I am changing to a propane stove and having trouble with the propane tank installation. I would appreciate suggestions for a safe location and supply line routing.
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Pete Vente
Me too
I am going to do the same. I'm figuring the best approach is to buy one of those 10 lb lockers (West AMrine sells them - $$$) and place it high in the starboard cockpit lazarette with a thru hull nearby for the vent. This would make the plumbing fairly short, plus the 10 lb locker isn't too big and shouldn't take up too much space in the lazarette. This isn't the biggest tank in the world, but it should do for a couple of months of weekend use per tankful. One thing though, is that I am still a bit unsure if mounting the locker in the lazarette is kosher or not. I can't seem to find any specs saying it isn't. Do you know ?
I am going to do the same. I'm figuring the best approach is to buy one of those 10 lb lockers (West AMrine sells them - $$$) and place it high in the starboard cockpit lazarette with a thru hull nearby for the vent. This would make the plumbing fairly short, plus the 10 lb locker isn't too big and shouldn't take up too much space in the lazarette. This isn't the biggest tank in the world, but it should do for a couple of months of weekend use per tankful. One thing though, is that I am still a bit unsure if mounting the locker in the lazarette is kosher or not. I can't seem to find any specs saying it isn't. Do you know ?
Lester & Pete:
A friend of mine has a Catalina 34' that has the propane in the aft lazarette. I am sure that this was the factory installation. It has one of those small tanks in the vapor proof box. The main thing here is to have a vent that is BELOW the bottom of the box and be sure that the vent hose does not get plugged. Vent hoses are a wonderful place for spiders and other flying insects to nest. So I do not know if it is adviseable to use one with a removable screen so they cannot get up in there but it can be removed to clean it too.
A friend of mine has a Catalina 34' that has the propane in the aft lazarette. I am sure that this was the factory installation. It has one of those small tanks in the vapor proof box. The main thing here is to have a vent that is BELOW the bottom of the box and be sure that the vent hose does not get plugged. Vent hoses are a wonderful place for spiders and other flying insects to nest. So I do not know if it is adviseable to use one with a removable screen so they cannot get up in there but it can be removed to clean it too.
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Lester Cevola
Steve and Pete Thank you. I'm a little reluctant about the propane lockers, they don't seem strong enough. Although, they appear to be the most popular solution. I was thinking of something outside ??? By the way, this is a 1979 Hunter located near you Steve. Bruno's Island
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Gene Gruender
one solution
I'm not sure I would tackle this project again, but I built some lockers for my H 37 Cutter. They work great, but sure were a lot of work. There are pictures at: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7414/propane.html Maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck, Gene Gruender Rainbow Chaser
I'm not sure I would tackle this project again, but I built some lockers for my H 37 Cutter. They work great, but sure were a lot of work. There are pictures at: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7414/propane.html Maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck, Gene Gruender Rainbow Chaser
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Bob Miller
Propane Installation
I converted from Kerosine to propane on my 37C. The tank does have to be enclosed and the bottom of the box has to be vented outside the hull. This means the tank has to be above the waterline (even when healing). In order to satisfy my insurance company (Boat/US), I coordinated my installation with my underwriter. He was VERY knowledgable and sent me copies of the ABYC? Specs. I built numerous boxes out of cardboard and duct tape to experiment with different locations and tank shapes/sizes. When that was decided, I had the box built out of 3/8 inch plexiglass. My propane shop referred to my box as the "propane aquarium". One other comment - The installation should include a pressure gage (per specs). By the time you include the pressure gage, regulator and fittings the manifold can become one of the determining factors in box size and shape. On my 37C, it was very difficult to find space big enough and still be above the water line. I ended up installing it under the aft cockpit seat on the port side. The vent goes out the transom on the boat centerline so it stays above the water line on either tack. I used a lot bigger tank than what is really needed (it is a horizontally mounted, commercial, life time guananteed, steel tank - 7 gallons, I think), but since we only weekend sail, the space used for the tank was not that valuable. Good luck. When it's done you'll really be glad you did it.
I converted from Kerosine to propane on my 37C. The tank does have to be enclosed and the bottom of the box has to be vented outside the hull. This means the tank has to be above the waterline (even when healing). In order to satisfy my insurance company (Boat/US), I coordinated my installation with my underwriter. He was VERY knowledgable and sent me copies of the ABYC? Specs. I built numerous boxes out of cardboard and duct tape to experiment with different locations and tank shapes/sizes. When that was decided, I had the box built out of 3/8 inch plexiglass. My propane shop referred to my box as the "propane aquarium". One other comment - The installation should include a pressure gage (per specs). By the time you include the pressure gage, regulator and fittings the manifold can become one of the determining factors in box size and shape. On my 37C, it was very difficult to find space big enough and still be above the water line. I ended up installing it under the aft cockpit seat on the port side. The vent goes out the transom on the boat centerline so it stays above the water line on either tack. I used a lot bigger tank than what is really needed (it is a horizontally mounted, commercial, life time guananteed, steel tank - 7 gallons, I think), but since we only weekend sail, the space used for the tank was not that valuable. Good luck. When it's done you'll really be glad you did it.
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David Simpson
Tank Location
When faced with the same problem, I mounted two aluminum 5-gal tanks on supports attached to the forward face of the mast just above the cabin top. The tanks just clear the staysail boom and traveller. Being in the open, there is no need for vents and such. The only disadvantage is that they obstruct forward vision a bit, but not much. Being exposed to the elements hasn't seemed to be a factor in 5 years. Regulator and solenoid switch are covered with canvas boot.
When faced with the same problem, I mounted two aluminum 5-gal tanks on supports attached to the forward face of the mast just above the cabin top. The tanks just clear the staysail boom and traveller. Being in the open, there is no need for vents and such. The only disadvantage is that they obstruct forward vision a bit, but not much. Being exposed to the elements hasn't seemed to be a factor in 5 years. Regulator and solenoid switch are covered with canvas boot.
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