Seaward propane tank

[jim]

We have a seaward propane tank on our Pearson 365. The guy that refilled it last time told me not to refill it again, it's out of inspection date.
I have no problem with that, safety and all.
When trying to find another tank and going to the seaward web site, they show a tank that's one inch taller than the one we have now. The model number for the box it fits in is 143. Apparently they don't make that model any more.
Has anyone run into this problem?
I think I could cut 1/2 inch at the top and 1/2 at the bottom of the new tank and make it work.
I would hate to have to replace my Propane box also just to replace the tank. Those boxes aren't cheap$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Thanks for any info.
Jim

[RayNWanda]

We have a similar problem. I got some Worthington bottles from Defender and they are about 1/4" too tall. I am going to grind them to fit, prime, paint.

[ishmael]

Our propane tanks were aluminum.  I'm not sure of the manufacturer as there is no stamp visible.  When we bought Matchmaker they were both out of inspection date but looked fine to me.  I took them into a propane distributor locally and had them both reinspected and tested.  They both certified and and now happily refilled at any refill station.  So,  you might try having your tanks certified before you purchase new.  If there is no visible damage or lots of corrosion then you may save a bundle.  Inspection and fill was $30.00 per tank.

Ron
S/V Matchmaker
Cruising SW Florida

[S/V Deo Volente]

I'm facing the same problem, I have been able to find a dealer who will refill them now but I would like to know I could fill them anywhere. I have found replacements at this trailer supply
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/6_Vertical_Aluminum_Tank_p/vts-257.htm
I have a Pilothouse so I don't know if the tank setup is the same as yours

[kevin barber]

I purchased a fiberglass tank last month.   I love it, and it fits perfectly into the LPG lockers on my 1982 P-367.  I will never have to worry about rust again, plus i can see how much I have left.   Cost is $85 direct from manufacture.

From http://www.litecylinder.com/

[jim]

those fiberglass tanks sound great. They won't fit in my locker.
I found a tank but it looks like I'm going to have to do a little modifications. Either to the tank or the box, I think the box is the best choice.

[ishmael]

Keep in mind when you are replacing your tanks that there are differences between horizontal and vertical tanks.  I don't know about yours but the tank locker on Matchmaker, our 1980 365 ketch, requires horizontal tanks.  Vertical tanks cannot be substituted as the internal plumbing is different.

Ron

[dutchie]

I have also a question about these horizontal tanks. Mine is equipped with 2 aluminum horizontal tanks but they are very rare here on this side of the big pond  . Although these tanks would probably as old as mine beauty the gas station had no problems refilling these tanks. They only did not now how many gas they should put into these tanks because of the horizontal use. the normal vertical tanks have a certain percentage of evaporated gas above the liquid level and the outlet-valve. you can not use these vertical horizontal, you would get liquid gas at your stove and that is something you don't want. So mine question is can I fill these horizontal tanks to 80% ore should i stay save and just fill them less than half.

[Firefly]

I have two  11lb West Marine Trident tanks in my 1976 P365 ketch's built in locker. They are just 15-1/4" tall and fit fine. Our locker is 17" deep.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=41503&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10124&subdeptNum=11370&classNum=11363

[ishmael]

Dutchie,

The horizontal tanks, if they have been properly inspected lately, are safe to fill to 80% just like you would any vertical tank.  The internal plumbing for a horizontal tank is designed to allow this.  When placing the tanks in their positions in the locker be sure that the outlet is pointed up.  Not down or to the side.  All should be well.  If you tanks are very old they need to be inspected to ensure that they are safe.  I don't know about over there but here any good propane supplier should be able to inspect, certify, and fill the tanks.  They should place a certification sticker or stamp on the tank with an expiration date after which you will have to inspect again.  If in doubt it is best to replace an old tank.

Good luck,
Ron
SV Matchmaker
NW Florida, USA

[dutchie]

Pointing up is the only way the plumbing of mine locker will allow these tanks in   and last year I refilled one of them at a official refilling station here in the Netherlands, although they are very difficult to find because the most use change bottles, you pay for the gas and a little bit for renting the bottle. I could not find a inspecting date on that bottle but the boss had no problems with it to refill it so I suspect they are okay The problem for me would be to fit a standing up bottle into these molded locker where mine two horizontal bottles are, its a tight fit, it would need a compleet rebuild and I like the need and secure situation as is.

As far as I can see is this setup done over in the United States. Maybe it was a option you could order in those days I don't know, but all the appendages are US origin.