Disposable propane cylinders

[Steve]

I am preparing to leave on my summer cruise and I have always been bothered by carring those disposable propane cylinders on board. Are my worries justified or should I come up with some sort of outboard storage for these things? Opinions and comments apppreciated. Steve.

 

[Ed]

No Problem

I have never run into a problem as long as you keep them dry.

 

[Don Evans]

Keep Em Out Of The Cabin

Steve, unlike Ed, I have had a couple of them spontaneously go off. Because they are mass produced, I don't think the quality control is inheritently good. I have heaved a couple of them in the bay when they started to leak and they took off like rockets across the water. Quite comical actually, except that was propane that was destined for the bilge if they were stored in the lazerette. I still use them but they are in a locker in the aft cockpit, with the cockpit drain to channel away any propane that may escape. Where are ya headed on your cruise?Don

 

[Jack Jackson]

A Storage Idea

Steve: Several years ago one of the sailing magazineshad an article that suggested using PVC pipe as a storage locker for the portable cylinders. As I recall they took a length of PVC pipe long enough to hold 2 to 3 cylinders. They put a cap on the bottom end and drilled drain/vent holes in it. They then clamped the assembly to a lifeline or stern pulpit upright and used a screw on cap to keep the cylinders in place.I thought it was a great way to store the cylinders out of the cabin.Jack Jackson

 

[Steve]

Great Idea

Thanks Jack! Thats a great idea...easy and cheap. And Don, I will be in the Thousand Islands and Bay of Quinte area for the month of August. Thanks all! Steve