I've attached a copy of the ABYC regulations for installing LPG tanks on-board. On my boat the PO simply strapped a 5 gallon bottle to the stern pulpit. Besides not looking that good, I don't think this meets ABYC specs as the bottle and regulator must be protected.
I'm interested in learning what the other 365 owners have done in this regard.
I'm toying around converting the aft cockpit locker to a sealed propane locker. The regs say the locker must be vented at the bottom. Standing up a even a 2.5 gallon bottle and venting above the waterline seems difficult. My idea would mean that the bottle must lay flat. Can this be done or must these bottles remain vertical?
Thanks,
Pete W. Pearson 365 ketch
I would worry about the LPG "Liquid" entering the regulator after all it is liquid petroleum gas, but having said that I have seen many lift trucks using Propane with the cylinder laid on its side not sure if propane is in liquid or gas phase though, I think I would check with an authorized LPG dude before I did this install.
This guy did it maybe he is a member of the list,
http://spunt.aigc.net/gallery/polaris?page=1
Ed
The tank arrangement on Windrider (1980) is exactly the same as shown. I have always assumed it was a factory install.
I do know however that horizontal tanks are available. They cost considerably more than vertical tanks.
Hope this helps.
Henri
Ed,
Thanks for the link. The only bonafide propane dude that I know is Hank Hill, and he's a cartoon character. But I did find out that you can't lay a vertical tank sideways. It all has to do with the safety relief valve needing to be in communication with the 20% vapor at the top of a full tank. Otherwise you risk venting liquid. That would turn into a massive propane vapor cloud. Not good.
But there are horizontal tanks. The tanks in the Polaris are 5 gal RV horizontal tanks. If you look close you will see the relief valve poking out near the upper edge of each tank and there are mounting legs on them too.
I found a nice little 2.5 gal horizontal model. But they are not all that cheap. But the concept appears doable.
Thanks, Pete
Thanks Henri,
It does look like a factory install. Unfortunately on my boat that area has been rebuilt into a big plywood battery box.
Pete
Pete
My 365 has two 20lb propane tanks in the aft locker. They are horizontal tanks. There is a fiberglass floor & walls that seals it from the rest or the boat , it appears to be a factory style install, or, a very good custom install. It's vented out the transom. The remote solenoid, regulator and pressure gauge are all inside the locker. I can go for months without a refill when cruising.
Cliff
On the 1982 P365 Ketch, the propane locker was removed from under the aft seat. Lockers was built to port and to starboard of the seat and Horizontal tanks installed. Professional factory covers with non-skid and a finger hole in the middle for removal.
When I was shopping for my 1981 hull #356, I saw this factory install on a 1982. Both lockers still vented out the stern. Pearson then opened up the aft seat storage area all the way to the transom! Big storage area for an inflatable or liferaft. Plus easy access if you need to re-bed the stern ladder or stern light.
Anyone out there with a 1982 willing to share some pictures?
Todd R
Baltimore
On three successive boats I have built propane lockers that pass survey. All have been 1/2 inch plywood with glassed interiors. The lid is bolted four corners with foam gasket. They are sized for two 10# vertical tanks with space between for regulator and solenoid. The gas hose entry is sealed with a gland available from West, Defender, etc. Air vent and drain are standard plastic thru hulls. On Talaria, it is in the lazarette against the inside of the transom on a hinged shelf to allow it to tip forward for access but still allow stowage in half of the locker. If anyone is interested, I will (now that I can) post some pics. Jim
Mine are in the aft locker & I hate it, my rational behind this statement is that I have lost such a huge storage area and have very difficult access to the rudder post, stern fittings etc, my poly box has a nice gasketed lid and six catches, I do not like leaving the cylinder valves open so opening and closing them requires removing all the junk I keep in that locker, removing the lid, opening the valve and the replacing the lid and all the junk. I am seriously thinking of getting a rail mount system of sorts and opening up that valuable aft locker for storage and access to my stuff below.
Ed S/V Moonlight Mile