Location for LPG tank

[sloopdog]

I have a '76 Catalina 27 with the outboard in the transom. I have a large storage area on the port side that will easiliy hold a standard LPG tank. With the huge opening in the transom for the motor, there seems to be enough ventilation to allow any escaping gas to flow overboard, and the balance of the compartment is sealed off from the interior of the boat; is this a safe place for an LPG tank? I normally wouldn't mix machinery and gas storage, but hey, I've already got the gas tank for the outboard there and it has to leak more fumes then the nice white bottle. Any comments or alternate locations?Scott

 

[rsn48]

You might want to consider

I have the same boat, except I just enclosed the transom and put a power lifter to raise and lower my new Merc 9.9. I recently bought the boat and I know the owner used the very same location for his tank. However, he kept it on its side, so I bought an aluminum tank that is designed to be used on its side. A normal tank won't function properly on its side.

 

[Peter]

Be sure it drains OB

I've got a '74 with OB power, and my portside locker has an access panel in the floor which leads to the area under the cockpit, and thus to the cabin. Don't know if your '76 has the same access panel, but if so, I''d be very careful about putting propane in there without putting it in a sealed locker with adrain overboard. On mine, I use a camp stove that uses those 4" diameter 1lb propane bottles. I hoseclamped a 4" PVC pipe section about 18" long, with a cap on the bottom onto to the rudder post in the lazarette. Holds 2 1lb bottles, which for occasional weekend use, and cruises up to a week is all I need. (I go thru maybe 4 lbs a year.) Lots cheaper, and drains OB thru the OB opening in the lazarette. The 1lb bottles work on the BBQ too. I just be sure when I do the cooking inside, I disconnect the bottle from the stove and either put it back in the lazarette, or at least set it up on the deck.