2000 Hunter 460 propane locker replacement

[Carollyn]

Hello Sailors. I am looking for a port side aft propane locker tube. I had to cut mine out to get access and the repair cost is astronomical. looking for a serviceable unit. or new if that is the way we have to go. any feedback or leads of who to call is very much appreciated.

 

[smokey73]

Picture? To what tube are your referring?

 

[Carollyn]

Thank you so much for your time and reply. port aft propane Tube/locker.

 

[smokey73]

I assume by "tube" you mean the insert itself. If so, you will have to fabricate (or have fabricated) something that will fit into the allowed space. Have you tried calling Al at Sailboatowners.com. He is a wealth of knowledge and maybe he can help you. It must be sealed from the boat and sealed on the top with the only vent path directly down and overboard with no "traps or loops" in the line. I imagine it will be expensive given the liability associated with a potential leak into the boat where the propane can pool and cause an explosion.

 

[Carollyn]

I assume by "tube" you mean the insert itself. If so, you will have to fabricate (or have fabricated) something that will fit into the allowed space. Have you tried calling Al at Sailboatowners.com. He is a wealth of knowledge and maybe he can help you. It must be sealed from the boat and sealed on the top with the only vent path directly down and overboard with no "traps or loops" in the line. I imagine it will be expensive given the liability associated with a potential leak into the boat where the propane can pool and cause an explosion.


Thank you, yes I have called sailboat owners and left a message. I have talked to a fiberglass fabricator in my area. crazy $$$$ they want $1,600 to fix the 1 I have. was hoping to find a used one from a savlage.

 

[PEBI]

Build your own locker. Looks simple enough. Ever handle glass fiber and epoxy? Looks like you already have a mold right? cute a hole on the bottom and hey presto. You can use a sealant to make sure that when you put the propane canisteer inside it doesn't leak.

 

[dLj]

I'm trying to understand the two pictures you posted. Is the first picture the hole where the parts shown in the second picture came out of?

dj

 

[jssailem]

Certainly, look for potential salvage parts. I suspect your best opportunity will be a salvage yard near a marina that has experienced storm damage.

The challenge is that your boat was built by Hunter from 1999 to 2004 and is out of production. Only about 180 boats were built (according to GoodOldBoat).

I would think rebuilding the part you had to destroy is feasible. You might explore this with Andy at BoatworksToday.com. He does consulting and may be able to give you ideas to repair the unit. Working with fiberglass is fairly forgiving.

 

[PEBI]

If you can mold paper machette (j/k paper mache) over someones face then you can use cloth fiber and epoxy.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

If you can mold paper machette (j/k paper mache) over someones face

What method would you suggest to hold the person down while you apply the paper mache over their face. I would think they might become a little uncooperative and start flailing their arms and legs once their nose and mouth were sealed over.

 

[jssailem]

Ralph. I think you did identify a paper mache challenge.
Fortunately the fiberglass work for a LPG tank holder box does not have arms or hands. It will lie still like under anesthesia. Empowering the creativity of the DIY boat owner.

 

[PEBI]

What method would you suggest to hold the person down while you apply the paper mache over their face. I would think they might become a little uncooperative and start flailing their arms and legs once their nose and mouth were sealed over.

You cut food straws real short like a couple inches and stick em in their nostrils (since most have nostril openings). IF they remain calm, breathing isn't a problem.

Only thing with paper mache the model needs to cover face in vasiline so mask won't stick to skin. I'm sure if Carrolyn uses paper mache she needn't bother with the vaseline.

Or maybe if poster is really lucky s/he finds a cylinder plastic garbage can that fits. He drills a hole for the hose on the bottom. And uses sealant to "seal" the top from leaking.

 

[Carollyn]

Thank you everyone for all your time and suggestions. Gonna try to become a fiberglass specialist! I'll let you all know how it turns out!

 

[kappykaplan]

Gonna try to become a fiberglass specialist! I'll let you all know how it turns out!

Be sure to share photos as the project moves along - we like photos!

 

[dlochner]

Trident makes a propane tank locker that might fit with less fiberglass work.

https://defender.com/en_us/trident-marine-roto-molded-polymer-lpg-propane-gas-tank-system-locker-kit?queryID=ace2d0c9c8b4dd7932644e8ac7bc1c98&objectID=1708328&indexName=master_en_us_products

 

[PEBI]

Trident makes a propane tank locker that might fit with less fiberglass work.

https://defender.com/en_us/trident-marine-roto-molded-polymer-lpg-propane-gas-tank-system-locker-kit?queryID=ace2d0c9c8b4dd7932644e8ac7bc1c98&objectID=1708328&indexName=master_en_us_products

Yes but Carollyn mentioned repair cost "astronomical." on defender

$1k Cad. I think It would cost like $100 or so to glass/epoxy it yourself.

 

[jaysweet]

I'm no fiberglass expert, but I'd use the existing one as a mold, as suggested above. $1600 is enough motivation that it would be worth it to me. No way it would cost as much as $100.

Do a couple of layers inside the existing tank. Pop it out, and add more layers to the outside. The flange is certainly a complication, but I'd still try to do it myself.