Locating full size propane tank under cockpit.

[lee308]

I need the combined wisdom of this board in locating a fullsize propane tank in the rear berth under the cockpit. Saw a cooler the other day at wally world that would hold a full size propane tank.

My plan is to put an igloo style cooler in the back of the berth, hard mound it, and pipe the cooler drain to the aft cockpit drain tube with a Tee. Install one air inlet in the top of the cooler. Any leaks should drift out the drain and overboard. (propane tank in the cooler)I'd pipe the top drain to the cockpit area.

Of course, the line to the stove would have the necessary shut shut off valve etc.
Your thoughts?
Lee

[craiglaforce]

There is a cooler that some have bought to replace the helm seat. This might be a better spot for the tank. easier to access for refills and valve operation and any leaks are outside the cabin. There is probably a West marine advisor describing safety precautions. (There are quite a few. leak detector, overboard drain, solenoid safety valve, etc ) There is also a "squatty" propane tank design that might be easier to fit in a cooler. I think it holds around 8 - 10 lbs. I'll post a link if I can find it again.

Here's a link to one. 11 lbs squatty tank

http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/tanks-a ... ories.html

I think West sells an enclosure for a tank with most of the safety stuff already installed. I'm sure it is fairly expensive, but might be a good way to go .

[Moe]

THESE are portable full-sized propane tanks. We have two of the 40 lb tanks on our Airstream, and the aluminum construction gives a total filled weight of about 60 lbs each.

Keep in mind, these are designed only for vertical installation. There are special tanks for horizontal installation, but they are not portable.

FWIW, there's no way in hull I'd put a propane tank in an enclosed location. You might want to strap one on the back porch though.
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Moe

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

No way I'd put a tank below. Just the act of disconnecting these tanks spills gas. I wouldn't want to count on it all being contained in the cooler. Just say no and keep the propane out in the cockpit.

The transom drain is a bit higher than the rear berth base. You'd have elevate the cooler. Just being hooked to the drain isn't good enough, it has to be downhill, no loops or low spots. Even though it is a gas it will not drain up hill. Propane runs just like water. If the line holds any water it will hold propane. A leak detector shutoff is must.

[richandlori]

lee,
you didn't say if you have an X of M boat. Under the helm seat or in the engine area, you could put one of the smaller propane tanks. The question, is how much propane do you really need to carry? A full propane tank could last for months or at least a few weeks, so why carry that much and have the saftey risk. Besides, if you just carry the little disposable propane bottles you can get them anywhere for a few bucks and Duane has a mod where he stores two of them next to the motor. Much easier and SAFER. Really think twice and research all the saftey aspects before you put a propane cylinder below deck, I personally wouldn't do it.


Regards

Rich

[Frank C]

All professional propane installations I've ever read of use an external locker, not just an externally vented locker. I agree it would be best to use the aft deck.

Second, considering my mild climate, I can't really fathom how I'd use propane in the cabin. For cooking, I find that a propane stove at the cabin entrance, on the cockpit floor, is at a more convenient height and vastly less costly than a formal propane installation. If rain was more frequent here, I'd add a canvas enclosure. If I wanted a hot water system it would be for casual use, and the aft deck would be fine for a portable version. If I needed serious cabin heat, I think I'd rather consider a Wallas stove. And lastly, I recall that propane refrigeration is not appropriate for a sailboat.

What usage models are driving your study?

[lee308]

See below as to what is available from Westmarine. You see the price, which made my wheels turn. The reason for this mod is wanting to spend a winter on board in the Keys/Bahama's. My 26X seems perfect for single hand sailing down there.

It would be used only for cooking. Fish, lobster, konch, OH MY The most useless (to me) spot on the boat is aft in the rear berth. I have been using these tanks for decades w/o leaks when used with common sense. I think one 20lb (?) clyinder would last months.
Lee

SEAWARD PRODUCTS 93268-P 403289 Only $339.99 USD YES

Description
Just right for boats with limited space. This locker holds a 4-lb. tank, regulator, leak test gauge and solenoid (all included). Also includes a vent kit. Easy installation and tank swapping. Designed for installation above the waterline only. 13''W x 13''D x 12''H.

* Material: Roto Molded ABS Plastic
* Capacity: 4lb. Tank
* Vent Fittings: Yes
* Wire Fittings: Molded into Solenoid
* LP Hose Fitting: Swedged onto hose
* Lid Hardware: Stainless Latch
* Regulator Included: Yes
* ABYC Approval: ABYC Recommended
* Exterior Dimensions: 13"W x 13"D x 12"H

[Moe]

See Duane's BackPorch BBQ Mod

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Moe

[Catigale]

Propane down below YIKES not for me...

I agree that the back berth is tough space to use. We split it into two kid berths (seven year old twins Caitlin and Abigail = Catigale) with a large Rubbermaid container holding mscl stuff for trips.

We cook on a Coleman stove using disposable propane tanks which live in the fuel locker unless being used.

Preferred location for stove is up top or on shore.

We also grill out of the boat with propane too.

Catigale

[James V]

West Marine has a kit -

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... toreNum=15

Let us know how it turns out.

[Mark Prouty]

See Duane's BackPorch BBQ Mod

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Moe

I have all the parts for that one. Just waiting till spring.