I have a Hunter 35 with a Seaward LPG locker in the lazarette. In reading the West Marine catalog (pg 841), regarding my locker it mentions the following: "Designed for installation above the deck only". There is a vent line exiting the bottom of the locker to a thru-hull. Is it necessary to remove the locker from the lazarette because of safety reasons/codes? Second problem: I can not find a propane tank with the new OPD valve to fit the locker. The old tank is only 10 7/8 inches in height and the new ones by Worthington are 11 3/4 inches, both with a 9 inch diameter. Dealer said a new OPD valve in the old tank was not available. Options? Rail mounted tank, new locker, ? Any help would be appreciated. Gary
- Status
Stb'd Cockpit Seat Behind Helm
The LPG tank locker should drain to the outside, alright, and you're right on that count, but I can't speak to the details. Questions: Was the installation like that when you bought the boat? What did the survey say? Options: For the Hunter 35, I've been looking at a setup for quite a while on mine that would use the space under the seat on the starboard side that is behind the helm. It's open forward and the bottom is recessed a few inches. There are several options available that might accept a reasonably large tank in this place but it would require a hole the diameter of the tank and installation of a pan or box on the inside where the hole is cut. The lowest point would still have to be vented to the outside (easily done) but the whole thing would be outside the lazarette leaving that space available for inverter, water maker, etc. The seat is screwed in and caulked. The caulk and the screws are easily removed. If one put a piano hinge along the base of the seat near the walk-through the seat could swing on the hinge so the area under it would be wide open. This opens up another set of possibilities. On our boat this is an under-utilizied area that could be put to better use with a LPG tank. So far, though, the CNG has worked well. On our 77 day trip to Alaska and back we ran out and had to change tanks on the very last day. That's not bad. We did frequently use a hot plate when we were in port and had shore power available but that wasn't that often.
The LPG tank locker should drain to the outside, alright, and you're right on that count, but I can't speak to the details. Questions: Was the installation like that when you bought the boat? What did the survey say? Options: For the Hunter 35, I've been looking at a setup for quite a while on mine that would use the space under the seat on the starboard side that is behind the helm. It's open forward and the bottom is recessed a few inches. There are several options available that might accept a reasonably large tank in this place but it would require a hole the diameter of the tank and installation of a pan or box on the inside where the hole is cut. The lowest point would still have to be vented to the outside (easily done) but the whole thing would be outside the lazarette leaving that space available for inverter, water maker, etc. The seat is screwed in and caulked. The caulk and the screws are easily removed. If one put a piano hinge along the base of the seat near the walk-through the seat could swing on the hinge so the area under it would be wide open. This opens up another set of possibilities. On our boat this is an under-utilizied area that could be put to better use with a LPG tank. So far, though, the CNG has worked well. On our 77 day trip to Alaska and back we ran out and had to change tanks on the very last day. That's not bad. We did frequently use a hot plate when we were in port and had shore power available but that wasn't that often.
Take your tank
Take your tank to a propane dealer and they should be able to swap the valve for you. Did mine for a small tank on my 322, cost about $25. Goo luck
Take your tank to a propane dealer and they should be able to swap the valve for you. Did mine for a small tank on my 322, cost about $25. Goo luck
Expert John
John, Thank you for your input. Yes, I purchased the boat with locker installed and it was noted on the survey. Someone stated (owner, broker, ?) as long as the locker was sealed and vented overboard then it was ok. My memory is a little foggy because it was over 4 years ago. The insurance company required the survey and bought into their argument. Rereading the survey, it suggests relocating the locker to aft cockpit below seat to starboard. This is the EXACT solution you proposed. It is of little value to relocate the locker if I can not find a tank to fit into the locker. It sounds like I need a new locker.....and a new location. I will be attending the Seattle boat show in a couple of weeks and see what they have to offer. If you come across the smaller tanks with the correct valve I would appreciate an e-mail at dawsong@aol.com Thanks again John Gary
John, Thank you for your input. Yes, I purchased the boat with locker installed and it was noted on the survey. Someone stated (owner, broker, ?) as long as the locker was sealed and vented overboard then it was ok. My memory is a little foggy because it was over 4 years ago. The insurance company required the survey and bought into their argument. Rereading the survey, it suggests relocating the locker to aft cockpit below seat to starboard. This is the EXACT solution you proposed. It is of little value to relocate the locker if I can not find a tank to fit into the locker. It sounds like I need a new locker.....and a new location. I will be attending the Seattle boat show in a couple of weeks and see what they have to offer. If you come across the smaller tanks with the correct valve I would appreciate an e-mail at dawsong@aol.com Thanks again John Gary
Fisheries Supply & Doc Freemans
Both Fisheries (north Lake Union) and Doc Freemans (Ballard) in Seattle have VERY good displays of LPG cylinders and staff that can answer questions. Also they have web sites which you can find using Google. Doc's may have an apostophe in their spelling so might be hard to make a hit. And also useful, they have 800 numbers. If you're a member of one of the major yacht clubs Doc's offers a good discount. There are a few other smaller places that advertise in 48 North and Northwest Yachting, too, but I don't remember their names. Also, I've heard the ABYC requirements are actually "recommendations" but even so I would recommend following them, "The life you save may be your own." By the way, the HAPS meeting is Saturday night in Seattle.
Both Fisheries (north Lake Union) and Doc Freemans (Ballard) in Seattle have VERY good displays of LPG cylinders and staff that can answer questions. Also they have web sites which you can find using Google. Doc's may have an apostophe in their spelling so might be hard to make a hit. And also useful, they have 800 numbers. If you're a member of one of the major yacht clubs Doc's offers a good discount. There are a few other smaller places that advertise in 48 North and Northwest Yachting, too, but I don't remember their names. Also, I've heard the ABYC requirements are actually "recommendations" but even so I would recommend following them, "The life you save may be your own." By the way, the HAPS meeting is Saturday night in Seattle.
- Status