Hi all, I want to move the location of my propane tank to the rail. Problem is, I can't seem to find a rail mount anywhere. Any suggestions? Thanks Ernie
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LPG
The major problem associated with a Rail-Mounted LPG Tank and fuel line is exposure to weather (especially sunlight), and mechanical damage. ABYC Section ‘A-1' requires that cylinders, valves, regulators & safety devices shall be “secured for sea conditions, and protected from weather and against mechanical damage”. The hose (fuel line) is particularly vulnerable to UV and mechanical damage. For this important reason (& more),I would NOTrecommend a rail-mount LPG Bottle. However, I can imagine a multitude of practical circumstances that might dictate a rail-mounted bottle. You’ll probably have to custom build it. A few considerations: 1. Build a fixed mount bottom shelf to carry the weight as low as practical. 2. Build a quick adjust top clamp to secure the bottle in all axis. 3. Try to rout the flexible fuel line (UL-21 LPG gas hose) so it exits the hull/coaming “horizontally” (preferably on the ‘outside’ of the coaming). The aperture must be made non-abrasive and watertight. The hose must be secured, so that is does not “saw” at the aperture. 4. Fashion, and use, a cloth (Sunbrella?) Cover for the tank & hose (etc.) HTH, Gord
The major problem associated with a Rail-Mounted LPG Tank and fuel line is exposure to weather (especially sunlight), and mechanical damage. ABYC Section ‘A-1' requires that cylinders, valves, regulators & safety devices shall be “secured for sea conditions, and protected from weather and against mechanical damage”. The hose (fuel line) is particularly vulnerable to UV and mechanical damage. For this important reason (& more),I would NOTrecommend a rail-mount LPG Bottle. However, I can imagine a multitude of practical circumstances that might dictate a rail-mounted bottle. You’ll probably have to custom build it. A few considerations: 1. Build a fixed mount bottom shelf to carry the weight as low as practical. 2. Build a quick adjust top clamp to secure the bottle in all axis. 3. Try to rout the flexible fuel line (UL-21 LPG gas hose) so it exits the hull/coaming “horizontally” (preferably on the ‘outside’ of the coaming). The aperture must be made non-abrasive and watertight. The hose must be secured, so that is does not “saw” at the aperture. 4. Fashion, and use, a cloth (Sunbrella?) Cover for the tank & hose (etc.) HTH, Gord
Just a thought
This may qualify as a hair brained idea but here goes. I happened to be lending out some of my dive gear the other night and after reading your post thought...hmmm...scuba divers wear a vest type device called a BC. It stands for buoyancy control. Among other duties it hold the divers tank in place. You might check with a local dive shop for a discarded one and scavenge some parts or see if the strap used can be purchased separately. The strap holds a scuba tank fairly secure. A platform as suggested would still be necessary I think. Jeff
This may qualify as a hair brained idea but here goes. I happened to be lending out some of my dive gear the other night and after reading your post thought...hmmm...scuba divers wear a vest type device called a BC. It stands for buoyancy control. Among other duties it hold the divers tank in place. You might check with a local dive shop for a discarded one and scavenge some parts or see if the strap used can be purchased separately. The strap holds a scuba tank fairly secure. A platform as suggested would still be necessary I think. Jeff
Here's a link you can check -
I bought my rail mount tank and s/s holder from Fogh Marine - www.foghmarine.com A 5 lb. tank and mount assembly runs around $99 CAD. They also have a 8.8lb tank and mount for $133 CAD. Go to page 27 of their online catalogue. To protect the hose etc from UV, simply apply 303 Aerospace Protectant - www.303-products.com Make sure you follow those excellent installation directions given by Gord May. Most important!!!
I bought my rail mount tank and s/s holder from Fogh Marine - www.foghmarine.com A 5 lb. tank and mount assembly runs around $99 CAD. They also have a 8.8lb tank and mount for $133 CAD. Go to page 27 of their online catalogue. To protect the hose etc from UV, simply apply 303 Aerospace Protectant - www.303-products.com Make sure you follow those excellent installation directions given by Gord May. Most important!!!
thanks
Thanks for all the suggestions. Gord- I already had much of what you suggest and warn about in mind, although I appreciate the little thing(s)I missed. Jeff- I'm not sure it would work, but it's at least worth looking into. Peggy- You took the idea right out of my head! Actually, I'd like to cover the lines more in fashion with the way Gord describes, but I'm not sure that's do-able. Jim- I think this might be the way to go. Of course I have to really check out the boat and whats possible. I guess I'm planning ahead for Spring at this point. Thanks again for your support. Ernie
Thanks for all the suggestions. Gord- I already had much of what you suggest and warn about in mind, although I appreciate the little thing(s)I missed. Jeff- I'm not sure it would work, but it's at least worth looking into. Peggy- You took the idea right out of my head! Actually, I'd like to cover the lines more in fashion with the way Gord describes, but I'm not sure that's do-able. Jim- I think this might be the way to go. Of course I have to really check out the boat and whats possible. I guess I'm planning ahead for Spring at this point. Thanks again for your support. Ernie
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