboard.....I did once smell propane, but it turned out to be one of those small canisters that are used with the barbeque was leaking...it also was stored in the port lazerette so it was venting overboard safely....but I threw it away anyhow.. to do it properly is not cheep...but much cheeper than the explosion...

Joel
SEA3PO

[Sea Wolf]

Nice solution, Joel.

Incidently, you could let us know on the other thread how the repair of your tug's going.

Joe.

[therrick]

Many nice responses. Thanks all.

I have seen propane tanks strapped to the back of trailers and RVs, but I like the idea of a tank in a box on the back of my boat better. Not that it would be protected from a semi (a la Milehog) but would look better and be much less attractive to a nuisance-maker. I've been tinkering with fiberglass and like the idea of building a glassed box to mount to the transom.

I also like the idea of running the delivery hose through a PVC conduit all the way from the box to the stove connection. It's not likely I'd open up the insulation on the 30A line to my table saw either, but I'd rather not be toast. Some cable-ease will help to get the rubber hose through the 90-degree bends.

At the stove, I have been considering a quick-disconnect fitting so that I can quickly disconnect the stove, pop it in an insulated bag and store it after use without need for tools. Anyone using such a thing? For safety I don't plan on an electric solenoid valve at the tank. I'd rather go back there and exercise the valve just to make sure. Without pressure in the line it seems that a quick-disconnect fitting would be safe. (My air compressor fittings do seem to leak a bit. Hopefully the propane fittings would be a better fit?)

Again, thanks for the considered and considerate input from all.

Lots to learn...

Tom

[SEA3PO]

I don't think a quick disconnect is allowed inside the cabin or enclosed space... and if you violate marine standards and your boat does catch fire the insurance company may well void your claim.. we used the approved propane line (over $50) and connected directly to the stove...no other connections between the stove and the solenoid that is mounted in the port lazerette.... The marine surveor was real critical when we set up the installation.. and I still turn off the propane bottle when I am not using it....manually...even though the solenoid is good I just don't chance things like that.

Joel
SEA3PO

[Falco]

Lots of good advice here: Al tanks, store tanks in lockers, out of bilge, etc. But I seriously suggest you talk with a reputable dealer/installer. There are a lot of nuances here, including installation specific issues like venting. Don't forget the propane and CO monitors.

I looked into a propane heater for my 22. It looks feasible, but is not something I would do myself.

[thataway]

I agree, the quick disconnect is not a good idea. The turn off the valve after each use is a good idea. The selenoid (If that course is taken) is often fitted to the sniffer, so that if a concentration of LPG is detected, the valve is automatically closed off. The selenoid switch has a red light and is not easy to ignore if you leave it on.--Unless you used some lever valve, which had a flag on it--it may be difficult to see if the tank is closed or open (only use LPG certified valves). We have always had a selnoid valve, plus if we were away from the boat for any length of time, turned off the hand valve at the tank. The fewer fittings between the tank and the stove the better--I would avoid 90 degree turns, us sweeping turns--and always have a grommet to protect the hose where it goes thru bulkheads. I have run my hose in PVC pipe, and think it is a good idea--but the pipe should be ventillated.

[timflan]

Well I'm stuck. I've purchased two small propane cylinders, and neither one will fit into the aft port-side storage locker on my C-Dory 22! One is too TALL, and the other is too WIDE. How frustrating.

So who's actually got a refillable propane cylinder tucked into a locker? What product is it?

Thanks!

[jlynch]

Becareful with this propane storage. Coast Guard will not like to see
disposable cylinders stored in an enclosed container or locker without the
proper vent. The port lazerette makes a good propane locker if the vent is clear to the waterline, outside the cabin or cockpit..
Vist this site. http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no'86255F and
93269.F

[jlynch]

Correction on the webb address
http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=86255F and =93269F

[Doryman]

Does this discussion apply to the Coleman-type cylinders used on the BBQ?

Warren

[marvin4239]

[SEA3PO]

Yes, the port lazarette is approved propane storage for a permanent installed system...with it's permanent outside vent... you also mush have a remote solenoid valve in the compartment and water-tite connections leading away from the lazarette, no open holes that could vent into the cockpit of the boat... and no quick disconnects.... probably could have one inside the lazarette but not within the cockpit areas....all connections must be permanent fittings. with approved materials...

And Yes the Port lazerette is the approved place to store portable propane bottles as it has a permanent outside vent.

Joel
SEA3PO