Propane locker

Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
The 1988 MKII I just purchased doesn't have a propane locker in the rear lazarrette. Did they originally come with a locker and if so, does anyone know or recommend a brand and size? I ran across the Seaward models, but wasn't quite sure if the tanks were large enough. Also, is it installed on the centerline or off to the port side? Unfortunately I am approximately 7000 miles from the boat and didn't take any pictures of the inside of the lazarette and trying to order everything I will need to repair once I get home.
 
Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
No, not as of yet. I ended up back at work in Africa and will move it once I get back in about 3 weeks. How about you, were you able to get yours home?
 
Apr 5, 2009
3,171
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
I have the Seaward 1 gallon mounted in my 88 but the previous owner added an extension to increase the height to allow it to hold a 1.4 gal tank. it is mounted in the lazarrette on center line and extends up into the seat hump.
 
Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
Thanks Hayden, I was looking at the Seaward 2 1/2 gallon setup. I might just wait until I get home and take measurements. I wonder if they came from the factory with one or not.
 
Oct 28, 2013
114
Catalina 30 1978 #980 Catalina 30 1978 #980 Mission beach, California
I would go CNG If I was to do it over. My propane locker is the aft side of the sail locker and I believe the vent goes to the scupper drain hoses.
 
Jan 10, 2015
130
. . Pensacola, FL
I stayed inside. Bridge clearance was no trouble...but I have a standard rig. Very nice sight-seeing along the ICW. Got followed a few times by dolphins, too.
 
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
I didnt like the available sizes or the prices of the propane lockers, so I made my own...

it holds a 20lb cylinder.

since the pics were taken, I have added a pressure gauge as required, and a latch for the lid, as its required to be pressure resistant, so any leakage will not enter upwards into the boat, but be forced out the lower vent tube...

the finished size is 20" tall and 13.5", outside dimensions. this is not including the 1" mounting lip or the valve recess....

i mounted it aft of the quarter berth, just to the side of the helm. the lid will take the full weight of anyone walking or jumping on it, yet is low profile, as opposed to any of the commercially available hatch assemblies I was pondering..

I still have the mold if you think something like this would work for you....
 

Attachments

Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
Centerline, that is a nice setup. I was thinking about making a fiberglass box but still undecided.
 
Oct 28, 2013
114
Catalina 30 1978 #980 Catalina 30 1978 #980 Mission beach, California
If you go CNG you'll not need locker maybe just a dive tank holder.Much safer way to go with CNG. The gas goes up and not down so there's no need for a locker. My friend has his mounted and is aft cockpit locker.
 
Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
I will look into CNG, but not sure how easily it can be found for refills. Also would have to convert the stove and oven I believe.
 
Oct 28, 2013
114
Catalina 30 1978 #980 Catalina 30 1978 #980 Mission beach, California
I will look into CNG, but not sure how easily it can be found for refills. Also would have to convert the stove and oven I believe.
Try googling CNG the city you live in and see where that takes you. Once you find a place that refill cylinders that's all you need. It just takes a little research to find out where they are located. CNG is a way to go, my boat was not set up with propane I would most definitely go CNG. Much much safer than propane! After you do your research I think you will concur.
 
Jan 10, 2015
130
. . Pensacola, FL
Any concerns with CNG tank life/integrity in a salt-water environment? Looks like corrosion could be a big deal.
 
Oct 28, 2013
114
Catalina 30 1978 #980 Catalina 30 1978 #980 Mission beach, California
Any concerns with CNG tank life/integrity in a salt-water environment? Looks like corrosion could be a big deal.
they also have fiberglass tanks, others are like dive tanks.
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
Corrosion doesn't appear to be much of a problem with the tank sealed in the container. Put a light coat of oil on the tank as a preventative. I'm back! Chief
 
Jul 27, 2010
69
Catalina 30 MKII Morgan City, LA
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. I will look into it once I get back home and to the boat.
 
Apr 27, 2014
27
Catalina 30 1986 MkI Newington Nh
You will have to convert your stove from Propane to CNG. passed up a nice 30mkII because it had CNG. Also CNG is sometimes hard to find. As far as the propane locker is concerned, mine is under the helmsman seat on the port side. It only holds a small 2.5lb tank. I am in the process of modifying it to hold a 20lb, and will move it to the lazarrett. I am adding the bigger tank so I can feed my grille and heater