Propane Regulators: are Marine versions special?

[felizcortez]

Is there anything special about Marine Propane Regulators? E.g. the Trident wall mount regulators or tank mounted versions look like the standard BBQ regulators you get at hardware stores. I'm looking at replacing the alcohol stove on my boat and switching to propane. I'm just wondering if I can purchase locally if they are actually the same or whether I need to order a special regulator online.

[Jim Cate]

We've used standard issue domestic regs for many years now, and have had one failure... a slow leak that was easily drained overboard as designed. Replaced that one with another domestic unit, and no further issues were encountered. If your reg is in the self draining locker, I'd not fret about use of domestic stuff.

But I dunno about rules and regulations from the many varied codes that one may encounter as one travels. The folks who live by ABYC standards might well disagree with my point of view, and perhaps some government gas inspectors as well.

Keeping your regulator dry and protected from salt spray would always be a good idea IMO, but here in Oz lots of yachts have their LPG bottle hanging from the stern pulpit, out in the open and I don't hear many complaints about failures from the exposure.

So, there's an opinion based on personal experience and no technical expertise. Caveat emptor and all that...

Jim

[bglad]

These are the words from the ABYC standard:

1.7.5.1 Each LPG system shall be provided with a pressure regulator specifically designed for use with LPG.

Originally Posted by felizcortez

Is there anything special about Marine Propane Regulators? E.g. the Trident wall mount regulators or tank mounted versions look like the standard BBQ regulators you get at hardware stores. I'm looking at replacing the alcohol stove on my boat and switching to propane. I'm just wondering if I can purchase locally if they are actually the same or whether I need to order a special regulator online.

[wholybee]

The trident marine regulator is the same regulator as on many household grills. If it gets saltwater on it, it will fail quickly. The solenoid valve is regular steel, and if it gets wet will rust, and quickly fail.

Keep them dry, and pay attention to the installation details, locker construction, vent, pressure gauge, etc.