Installing propane Locker for stove conversion

[Blackacre]

I recently installed a new Force 10 propane stove in my 1986 Hunter 34 (H34). I'm now preparing to install a 93268 Seaward propane locker kit. After reading several posts by other hunter 34 owners I believe the best location would be to install the locker on sliding rails in the rear lazarette, starboard side.

I Would like to know what other equipment I would need to purchase along with this locker kit. As instructed I have already selected a solenoid control switch. However it's not clear to me what connections and fittings are needed to complete this installation. Since there is only one picture of the kit it's difficult to determine.

I assume I would need a 10 foot long hose to connect the locker to the stove. The stove requires a 3/8 inch female connection. When connecting the other end of the hose to the locker/tank what fitting what I need? As for the locker drain what hoes will I need? Also what kind of through hull will I need to vent this outside my boat? Will I need a vent cap/cover as well or just terminate the hose outside the boat?

Thanks.

 

[splax]

That location might work with the locker all the way aft behind the exhaust hose and a vent out the stern like the fuel tank.

 

[Blackacre]

Sorry for the confusion, I'm planning on locating the propane locker in the rear lazarette locker compartment. Above the exhaust hose. This way it will be easy to access for tank replacement. "minus the clutter in the pictures"

 

[Bill Roosa]

couple of things
the hose from solenoid to stove has to be one piece, no splices, and grommet it when it goes through a bulkhead.
the drain has to exit outside of the boat and you probably want that to be above the heeled over waterline on that side. That end of the drain HAS to be above the floor of the tank locker and only run down hill (no uphill runs allowed) so the heaver than air fumes will drain and not accumulate in the locker.
Not knowing what is in the kit it is hard to say what else you need but since you bought a solenoid (it goes in the locker too BTW) I'm thinking gas proof grommets for the wires controlling the solenoid are needed and perhaps a hole to run them through

 

[Blackacre]

After speaking with the support team at Sure Marine Service, I think I have a pretty good idea what to expect now. The last issue I need to address is how much lower the exhaust should be from the locker.

 

[Blackacre]

Attached is a picture of the vent hose on the bottom of the propane locker. This changes things some. Putting it in the rear lazarette compartment under the seat would prove difficult unless I put it right at the opening. I would prefer not to do that as it would Block access to the remaining storage compartment.

 

[Blackacre]

I'm considering other options. Possibly a rail mount system (See Link below). This should provide for an easier and cleaner looking installation and a much larger tank.

http://www.suremarineservice.com/001-749A.aspx

 

[Steve Dion]

Can't you put it on the shelf in lazarette to starboard (so you can still remove the storage lid) and run the hose out the stern?

I assume that you aft lazarette is similar to what was in my old H'31.

Propane last a long time so you do not need a very big bottle.

That small box looks like it would be the ticket.

93268 Seaward 4.25# 1 Gallon Propane Tank Locker Kit

 

[Blackacre]

After taking a few measurements of the aft lazarette compartment I believe the Seaward 4.25# 1 Gallon Propane Tank Locker Kit will be a tight fit and likely difficult to remove the lid and propane tank.

So instead I opted for an external aft rail mounted tank. This set up should provide me with 1.4Gal of propane VS 1Gal held in the Seaward locker. It should also be simpler to install, run the gas lines and better access to the tank for replacement/refueling.

I would have preferred to conceal the propane bottle inside the boat for cosmetic reasons but this model boat just didn't lend itself to that option. Anywhere I would have placed the locker would have gotten in the way at some point.

I'll post some pictures of the install in a few days.

 

[Joe Mullee]

Blackacre,

I did do the Seaward installation in the lazarette you're thinking about and it does fit. I have a four pound tank that came with the kit. The drain line goes out the stern below the level of the box and tank. I've had it for over five years with no problem. If you want pictures send me a note and I'll send them along.

Joe Mullee
H34 #170

 

[Blackacre]

Thanks Joe. I would like to see theses pictures.

 

[kloudie1]

Joe's Propane Locker

I remembered having a copy of Joe's installation. I was studying this carefully but didn't want to give up the room in the Lazarette..
How do you open it, Joe??

 

[Blackacre]

Thanks for posting the picture. Very helpful... This was exactly what I was afraid of and why I decided I'm purchasing the rail mount system instead. It looks like a nice installation though. I would be concerned it's difficult to access the tank not to mention the space it takes up. Looks better then having a propane tank hanging off the back of your boat though.

 

[silverbeard]

Thanks for posting the picture. Very helpful... This was exactly what I was afraid of and why I decided I'm purchasing the rail mount system instead. It looks like a nice installation though. I would be concerned it's difficult to access the tank not to mention the space it takes up. Looks better then having a propane tank hanging off the back of your boat though.

I swapped out CNG for propane on my Hunter 35.5 and ended up hanging a locker on the stern rail. Not my first choice, but I didn't want to give up any locker space. After two years, I've more or less gotten used to it.

 

[Joe Mullee]

I remembered having a copy of Joe's installation. I was studying this carefully but didn't want to give up the room in the Lazarette..
How do you open it, Joe??

Wow!! Kloudie, you have some memory. That had to be several years ago that I posted that.

The lid comes off very easily. All you do is unlatch it and "slide" if off into the lazarette. The tank is very accessible with zero problems. I have had this setup for about ten years now and it works very well.

 

[kloudie1]

I am still considering the change, Joe, so I kept the picture (thanks for that). I figured it must pop up and slide out since there is no room to hinge it open.. When I bought my boat back in '91, the PO told me he was going to seal the whole lazarette sides and bottom and install a low point vent, and keep the propane in there.. I figured that was not going to end well.. I have a small composite tank strapped to the pedestal .. looks a little "Fish Camp-y" but has served well.

 

[Bill1565]

I'm considering other options. Possibly a rail mount system (See Link below). This should provide for an easier and cleaner looking installation and a much larger tank. http://www.suremarineservice.com/001-749A.aspx

We have two of these. Fab choice. You can easily carry the 6# can to get it refilled. Ours last about 6 weeks each. Coffee and oatmeal in the morning, something hot for dinner 3-4 times a week. YMMV.

 

[Blackacre]

Thanks for the information everyone. Joe sent me several pictures of his installation. It looks very nice but I'm still not sure if I want to go with that option. I'll be sure to post some pictures of my finished install next week.

 

[Jim D]

just another thought on tank positions. when I purchased my h34 in 07, it had two tanks in a plastic locker on the stern rail. see pic. this might be another thought for you to consider. it still on the boat and its perfect.
jim

 

[Blackacre]

just another thought on tank positions. when I purchased my h34 in 07, it had two tanks in a plastic locker on the stern rail. see pic. this might be another thought for you to consider. it still on the boat and its perfect.
jim

Thanks for the Photo. Looks like a good option. I've not seen this rail mount locker kit for sale online before. Is it custom?