keeping a small 16 ounce propane cylinder on the boat

[sdowney717]

As in a small green cylinder like you would buy in the camping section for stoves or lights.
Is 16 ounces a dangerous explosive hazard to keep on the boat say if the cylinder had a leak it would go down to the bilge. Is that enough propane on a 37 foot boat to cause an explosion?

Or would be ok. I have read it takes from 2 to 10 percent for explosion limits when propane is mixed into the air.

Assume small tank is stored in a locker and the tank valve has a slow leak.

They look like this.


If one is ok, then how many is not ok?

[Target9000]

The percentage of propane to air for an explosion risk is quite arbitrary because propane sinks. You can think of it sort of like water. If water is leaking into your boat, what happens?

It runs down and all pools in one spot right? And that one spot is very dangerous if a spark or flame happens close enough.

If you're going to keep explosive fuels onboard, no matter how small the container, I suggest the proper installation be observed. It would not be a big hassle to build a small airtight box for those little bottles.

[DeniseO30]

Just keep it outside the boat. Don't leave anything to chance or assumption. Anchor lockers are almost always safe because they "drain" outside the boat's bow.

[Pete7]

Might be worth watching:

Yachting Monthly's Crash Test Boat - Explosion! - YouTube

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by sdowney717

As in a small green cylinder like you would buy in the camping section for stoves or lights.
Is 16 ounces a dangerous explosive hazard to keep on the boat say if the cylinder had a leak it would go down to the bilge. Is that enough propane on a 37 foot boat to cause an explosion?

Or would be ok. I have read it takes from 2 to 10 percent for explosion limits when propane is mixed into the air.

Assume small tank is stored in a locker and the tank valve has a slow leak.

They look like this.


If one is ok, then how many is not ok?

We carry several of these aboard, together with an adapter, as a backup in case we run out of propane in our primary propane system. I wrap them in a single layer of bubble wrap and then package them in vacuum sealed pouches with our FoodSaver. They can be resealed in this manner even if partially used in one's mantel-lamp or grill. Any seepage from the cyclinders is evident by the "swelling" of the vacuum pouch. We've kept several cyclinders aboard--in our sealed/overboard vented propane locker--for several years in this manner with no leakage or degredation of the cyclinders.

FWIW...

[MasterMariner]

Store it outside in a locker that is ventilated well. If it is in a vacuum sealed bag and leaks the pressure of the tank would be greater than what the bag will hold.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by DeniseO30

Just keep it outside the boat. Don't leave anything to chance or assumption. Anchor lockers are almost always safe because they "drain" outside the boat's bow.

Well mine appears to drain into the bilge.

[cal40john]

I've followed a suggestion I found on CF of a 3" diameter PVC pipe long enough for 2 of the green bottles lashed to a stanchion. Top it with a cap.

John

[MarkSF]

What a great idea. Mine lives in the dock locker unless I'm going to BBQ then it lives attached to the bottom of the BBQ.

[MasterMariner]

Originally Posted by cal40john

I've followed a suggestion I found on CF of a 3" diameter PVC pipe long enough for 2 of the green bottles lashed to a stanchion. Top it with a cap.

John

Bingo!

[captainKJ]

i left 6 of them in a deck locker for 5 months when I was no onboard. When I came back the salt air had put holes in them

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by captainKJ

i left 6 of them in a deck locker for 5 months when I was no onboard. When I came back the salt air had put holes in them

The benefit of a vacuum pack is that the bottles are completely protected from the environment/salt air. Storage in an exteior mounted PVC pipe would still be a possible as well...

FWIW...

[Cormorant]

Originally Posted by cal40john

I've followed a suggestion I found on CF of a 3" diameter PVC pipe long enough for 2 of the green bottles lashed to a stanchion. Top it with a cap.
John

Wouldn't it be 4" PVC pipe?

[cal40john]

Originally Posted by Cormorant

Wouldn't it be 4" PVC pipe?

I think you're right. I measured, bought then promptly forgot the size.

John

[Duke 48]

Originally Posted by cal40john

I've followed a suggestion I found on CF of a 3" diameter PVC pipe long enough for 2 of the green bottles lashed to a stanchion. Top it with a cap.

John

Atach a teather to the cap to keep from losing overboard.