Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

[rbh]

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.

We are here to, but the locker is generally for built in appliances (IE the stove or lights) and there are dedicated plumbed in lines.

What these guys are discussing is just a temp spot for a tank for a movable BBQ.
Yes it does make sense to have a locker, but in the case of being able to temporarily hook it up with the tank over the side/on the swim grid were there is virtually no chance of leakage into the engine compartment there should be no issue.

(I hope)

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

One thing about questions concerning propane is the myth that it is in someway more dangerous than the 30 gals. of liquid explosives in the fuel tank. Yes I know propane *can* sink to a low spot, just like gasoline fumes. (Actually gasoline fumes are heavier than propane.)

Soooo, my take on it is, mount the propane tank next to the bilge (perhaps under a rear seat) so that any possible fumes are evacuated with the bilge blower along with the gasoline fumes. You might even consider a second bilge blower to evacuate the storage area.

hate to break it to ya bubba, but with the exception of some outbnoard boats we ALL store our gasoline in a sealed dedicated container that is vented overboard.... the blowers are a secondary measure in case there is a leak.... propane is not more dangerous as fumes BUT it is stored under pressure and it has a boiling point at way under the ambient temp so it is potentially more dangerous to store than gasoline.

 

[floatnisalliwanado]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

you may be overthinking your issue, propane is far more safe than the gas in your boat. If uoir boat caught fire it would burn down to the water line long before you would need to worry about tyhe propane. I have seen a 500 gal tank surrounded by roofing tar for a walmart roof survive when pranksters set the tar on fire, it burned for hours and then I had to pull the tank out with a wreaker while the tar was burning. if you tank is freash it is ok. also why dont you try them coleman disposable bottles. they will burn a long time and you dont need to carry 5 or more gallons of fuel or its heavy weight

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

I'm not saying that it can't be done safely but that the fuel needs to be vented outside the confines of the boat....

If you can manage to get ANY USCG rep to come on here and openly suggest storing LPG cylinders below decks without a locker I'll eat my keyboard.

 

[generator12]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

This thread reminds me of all the medical and dietary advice we get from the experts. It's all well-intentioned, and each item is specifically correct, but if we live by all of them we have no life!

Just make sure your tanks don't leak. That's the main item - NO LEAKS - and you'll be okay with any of the ideas posted above, including your own. That's not a particularly difficult thing to do - just study the outlet connection and you'll figure out how to make the tank leak-proof.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

there are no connections.... he's storing disposable bottles

 

[generator12]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

there are no connections.... he's storing disposable bottles

Sure. And he can get a threaded female cap to screw on so that the thing can't leak unless it's pierced.

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Any thoughts on this propane storage method?

Sure. And he can get a threaded female cap to screw on so that the thing can't leak unless it's pierced.

But there's no way to cap the fill valve...