Sea Water in LPG Locker

[theway]

On the Pearson 323 I’ve noticed when motoring that the LPG drains are so low on the transom that they cause about 2 inches of water to enter the LPG lockers because of how much the stern lowers into the water.

When sailing or anchored it’s not a problem.

Part of the problem is that I’m carrying a lot of fuel and weight aft, I do plan to shift some of the weight forward, but wonder about how well this was designed.

Are other boats similar?
Should I have a on/off valve somewhere?


Thanks,
austin

[ahun]

Same to me, on my Hurley 22. I just plugged it in with a cork...

[theway]

Originally Posted by ahun

Same to me, on my Hurley 22. I just plugged it in with a cork...

That’s a brilliant idea! And the size of the drains seems like it would be a perfect fit. I guess I’ll open a bottle of wine tonight and find out... Thanks

austin

[txg]

You do realize that these drains are not only for draining water but also for draining gas? They shouldn't be plugged due to safety reasons. But they also shouldn't be below the waterline when motoring as this essentially results in plugging the hole as well. Maybe there is a possibility to relocate?

[theway]

Originally Posted by txg

You do realize that these drains are not only for draining water but also for draining gas? They shouldn't be plugged due to safety reasons. But they also shouldn't be below the waterline when motoring as this essentially results in plugging the hole as well. Maybe there is a possibility to relocate?

Definitely realize that. I only have one tank on the port side, the other side will be plugged because it’s become storage.

And yes, being blocked by water is no good either. I usually only use the LPG at anchor when it can drain and have it turned off at the tank when not in use.

A relocate of the drain would probably be a relocate of the tank too, the two lockers are pretty specifically located and not many options on a 32’ hull. But I’m open to ideas that aren’t too much work.

[NYSail]

My old pearson 36-2 also had the drain holes low but the locker was up high and water never got that high....... I would never plug hole regardless and would consider relocation vent hose.

Greg

[Pete7]

Our stern also drops 6" under power. Thank fully the gas locker drains are probably level were your cockpit drains are so we don't have that problem. Is there enough room to put a false bottom in the locker? Even a teak grate, doesn't have to be water tight unless you like playing with fiberglass, just enough lift the cylinders up a bit.

Also definitely not just move but get rid of any excess weight, it really makes a difference on a 32ft boat. I am going to remove the storm jib this winter and bring it home. Just don't need it for coastal cruising and the only time it is flown is in harbour once a year to check it out. I am also going to reduce the length of chain on the spare Fortress anchor, again less weight up forward. Just a case of constantly looking at stuff a deciding is it really needed, if not get rid of it.

Pete

[Suijin]

The only downside to your issue (assuming you plug the unused locker and are only concerned with the actively used propane locker) is corrosion of the propane tank. I think the easiest solution is just to buy a fiberglass tank. You can’t reroute the hose in any way that would prevent water entering (eg vented loop) that would not also prevent propane from draining. And don’t put a valve in it. That’s just asking for trouble (forgetting to open it, leaking at the valve join etc).

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by theway

On the Pearson 323 I’ve noticed when motoring that the LPG drains are so low on the transom that they cause about 2 inches of water to enter the LPG lockers because of how much the stern lowers into the water.

When sailing or anchored it’s not a problem.

Part of the problem is that I’m carrying a lot of fuel and weight aft, I do plan to shift some of the weight forward, but wonder about how well this was designed.

Are other boats similar?
Should I have a on/off valve somewhere?


Thanks,
austin



Attachment 179031

Is it possible you are digging a hole in the water under power and gaining nothing? Once over hull speed.

[roland stockham]

This is something you should take very seriously. I know of at least one case with a British army training boat exploded with loss of life due to plugged gas locker drains. Whether plugged by derbies or intermittently by water it increases the risk of gas seeping below. Rather than modifying the gas locker I have seen a number of people carry the gas supply in aluminum tanks on a stern platform with a mechanism to ditch them in the event of a fire (roped on so they can be recovered). I don't have gas on board for safety reasons but if I did that would be my solution.

[gonesail]

sounds like the lockers are the problem being too close to the waterline .. not the drains. get an aluminum or fiberglass tank. also try to lighten up the stern of the boat.

[Cheechako]

float ball type of check valve in the hose maybe?

[RainDog]

My last boat had this same issue. I solve it by using the swappable propane tanks they sell at every gas station/hardware store. That way corrosion never became an issue.

This probably doesn't work if you leave the US, but for domestic cruising it is no issue.

[nic26]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Our stern also drops 6" under power. Thank fully the gas locker drains are probably level were your cockpit drains are so we don't have that problem. Is there enough room to put a false bottom in the locker? Even a teak grate, doesn't have to be water tight unless you like playing with fiberglass, just enough lift the cylinders up a bit.

Also definitely not just move but get rid of any excess weight, it really makes a difference on a 32ft boat. I am going to remove the storm jib this winter and bring it home. Just don't need it for coastal cruising and the only time it is flown is in harbour once a year to check it out. I am also going to reduce the length of chain on the spare Fortress anchor, again less weight up forward. Just a case of constantly looking at stuff a deciding is it really needed, if not get rid of it.

Pete

Well, Pete, retireing the storm jib to your shed will make a big difference on a 32 footer

[RaymondR]

If you have the room putting in a longer hose with an upward loop in it might keep the water out but it would form a slight well at the bottom of the locker for heavier than air gas to accumulate. Better than a plug or a valve though.