Propane Storage

[HeaveToo]

I was sitting here thinking about propane storage on my Compac 23.  In the past I have had other ways of storing propane aboard, including putting the tank inside of the grill when it was stored on the rail, hanging it off the rail, and currently it sits on top of my fuel tank.

Then I wondered about putting a coaming box in the area of the gas locker in the Compac 23.  If you found a coaming box that fit the side where the fuel tank sits and it fit 2 propane bottles it would solve some issues.  You would have a place to store the tank, out of the weather, that was vented to the outside of the boat via the fuel tank storage area.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this idea?  Would it work okay or could there be some hidden issues?

I have half way considered removing the pressurized alcohol stove on the boat, eventually, and going to a propane stove.  If the propane could be stored in this locker and add a regulator to it.  You wouldn't need a large propane tank and you can buy the small disposable tanks almost everywhere.

In the end, there are many ways to store propane on board.  Some ways are good and acceptable, others are dangerous.  I like to cruise with two disposable bottles (grill) and a canister of the pressurized alcohol for the stove.

[brackish]

some folks have strapped a piece of PVC pipe to the outside fixed portion of the swim ladder that will hold a couple of cylinders.  As you know it has to drain at the bottom and do so overboard to keep from collecting in the bilge.  I believe Shawn did that and posted it here, you might do a search.

[atrometer]

I've seen a mesh bag that holds 2 that snaps on a rail.  (West Marine?)

[Shawn]

Yup, 4" PVC with a 4 to 3" adapter on the bottom (to drain a leaking cylinder) and either a cap or screw in plug works well for a propane locker. This would hold three cylinders. After the first season I put an empty gatorade container in the bottom and only held two canisters. I didn't use enough propane for all three and they do rust over time.




Shawn