COMPOSITE CYLINDERS FOR PROPANE GAS

[Blue Stocking]

Are the new composite cylinders approved by ABYC. Various manufacturers claim DOT and U.L. approvals, but I know that these approvals sometimes apply to very specific parts of the construction, and not necessarily to specific uses of the product.
Thanks in advance

[AnchorageGuy]

ABYC does not approve cylinders to my knowledge but rather installation. I do believe that with DOT approval you are certified OK for boats, RVs. etc.

[Blue Stocking]

Thanks Chuck,
I meant for on-board installation usage. There is some difference of opinion on accepting these cylinders for general use. In checking the web, for instance, I found that Seattle FD ( for one ) has restrictions on them. As an Ex-Fire Dept officer I know that "approvals" are often limited to specific applications or installations. Trying to eliminate rust marks from my steel cylinders.
Thanks again

[never monday]

I thought these were pulled from the market about a year ago?

[AnchorageGuy]

Actually they are all over the place and we know a number of folks that are using on their boats now.

[Blue Stocking]

Never Monday,
They are still listed at Defender, and a few other suppliers. Can you remember where you saw this.
By the way, family business at 6000 Holiday Rd. Kinetic. In your area often.

[Meridian]

I have 2 of the 20 lb tanks. At first I loved 'em...lightweight, and you can see how much LPG is inside. Very cool.
Now, however, I've discovered that the manufacturer did not use stainless or marine-grade hardware when building them. The collar flange and nozzle are rusting badly, to the point that I am hesitant to pressurize again with gas. If the collar gave way under 130 psi of pressure...probably not a good thing.
These are name-brand, advertised units.
Caveat emptor
John

[AnchorageGuy]

John, Good to know. Have you contacted the manufacturer? We have not heard this report until now.

[Blue Stocking]

Thanks Meridian,

I have seen these tanks, and thought that the metal parts did not look marine grade. My concerns are similar to yours, therefore, my FD comment.

[Meridian]

Hi, Chuck
I have e-mailed to manufacturer, and am waiting on a reply. We are currently in New Zealand, so it is unlikely they will ship new, improved tanks, though I certainly would like that. I don't know if a new valve-and-nozzle assembly can be installed into the FRG tank.
The local filling stations will not refill my tanks, as they are concerned (righly so, I'm afraid) about the rusted fittings.
If, and to what degree, the manufacturer gets involved, I'll post the results.

John

[Pblais]

We have been down this thread before sevral times. You may want to check this other thread out. We do have a member that is "LP gas guy". This thread went a lot farther than this one and it might save some effort to read them now. You should go through the whole thread to catch all the details as well as links to the rest of the composite propane tank threads. This is not a brand new idea or product.

Begin here:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nks-14259.html