Has anybody installed a propane locker into an H33? It seems like the stern lazarette is the logical place for it by cutting into the shelf and recessing it towards the hull. Any opinions or experiences to share?
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nice job
This is great solution that does not sacrifice the whole locker. I want to keep the lazarette intact for fenders and anchors and had not thought about offsetting it with a new access port. I assume that the access port supports plenty of weight? Thanks for the idea and also the tips on running the propane line.
This is great solution that does not sacrifice the whole locker. I want to keep the lazarette intact for fenders and anchors and had not thought about offsetting it with a new access port. I assume that the access port supports plenty of weight? Thanks for the idea and also the tips on running the propane line.
I installed mine there...
I created a box out of plywood, fiberglassed the interior, and mounted it in a hole I cut into the shelf under the aft lazerette (with proper vents, etc.). It's been working fine, except I just got a "do-it-yourself" survey from my (soon to be former) insurance company. One of the things they asked about was the location of the LP storage. They specifically ask if it's located at the "helm station". This has me thinking that maybe this isn't a prefered location. So, one of my projects for the Spring is to do as the photo forum article details. Great job on that one!
I created a box out of plywood, fiberglassed the interior, and mounted it in a hole I cut into the shelf under the aft lazerette (with proper vents, etc.). It's been working fine, except I just got a "do-it-yourself" survey from my (soon to be former) insurance company. One of the things they asked about was the location of the LP storage. They specifically ask if it's located at the "helm station". This has me thinking that maybe this isn't a prefered location. So, one of my projects for the Spring is to do as the photo forum article details. Great job on that one!
Helm Station
Hey Ernie, Sounds like all three Thames River C/H-33's have propane lockers. I wouldn't worry about the helm station location though. I've been looking a lot of the new / newer boats for ideas. Many of them are located at or near the helm station. For those contemplating a locker you can get a brochure from West that outlines the basic requirements. Ernie, looking forward to seeing your photo post. When I first bought Penguin/Weyrling two years ago I asked the group about how / where they carried propane tanks. Best response I got was "hanging on the stern rail". Now I think we're seeing a viable, cosmetically and ABYC acceptable alternative. Tim Dalton; the Armstrong Deckplate is plenty strong enough for me to stand on, shouldn't be any problems there.
Hey Ernie, Sounds like all three Thames River C/H-33's have propane lockers. I wouldn't worry about the helm station location though. I've been looking a lot of the new / newer boats for ideas. Many of them are located at or near the helm station. For those contemplating a locker you can get a brochure from West that outlines the basic requirements. Ernie, looking forward to seeing your photo post. When I first bought Penguin/Weyrling two years ago I asked the group about how / where they carried propane tanks. Best response I got was "hanging on the stern rail". Now I think we're seeing a viable, cosmetically and ABYC acceptable alternative. Tim Dalton; the Armstrong Deckplate is plenty strong enough for me to stand on, shouldn't be any problems there.
Dale, under water vent?
I originally posted the following to your post on "Ask A Hunter Owner": "I really enjoyed your photo essay Dale. You and Joe do good work. I know nothing about propane so maybe this is a dumb question. But isn't your locker drain under water? If so will a propane leak still drain? The time and effort in your project reinforces my love for my old alcohol(non-pressurized) stove." My interest in the answer is that, if legal, it opens up a lot of options for propane on smaller boats. There are lots of places for a propane locker on my H37C if the vent can be under water.
I originally posted the following to your post on "Ask A Hunter Owner": "I really enjoyed your photo essay Dale. You and Joe do good work. I know nothing about propane so maybe this is a dumb question. But isn't your locker drain under water? If so will a propane leak still drain? The time and effort in your project reinforces my love for my old alcohol(non-pressurized) stove." My interest in the answer is that, if legal, it opens up a lot of options for propane on smaller boats. There are lots of places for a propane locker on my H37C if the vent can be under water.
vent location
From all my reading, the vent must not be below the waterline. If so, you would trap the propane from exiting the hull. In the worst case, if it was leaking hevility it would fill the locker and potentially spill out out of the locker if not absolutely air tight. It is recommended that there be a 2 ft drop between the locker and the exit point. The exit point should also be 2 ft from the engine exhaust.
From all my reading, the vent must not be below the waterline. If so, you would trap the propane from exiting the hull. In the worst case, if it was leaking hevility it would fill the locker and potentially spill out out of the locker if not absolutely air tight. It is recommended that there be a 2 ft drop between the locker and the exit point. The exit point should also be 2 ft from the engine exhaust.
