Propane tank location...

[Richard McDonald]

Pulling Rhapsodie tomorrow for the winter layup and now working on this winter's list of modifications and upgrades.I would like to upgrade the old diesel stove/oven to propane. So the big question is: where do I located the tank? I know that it needs to be in a self contained compartment that his vented to the outside, but would like to know where the tanks are located on other H37C's. Any suggestions, pictures, etc. would be appreciated.Thanks,Richard1979 H37CRhapsodie

 

[Charles]

Starboard lazerette

Made a custom propane locker for a 20# horizontal tank on mine to fit under the starboard seat at the stern of the boat. Regulator and solenoid are all mounted inside locker. It was a tight fit but turned out really nice. After completing the project I found I probably could have made a 30# vert. bottle locker in the same location. Charles S/V Destiny

 

[Josh]

off the portside quarter

I hang a thin one off the port-side quarter, attached to the aft-most stantion. The hose goes into a drilled hole in the port-side locker aft of the helm. If it leaks it goes overboard, so I don't have to worry about vents and such--also a space-saver. I live on my 37-C, and the small size is just fine; the propane lasts longer than you think. Good luck Josh

 

[Gene G]

my solution

Not sure I'd go to this much work again, but here is my solution. Follow the link below.Gene GruenderRainbow Chaser

 

[sailorhayes]

interesting location on my 37-C

my '82 37C has a horizontal propane tank installed above deck between the dorade boxesthere is a protective stainless steel rail and a plastic coverthe gauge and valves are located therealso there are below deck alarms for LPG and other safeguards including a bloweri do not know if i would have installed it there but it does not obstruct vision is in clear air and a dealer observed that he liked the install pointemail me at sailorhayes@hotmail.com and i will send you a pix

 

[John Coleman]

PropaneTank Placement

SailorhayesI would love to see a pic of your propane tank location. Could you post it here for all. ThanksJohnSlainte1983 H37C

 

[Gene G]

gas won't go down the drain

"Any overflow or leak will go into the cockpit and down the drains. "I don't know if this is a problem, but the gas won't go down the drains if yours are stock. The drains on the 37 Cutter go way down, cross over, then back up. Water will drain out, but there will always be water in them. It's sort of like the trap under the sink in a house that keeps sewer gas from coming back out in the house.

 

[Don]

Drains

GeneI understand what you say about the cockpit drains. I have checked mine very carefully (before I installed the propane) and although they are crossed there is not a water trap in them. More likely they are plugged with years of grit and grime from the deck of the cockpit.I do not think propane in the cockpit is really a problem as it implies absolutely dead air which is really unusual. I can live with that risk level as the cockpit is still separated from the bilge by the bridge deck.I highly recommend that the old kerosene stove be replaced with a propane one or CNG. I think it is much safer after setting myself on fire once offshore trying to light the kerosene stove. But that is another story.Fair winds.

 

[Debra B]

hung my tank on the stern rail

Bought a fender-holding cage from WM clearance center, hung it off the stern rail. Mounted solenoid in a weather-proof box, also on stern rail. This keeps all of the junctions out the boat. Leaks go overboard. Not great, but safe and functional. 2 small holes in the transom for gasline and control line, but these are not big enough to cause structural problems and can be easily filled in. It also puts the tank close by if I want to use it to power my grill, but I still use the 1 pound bottles.

 

[jboernge]

propane

I appreciated the photos Gene. Looks very professional and beyond my capabilities!Josh, Sailorhayes, Scott, Don and Debra; how about posting some photos?thanksJim

 

[Don]

Currently Travelling

JimI would love to send you some photos of my propoane installation but I am currently travelling in Papua New Guinea and will not be back to USA for a few weeks. I will try to remember to send something when I return.I will mention that my installation is out of sight, was not expensive and is safe. Unfortunately is is only a 6 pound tank which is fine for my uses but may not suit everyone. I also carry a spare 6 pound tank loose in the anchor locker.Fair winds.Don

 

[Seattle Scott]

Look for tank pics this weekend

after I get down to the boat.

 

[Josh Peskin]

check the photo forum

I just posted some pictures concerning a totally different subject, but if you look at the one titled "plugging ports" you can see the thin propane cannister hanging off the aftmost starboard stantion--just to the left and down from my friend's left hand. It's about 1.5 feet long and maybe 8inch diameter (standard size). There are two sets of clasps that hug the cannister, and a screw tightens each set so that the cannister is held in place. This is probably the simplest and least involved method of safely adding propane to your boats capabilities--also space-saver. Let me know if you want me to take an up-close picture. I don't think it would really help you though, the concept is pretty simple; you are just strapping the cannister to a post--with metal straps--, and then drilling a hole for the feed into the boat. There are a few ways that you can do the feed as well.