LPG system

[John rolka]

I have a new boat, thanks to Sandy, 84 Catalina 30 with an LPG system from before the time of dedicated lockers, I guess. The current installation is a tank in the lazarette locker, no container, rigid copper tubing then hose to the stove/ oven. Of the component I can reuse, tank solenoid, possibly regulator, the tank seem a good one, 20 lb aluminum side mounted, these seem to go for 330 or so. The thing is shoehorned into onside of the lazarette, I initially thought to build a bulkhead to compartment the locker but it will interfere with the quadrant access hatch and I don't think I could get the tank out easily. The tank itself seems to be anchored to the floor. It doesn't seem removable for filling. My thought was to build a removable box, mount the tank to that. Access to the quadrant remove the box, refilling, remove the box, take out the tank. I don't think I can make the rigid tubing work with the removable box, I didn't like the idea of bending the tubing around, I also don't like the tubing in the vicinity of all the other crap. An all in one box tank is 5-600$ I'm a diy'er I think I'm looking at a regulator gage & pigtail 80$ 10' hose 40$ miscellaneous carpentry and plumbing another 50$

Any thoughts or suggestions to anyone who's been down this road?

Thanks,
John

 

[CCHer]

In addition to all you said I believe you have to vent the box outside the hull.

 

[KD3PC]

definitely an air tight box, with a vent to the outside of the boat. Defenders and the chandleries have kits that may work better and be cheaper cost than a complete DIY.

I would not reuse any of the existing piping or control, the boat is too old, and the new stuff so much better, and an incremental cost in the big picture. Make sure you seal the penetrations to/from the new locker or box you build. Same with the tank, new stuff is far better and will provide peace of mind.

You may want to double check with your insurance company as this upgrade/R&R is a biggie for subsequent renewals or god forbid a claim.

CO monitor belowdecks and leakage alarm detector as well. Again small cost in the big picture

 

[Benny17441]

That is a jury-rigged after market install. I don't have a problem with most of it having used similar installs in the past but it would be advisable to move the tank to the stern rail or to deck away from any places that any leaking gas could pool at. Secure the tank and inspect the copper line for free play and for any developing kinks.