Vent Location
Ed, Tim; The requirement is that the drain vent be located in the lowest part of the locker, lead overboard with no loops or low spots to trap water and thus prevent exhaust of propane. The location I choose is above the waterline at all times except when a wave breaks there, it may not be apparent in the photos, but the line drains downward to ensure the water runs right back out. As for having to be at least 2' above the water line, I never read that one, neither I think have Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, or the other production boats I examined. Some with high freeboards had high vent, those without did not. If that's a major concern of yours, Joe's location puts the vent about 6" higher than my choice. I did consider venting through the port side, it would be safe from breaking waves, and you'd really have to heel the boat to put it underwater, but aesthetically, I just couldn't convince myself to do it.
Ed, Tim; The requirement is that the drain vent be located in the lowest part of the locker, lead overboard with no loops or low spots to trap water and thus prevent exhaust of propane. The location I choose is above the waterline at all times except when a wave breaks there, it may not be apparent in the photos, but the line drains downward to ensure the water runs right back out. As for having to be at least 2' above the water line, I never read that one, neither I think have Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, or the other production boats I examined. Some with high freeboards had high vent, those without did not. If that's a major concern of yours, Joe's location puts the vent about 6" higher than my choice. I did consider venting through the port side, it would be safe from breaking waves, and you'd really have to heel the boat to put it underwater, but aesthetically, I just couldn't convince myself to do it.
ABYC concerns
You can't have the locker for the propane open inside another locker... even if it seals correctly and vents overboard. This will kill you on an insurance survey.
You can't have the locker for the propane open inside another locker... even if it seals correctly and vents overboard. This will kill you on an insurance survey.
Right.
Only one of many reasons why we choose the location we did. For those wanting the exact requirements, you can purchase copies of the various ABYC standards. Just go to http://www.abycinc.org/standards/toc.cfm
Only one of many reasons why we choose the location we did. For those wanting the exact requirements, you can purchase copies of the various ABYC standards. Just go to http://www.abycinc.org/standards/toc.cfm
Lazarette Hole.
Tim; Just an idea I've been knocking around. I was thinking about cutting a hole in the floor of the lazarette, say, 6" smaller in both dimensions than the lazarette opening. Then reinforcing the opening with cleats below. Finally, build a box that would settle into the opening and rest on the hull (short legs on the forward edge. Easy access, enlarged storage, and regain some wasted space. What do you think?
Tim; Just an idea I've been knocking around. I was thinking about cutting a hole in the floor of the lazarette, say, 6" smaller in both dimensions than the lazarette opening. Then reinforcing the opening with cleats below. Finally, build a box that would settle into the opening and rest on the hull (short legs on the forward edge. Easy access, enlarged storage, and regain some wasted space. What do you think?
lazarette locker
I considered that option. It was where I was initially headed. You still face the problem that the locker would open into the lazarette and you could potentially spill propane into the engine compartment.
I considered that option. It was where I was initially headed. You still face the problem that the locker would open into the lazarette and you could potentially spill propane into the engine compartment.
Permanent or removable.
Sounds like a nice way to gain space so long as you are not planning on using it for propane. The bottom would be too low to vent it. But would you make the "box" removable? My H37C has access panels in the bottom of the two aft lockers(easier to write than lazarette). I could do the same thing, there is quite a lot of space below. But I would need to retain access because the radial wheel, cables, and scupper hoses are in there.
Sounds like a nice way to gain space so long as you are not planning on using it for propane. The bottom would be too low to vent it. But would you make the "box" removable? My H37C has access panels in the bottom of the two aft lockers(easier to write than lazarette). I could do the same thing, there is quite a lot of space below. But I would need to retain access because the radial wheel, cables, and scupper hoses are in there.
Removable locker
Tim and Ed S. Sorry I wasn't clear. When looking down through the lazarette hatch the propane locker is to port, and completely sealed from everything else, the propane bulkhead is sealed up against the outer rim of the hatch opening. The removable box I'm thinking about would be directly below and a little smaller than the hatch opening. Only minor problem I see so far is having to re-route the propane lockers vent hose to clear the box. Just an idea I'm toying with. Thought of it while squeezed in there trying to connect vent hose to thru-hull. Strange thoughts go through your mind at times like that.
Tim and Ed S. Sorry I wasn't clear. When looking down through the lazarette hatch the propane locker is to port, and completely sealed from everything else, the propane bulkhead is sealed up against the outer rim of the hatch opening. The removable box I'm thinking about would be directly below and a little smaller than the hatch opening. Only minor problem I see so far is having to re-route the propane lockers vent hose to clear the box. Just an idea I'm toying with. Thought of it while squeezed in there trying to connect vent hose to thru-hull. Strange thoughts go through your mind at times like that.
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