Propane locker drain lines

[brian chalk]

We have two built in propane tank lockers in the cockpit which I assume were standard on 365's. Both lockers drain overboard via copper tubing running from the bottom of the locker to through hulls in the transom. Both tubes have split. Do you guys think it is necessary to replace the copper tubing with same thing? Or would I be okay just using hose? I assume the main purpose of the drains is to drain water that collects in the lockers, and a secondary purpose would be to vent propane overboard in the unlikely event of a leak.

[SVJourney]

Journey has a single locker under the helmsman's seat that holds 2 20lb tanks.  So I don't know if there a single stock option from Pearson on this. We also have copper tubing for drains that have clogged on occasion with debris and perhaps bug nests.   I would wonder if you had a water trap that was building up and then freezing which burst you copper lines, so I would make sure that you had adequate drainage on the lines as water in the lines would effectively block any propane from escaping.  Otherwise, I would think that hose would be fine.

[Jim S]

It is important that the bottom drain line not be obstructed with anything.  It is the vapor vent for the propane locker.  However unlikely a leak from the propane tank is, the line must remain open.  My assumption is that they used copper to avoid any water traps that would prevent the vapors from draining overboard.  When you replace the lines, absolutely avoid creating a water trap.  It is obvious that the lines froze from a water trap situation, previously stated, so be careful with a quick and dirty fix with Rescue Tape.  The lockers I am familiar with have a second vent higher on the side as well, perhaps as a secondary vent in the event the lower one becomes obstructed.