Compress Gas to Propane Conversion

[capt jgw]

Here's my take on propane tanks and lockers. Yes, aluminum tanks are better in the marine environment if they stay on the boat. But they're a lot more expensive. I've converted three boats to propane and built my lockers to fit the standard backyard barbecue 20# tanks. And I exchange them instead of refilling. Most any marina and even a lot of anchorages will have a gas station or other store with exchange within a short walk. The refill place might be miles away. If you exchange the tanks don't stay on the boat long enough to rust much. And the exchange company inspects and repaints them as needed so they come to the boat in good shape in the first place. All tanks need to be recertified every 12 years and that can be difficult to arrange. Some places might not want to do the odd sized aluminum tanks being unfamiliar with them. The exchange places don't even look at the dates, they just swap you a new one. It's cheaper and a lot easier with the barbeque tanks. The only downside I've found is the exchanges only fill them to 3/4 full for about the same price as a full refill, but if you had to take a taxi or something to the refill the exchange is probably cheaper overall.