Alternative Propane Storage

[unbusted67]

I am in the process of installing a propane oven on my boat and am finding it hard to fathom spending $600 on a propane locker which is essentially a fiberglass box with a solenoid in it and a hole drilled into the bottom. Can anyone recommend any alternative propane storage methods? Has anyone stored propane on deck or on the stern rail? What about experimenting with the smaller green bottles? I understand all of the hazards of propane so there is no use lecturing me, I am mostly just curious and have no interest in blowing myself up.

[donradcliffe]

I inherited the expensive locker, but I would think the new composite propane tanks would last quite long time on the stern rail. The green bottles don't. You still need to mount the regulator and solenoid either outside or in a sealed compartment vented to the outside, and they probably won't stand up to the salt spray as well as the new tanks.

[Katiusha]

We have our bbq propane bottle (5 l) mounted on the outside of transom rail. Works very well, but we had to get an aluminium tank to prevent corrosion.

There's another thread on merits of aluminium vs. fiberglass tank: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ass-25535.html

[daddle]

I used a simple latching watertight deck access port. For the compartment I wrapped the tank in several layers of bubble wrap, added a shoebox on the side for the regulator and solenoid, inverted it on the workbench, and layed up several layers of 'glass over the whole mess. Quick, simple and cheap. Fit perfect.

[unbusted67]

What about getting a fiberglass tank and mounting it outside in the cockpit over the cockpit drains? Running a short hose to the regulator and solenoid which could be mounted just inside the cockpit locker, and then on to the stove. Or does the tank have to be enclosed?

[zeehag]

doesnot have to be enclosed. mine was on stern rail of my ericson. others have theirs mounted to stern rail.
will the tank roll around in seas where you have chosen to place it or is it secured?? if secured, should be ok as long as there is a hose overboard.

[unbusted67]

Actually can anyone site me the ABYC regs on propane storage aboard. I am just reading now on Don Casey's (self proclaimed Bob Villa of the sea) site that you can mount propane on the deck.

[unbusted67]

Woops thanks Zee, I just posted that before reading yours.

[Vasco]

My buddy's boat with double propane storage on rail. It's the white thing. It's a fiberglass propane cover from a rv place that normally sits on the tongue of a trailer. He put a plywood bottom on it with a couple of drain holes.

[Jim Cate]

Common practice in Australia to mount LPG tanks on the stern rail. Two systems are used to battle corrosion: use alumimium or galvanized tanks, or use the commonly available "swap-a-bottle" services and simply exchange the now somewhat rusty tank when it is empty.

Seems to work for the Aussies who have pretty restrictive rules about gas installations.

Cheers,

Jim

[unbusted67]

Just answered my own question:
"A-1.7.6.1 LPG cylinders, cylinder valves, regulating
equipment, and safety devices shall be readily accessible,
secured for sea conditions, and protected from the weather
and against mechanical damage, and shall be
A-1.7.6.1.1 installed in a ventilated location on the
exterior of the boat where escaping gases will flow directly
overboard, or,
A-1.7.6.1.2 if the escaping vapors will not flow directly
overboard, the cylinder shall be installed in a dedicated
locker meeting the requirements of A-1.8 LPG
LOCKERS"

I think this is a case of doing it the right way the first time. I just can't for the life of me think of a place to put a locker.

[TFrere]

Mine is mounted on a homemade rack on the stern rail just on the port side of the stern boarding ladder. The mount is made of stainless, the bottle is a 10 lb. aluminum, and it is covered with a Sunbrella BBQ pit cover. Works great. I open the valve through the cover without taking it off.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Just answered my own question ...

Well done.

See also
Here ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ion-67526.html

Here ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...age-37987.html

Here ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...oid-50653.html

And most importantly, the from Horse’s mouth
Here ➥ http://www.abyc.com/committees/A-01.pdf

[unbusted67]

Hey here's a question: I have isolated a space that I could potentially fit a tank but I would have to lay a 6lb tank down on its side. Can you run a propane tank on its side?

[sarafina]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Hey here's a question: I have isolated a space that I could potentially fit a tank but I would have to lay a 6lb tank down on its side. Can you run a propane tank on its side?

Yep ; -)