Thoughts on new lpg system

[capn ken]

Good morning, I’m replacing my old CNG system, as it is impossible to get the tanks filled and the stove is getting a little tired. A brand new day, a brand new stove, all new LPG system. My question is I have a Cal-29 I’m thinking of putting a 5 gallon can in the lazaret in the cockpit a fiberglass one!In a self-contained sealed unit. I would rather do that then drill a hole in the side of the hole for an overflow. Any thoughts on that?

[Chotu]

You need an overflow to open air. Unfortunately, your plan isn’t the best one.

[denverd0n]

"Your plan isn't the best one." That is putting it VERY mildly. His plan is a good one if his intention is to blow up his boat.

Without an overboard drain, propane is EXTREMELY dangerous! Actually, propane is pretty dangerous in any case, which is why there are very strict rules about how to plumb a system. Any variation from the rules is a disaster waiting to happen. It would be quite foolish to install a system like you are planning. Sorry to be so blunt, but that is the truth.

[Chotu]

Ha ha ha. I was trying to be nice/gentle. DenverdOn is right though. Propane is the last place to take a shortcut. Well, it may be tied with gasoline.

[Scubaseas]

Get a copy of ABYC A-1 standards and read twice. Tank storage needs to be vented and a drain at the bottom of it. Or just mount the tank on the rail works too. Sealed is not a good idea unless as pointed out "boom" is what you are looking to do.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by capn ken

Good morning, I’m replacing my old CNG system, as it is impossible to get the tanks filled and the stove is getting a little tired. A brand new day, a brand new stove, all new LPG system. My question is I have a Cal-29 I’m thinking of putting a 5 gallon can in the lazaret in the cockpit a fiberglass one!In a self-contained sealed unit. I would rather do that then drill a hole in the side of the hole for an overflow. Any thoughts on that?

Vent the lazaret at it's lowest point. No one wants to see you with a bomb.
Drilling a hole is no big deal.

[chriswheat]

I installed my LPG tank in my stern lazarette with great success. Get the complete kit from Defender https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=3473225 Molded polymer locker with tank, remote solenoid switch, one piece hose, and everything. Just make sure that you have enough clearance/height in your lazarette to vent the locker THROUGH your hull above the waterline as required, with the vent hose running downhill from the bottom of the locker. As mentioned previously in this forum the locker MUST be vented and independent of any other hoses.

[alansmith]

Maybe I’m anal retentive.... my wife frequently remarks I’m full of sh!t, so she must be right. But when I’m done cooking I obviously close the valve at the stove. Then I close the valve at the tank. It takes me an extra 30 seconds.

Another thing.. since it is a small boat ... you could use the small canisters instead of the expensive as hell fiberglass bomb. Many trailer sailors do that and it works out fine. You would be surprised how long one of those canisters last. Take 3-4 of them with you and your good for months. Then refill those back at the truck with a big bomb tank and your good for the rest of the year. So much easier and safer than carrying the bomb. Make sure you have the other tanks where they don’t rattle around in the lazzerete. And as always make sure your propane sniffer is tested regularly.

I believe in safety. Keep it simple and keep it easy to use. I have an expensive aluminum tank and a one burner job. I’m on a 30 foot trimaran. I’m seriously considering dropping the bomb and going to single canister one burner. I have my alpine backpack stove as backup.

[Cpt Mark]

And then there's the question of how airtight your lazarrette is? Any propane in there might make it into your boat and accumulate. Start your stove and boom.

[AKA-None]

So replace a big bomb with little ones? Still needs to be vented properly

[kmacdonald]

CNG is fairly easy to come by if you have a fill adapter. Use the unattended self serve CNG refueling stations. It costs about $1.50 to fill a 2200 psi tank the size of a large scuba tank. (100 cubic foot scuba tank) If you can find a CNG valve to fit a scuba tank you can fill them to 3000 psi. Greater energy density. The huge advantage of LPG is it's energy density, it's a liquid, not a gas like CNG.

[Cadence]

Just a little more drift.
Why not LNG you can make a diesel dual fuel.
It would seem venting the locker was the question

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Cadence

Just a little more drift.
Why not LNG you can make a diesel dual fuel.
It would seem venting the locker was the question

How are you going to keep it below negative 260 degrees F?

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

How are you going to keep it below negative 260 degrees F?

Surely you knew that was in jest!

[johnn33]

Hi to alansmith et al
The usual drill is to close the valve at the gas cylinder whilst a burner is lit at the cooker and thus the line is emptied of gas. Then close all valves.
The small gas storage compartment must have a plain vent overboard, and not in to the cockpit, and without a valve. Otherwise the surveyor will note it and no insurance will pay after an incident.

John