|
|
17-08-2016, 09:00
|
#1
|
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: New Smyrna Be., FL
Boat: 1988 Catalina 27 sloop
Posts: 10
|
Propane tanks
Skippers, I have to switch from natural gas to propane cooking gas for my Catalina. As far as propane tanks (bottles), what size or shape is the most common for boats? And, do they have to stand up or can they lie on their sides?
Much appreciation,
Steve Baker
"the beaker"
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 09:24
|
#2
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Boat: Morgan Moorings 50
Posts: 1,895
|
Re: Propane tanks
10 lb. tanks seem to be the norm, usually two in an aft cockpit storage. It cannot be kept within the boat as propane sinks into the bilge. I carry a few smaller camper cartridges as well.
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 09:29
|
#3
|
cat herder, extreme blacksheep
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: furycame alley , tropics, mexico for now
Boat: 1976 FORMOSA yankee clipper 41
Posts: 18,967
|
Re: Propane tanks
it depends on your use and needs.
if 5 pounds propane lasts you a year, no sense in buying 10 pound bottles. having a second bottle merely keeps your use continuous when the first bottle empties, which usually happens when cooking coffee at 0355, and have a hard jones on for for it on your night watch where 7-11 is not found.
remember the gas neeeds to be kept away from cabin and engine areas and has regulations specific to its use an storage.
as for storing on its side--only special bottles function in horizontal mode. 20 pound and 10 pound i have found for my camp vans.
i prefer to keep gas bottles on taffrail,upright, astern and overboard. less propensity for destruction of self and boat should a darwin moment occur with tank changes.
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 09:47
|
#4
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Boat: Island Packet 35
Posts: 207
|
Re: Propane tanks
I have 2 fibreglass 20lb tanks located on my aft pushpit. One supplies to my BBQ the other is independent and supplies to my galley stove, through safety valve of course. They last me the entire season, 4-5 months.
Fibreglass tanks are basically half the tare weight of the regular steel tanks and fairly translucent, able to see the liquid level which makes it convenient for monitoring. They also are certified much longer, I believe 15 years, or more.
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 10:01
|
#5
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: So Cal
Boat: Catalina 387
Posts: 967
|
Re: Propane tanks
For a Catalina 27 I may suggest doing away with the expense and hassle of a propane conversion and just use an Origo non-pressurized alcohol stove. They work fine, don't go boom, you don't need to find a spot to store propane, and are reasonably cheap.
If set on propane, what everybody else said - make sure it could never vent into the boat.
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 17:41
|
#6
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: aboard, in Tasmania, Australia
Boat: Sayer 46' Solent rig sloop
Posts: 28,524
|
Re: Propane tanks
If you're planning on going far away from the US, the horizontal tanks can be a pain to get filled, they are almost entirely unknown the places we've been in the South Pacific.
Four our usage, we have 2 9 kilo tanks, which last 10-12 weeks per each. We are full time cruising.
Ann
__________________
Who scorns the calm has forgotten the storm.
|
|
|
17-08-2016, 18:13
|
#7
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Back in Montt.
Boat: Westerly Sealord
Posts: 8,186
|
Re: Propane tanks
I carry 3 x 4.5 kg tanks..... they fit in the gas locker, they aren't too heavy to handle when full, and they give a nominal 1 month each.
Marine LPG Cylinder | Specifically designed for marine useStainless Steel Tanks & Pressure Vessels
Be aware.... they do not test or fill the f/g ones in NZ or Oz.
Only ones designed to be used horizontal should be fitted horizontal....
|
|
|
18-08-2016, 07:44
|
#8
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,059
|
Re: Propane tanks
Propane tanks are made to mount either horizontally or vertically. Be sure to buy the type you want. If you mount a vertical tank on it's side, it will deliver liquid propane instead of gas.
Trident Rubber Company, the hose manufacturer, sells a nice selection of tanks. Any good marine store should be able to get what you want.
I stock fiberglass tanks in 11 and 18 pound sizes.
Lehr 11 lb Propane Cylinder Composite Lightweight Mfg# LPT11
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 03:35
|
#9
|
Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Boat: Miura 31
Posts: 348
|
Re: Propane tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by HopCar
Propane tanks are made to mount either horizontally or vertically. Be sure to buy the type you want. If you mount a vertical tank on it's side, it will deliver liquid propane instead of gas.
Trident Rubber Company, the hose manufacturer, sells a nice selection of tanks. Any good marine store should be able to get what you want.
I stock fiberglass tanks in 11 and 18 pound sizes.
Lehr 11 lb Propane Cylinder Composite Lightweight Mfg# LPT11
|
HopCar, can you enlighten us as to what effects UV have on the fibreglass tanks over time? I am thinking of one not in a locker, but permanently mounted on a bracket on the rail and fully open to the elements.
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 06:28
|
#10
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
|
Propane tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnT
HopCar, can you enlighten us as to what effects UV have on the fibreglass tanks over time? I am thinking of one not in a locker, but permanently mounted on a bracket on the rail and fully open to the elements.
|
Our two ragasco fiberglass tanks have been outside for 6 years now. The plastic is a little faded, but beyond that I see no change to them at all. I honestly don't even think the plastic has experienced any embrittlement !!
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 06:41
|
#11
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Narragansett Bay
Boat: Able 50
Posts: 3,139
|
Re: Propane tanks
When you are buying tanks, pay the money and get the aluminium ones. Mine are 12 years old and still going strong. I did have to fit new valves 2 years ago.
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 06:45
|
#12
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Key West & Sarasota
Boat: Cal 28 "Happy Days"
Posts: 4,210
|
Re: Propane tanks
__________________
Any fool with a big enough checkbook can BUY a boat; it takes a SPECIAL type of fool to build his own! -Capngeo
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 06:57
|
#13
|
Long Range Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Australian living on "Sea Life" currently in England.
Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life"
Posts: 12,822
|
Re: Propane tanks
-1 on Aluminum
Too expensive.
I use steel and paint them
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 08:07
|
#14
|
Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Boat: Miura 31
Posts: 348
|
Re: Propane tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by savoir
When you are buying tanks, pay the money and get the aluminium ones. Mine are 12 years old and still going strong. I did have to fit new valves 2 years ago.
|
Not available in S. Africa - steel and GRP only. GRP are VERY expensive but steel cost around US $15 as a deposit as only the gas company can "own" them. GRP are only available in marine shops here.
|
|
|
21-08-2016, 08:28
|
#15
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Narragansett Bay
Boat: Able 50
Posts: 3,139
|
Re: Propane tanks
Propane is available on tank exchange only in many parts of US. Thankfully, Ace Hardware still do it the old fashioned way and fill your tank.
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Advertise Here
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor Spotlight |
|
|
|
|
|