Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

[Alwhite00]

OK, Have a Magma grill & love it but am always nervous when reading about propane storage. Obvously you can't store it in the engine compartment, I am always concerned about storing it under the seats because it's heavier than air and would end up in the engine or cabin if leaked.

I was thinking about storing it in the anchor locker, I don't have a windlas and the only thing in there is 100' or rode and a couple small bumpers. Lots of room in there. I was thinking about building a rack to store 2-3- 2 lb. cylinders. If anything leaked it would just go out the drains in the locker. (I think)

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

LK

 

[dingbat]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

Storing propane in an enclosed area, or for that matter anywhere on a boat is just asking to be candidate for the Darwin awards

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

If you're talking unused bottles, I see no problems. If partially used bottles, I would find gasketed, metallic, threaded caps for the bottles.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

Storing propane in an enclosed area, or for that matter anywhere on a boat is just asking to be candidate for the Darwin awards

I believe propane is heavier than air, Thus it should go right out the drains in the locker. So where on a boat would you store them? I guess I should just throw the grill out by your thinking. Maybe tow a small raft for the propane? - I can't be the only one with a can of propane on board.

LK

 

[Grandad]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

If you love having the grill, maybe it's worthwhile for you to buy or build a vented propane tank locker on your swim platform. That's my plan if I live long enough to get some of my other projects finished first. A larger tank (5 lb or 11 lb) with an electric solenoid in the locker would be the safest way to carry your propane. - Grandad

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I made a bag out of sunbrella that hangs off of my stern rail... it hangs just low enough that any leakage would be overboard...

Another option would be a sealed under seat storage box, a big thru hull fitting under the far right side of your back seat plumbed to another in your sealed box would drain any leaking gas harmlessly overboard. combine that with a fume detector and you're golden

 

[rbh]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

YUP to what grandad said, get a 10 pound bottle and an adapter hose.

Mount tank in plastic milk crate so it will not role around.

Strap it to swim grid when using otherwise, keep it strapped in the cockpit or the deck when underway.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

Another option would be a sealed under seat storage box, a big thru hull fitting under the far right side of your back seat plumbed to another in your sealed box would drain any leaking gas harmlessly overboard. combine that with a fume detector and you're golden

Or in the anchor locker that already has drains, would there be any difference between methods?

LK

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

anchor locker maybe not sealed another issue I see is that it is not dedicated to only the propane.

I personally would not do that but not to the extent that I'd say it couldn't work.... You would need to be absolutely certain..... One tiny oops can be a huge explosion

 

[beardeddone]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

OK, Have a Magma grill & love it but am always nervous when reading about propane storage. Obvously you can't store it in the engine compartment, I am always concerned about storing it under the seats because it's heavier than air and would end up in the engine or cabin if leaked.

I was thinking about storing it in the anchor locker, I don't have a windlas and the only thing in there is 100' or rode and a couple small bumpers. Lots of room in there. I was thinking about building a rack to store 2-3- 2 lb. cylinders. If anything leaked it would just go out the drains in the locker. (I think)

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

LK

Funny I was just reading on this subject in another forum, maybe you might want to read about this and maybe I might be out of line pointing you to another forum, I am sorry if I am, but check it out this may answer some of your questions
http://features.boats.com/boat-content/2011/05/boat-stoves-alcohol-and-propane-on-older-boats/
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/propane-systems.asp

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I guess I'm dense, but in my boat the anchor locker "drain" goes to bilge. This would obviously be a terrible place to store propane.

Is yours vented (with drains) thru the hull?

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I guess I'm dense, but in my boat the anchor locker "drain" goes to bilge. This would obviously be a terrible place to store propane.

Is yours vented (with drains) thru the hull?

Yes, Directly outside the boat - Two of them.

LK

 

[hnt]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I think using the anchor locker makes sense since it is vented overboard with its own drains Seems to me it is a much safer option than anywhere in the cockpit and especially below decks.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I have had a Buddy heater on my boat for years and have never had a problem, I store my tanks under the drivers seat and never really worried about it.

Just got a Magma grill last week and am planning on breaking it in this weekend.

I also keep 6 gallons of gasoline on board and I don't worry about that either so maybe I am dense or should worry more but I don't.

If your locker is vented to the outside you will be fine.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I have had a Buddy heater on my boat for years and have never had a problem, I store my tanks under the drivers seat and never really worried about it.

I keep a couple of the small bottles in the cockpit to use with a propane stove. I also think the forward anchor locker idea is a good one.

My .02

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

i don't think you can count on anchor locker drains to "drain" gas since they are small, often clogged or covered with your rope, etc. However, it is an isolated spark-free location. Propane tanks don't leak much or often so I see the risk as minimal in the first place. So if you can't put it in a milk crate* anywhere outside, use the locker. Just don't get a false sense of safety from the drains.

Any open space on the deck is OK; any small leaks would blow away and big ones you'd detect.


*Build a slatted crate from mahogony and finish it for a winter project.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

another issue just occurred to me... while not safety related it is worth considering that the anchor locker is a moist high humidity location and rust on the threads of your lp bottles is no fun

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I ran across a small alum first aid kit that was water proof that fitted in a existing compartment that I mounted and added a 1 1/2 bottom vent to use as a cylinder storage.

 

[captain zac]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I keep them in my cockpit sink
one piece sink that has a drain right at the water line

Or like said above they sale a bag that you can hang over the side

Harry

 

[PCUK]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

In the UK we are more safety regulated than you lot. It is mandatory to have a dedicated sealed gas locker that drains overboard. Generally either Stainless steel or GRP. Easy to make and arrange for peace of mind.