1990 B41S5 propane locker hassle!!

[georgetheleo]

My 41S has a poor (impossible ) drain for any leaks of proppane from the tanks shell locker. The drain fills with water and actually acts as a "P TRAP". Then there is the associated zero aacess to the 3 fittings above the waterline at the aft end of the hull--one fitting is the engine exhaust about 4-5 inches next to it is original 3/4 bilge outlet next to that is another 3/4 fitting which is probably the propane exhaust . Problem is that all these cannot be reached as access is blocked by bulkhead AND the shell of the FG propane locker. This shell is only of 1/8 FG and is screwed and caulked all way around with alip ped horizontal flange about 1 1/2 " wide. Cant remove it there is also a vertical seam on the shell installed same way . Right now seems only option is to cut this flange away and remove the Shell in order to inspect these critical fittings and then engineer a new drain location that will not produce a "Ptrap" situation. Otherwise Im unsafe in the propane+ uninspected hull thrus. Suggestions?? Thanks

 

[jssailem]

You describe a situation that requires action to repair. Winter time is better to do this than summer when you would rather be sailing.

 

[jssailem]

If the shell is not leaking, then it does not need to be super thick. You do need drains that will vent with out trapping any gas. You do need to assure that the tank/tanks as securely fastened and can not move as the boat sails on the water.

 

[georgetheleo]

If the shell is not leaking, then it does not need to be super thick. You do need drains that will vent with out trapping any gas. You do need to assure that the tank/tanks as securely fastened and can not move as the boat sails on the water.

Thanks for stating the obvious ,

 

[SycloneDriver]

Some photos might help us make better suggestions.

 

[Tally Ho]

Some photos might help us make better suggestions.

Particularly of the hose exiting the bottom of the locker. I replaced my hoses last year and had to be careful with the length to ensure I didn‘t introduce a “trap” in the line.

Photos would certainly be helpful in understanding the problem.

Greg

 

[RoyS]

Without seeing more of your existing arrangement it is hard to suggest a solution. It sounds like you have to remove the existing locker permanently. There are generic propane lockers available that you may be able to utilize in some manner. You could also use a bracket only, without an enclosure, and fasten your propane tank to the stern rail if you can find a suitable location. Unfortunate that the original designer left this puzzle for you to solve.

 

[georgetheleo]

Thanks- Im considering cutting most of the existing top flange off with a fein saw to enable the shell to be removed . Then inspecting the 3 hose exits and engineering a new drain down low in the shell that cant become a p trap---this would include provisions to remove the tank and shell as easily as possible in the future. This boat id generally well engineered but this part is not. I will know more when I get the shell out. Pics wont show the situation. There is also the option of cutting a door in the very aft bulkhead------but this would only allow access to the 3 hoses at the hull and not the propane drain fitting.