Propane locker - again

[S/V Laelia]

I just purchased Laelia, Hull 206. It has only a rusty alcohol stove on board. PO says they mostly used a microwave. I plan to cruise where that won't be an option so I want to install a propane system. A previous thread mentioned some pictures of propane locker installations. The one by Jim Cozy sounded particularly attractive. Would it be possible to have those pictures posted?

Thank you

[Bay Sailor]

Hi Ralph,

On my sloop I have a system that is set into the aft locker and is plumbed to the stove/oven on the port side galley. The boat has been set up this way for many years and although I have not cruised yet I do live aboard and have had no issues. If you'd care to take a look, let me know. I'm in Alameda.

Mark

[POG]

Ralph,

I am on the San Rafael canal.  You are welcome to see what I have got.

Carl

[S/V Laelia]

Thank you for the replies. I will try to get by to look at both of these. It may take a while to get to east bay.

[SailingSeaDragon]

Ralph,

For what it is worth, Pearson's factory propane install consisted of two (2) Trident composite drop in lockers located port (functional) and starboard (storage only) just aft of the cockpit lockers. You can see their locations in the overhead view of Sea Dragon. The tanks are vented though the transom just above the water line via cooper tubing, which is a poor design. I say this because both lower drain lines aboard Sea Dragon had low spots in the runs in which water had collected, frozen, and split the tubing.

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Drawing.htm

The Trident model number is 1501-0010 which are still available in aluminum or steel (see the link below)

http://www.tridentmarine.com/stage/lpg_lockers.htm (item 2)

Two things, I am not sure one really needs two (2) tanks but I have not been on an extended cruise (a tank will last us two (2) seasons). Second, the lockers are expensive.


Garner

[Bill]

The PO of my 365 put a propane box with 2 10lb tanks on the cabin top in front of the companion way.  I have only sailed the boat one time but it did not seem to be in the way.  I usually stand to one side or the other by  the wheel and never really behind it.  If it was made with two smaller tanks of course it would be shorter.  I will try to post a picture or two.  Have never put up a picture so it may take a few times.

[Randy]

I copied Rich Boren's approach and mounted a homemade bracket on the aft port stanchon to hold a 10 lb fiberglass tank. I utilized the slots welded on the stanchon that were meant to hold a dingy davit. It works great. Tank is outboard and if it ever did leak, no worries. I also mounted the selonoid cut off on the outboard bracket. Cheers.

[Sta-Sea-Dawn]

Ahoy there......I am not using propane on Sat-Sea-Dawn....but how do I remove the propane box inside the aft lazerete.  I have looked and tugged on it....I just do not see how it is attached....I do not see screws/bolts etc.
Ideas?

[S/V Laelia]

I am on an erratic wireless link here in the marina. It is taking multiple tries to get this post to go. I hope it doesn't show up more than once.

Lots of good ideas here. Thank you.

I think what I will do is to use the Trident box for two 10 lb cylinders (Item 1 in Garner's link). It comes with solenoid, regulator, remote panel, etc. One of the other posts I saw on an older thread suggested a platform attached to the transom in the lazarette. The platform is hinged so the locker can be tilted forward for access to the top of the locker. The lazarette opening is far enough forward of the transom to mostly hide the installation and still leave room to access the steering quadrant, autopilot drive, etc.

The locker is on the expensive side but so is boatyard labor. I am new to fiberglass boats and I would hate to screw this up by doing it myself. I think I want to learn on a simpler project. I am hoping the combination of purchased items and custom work in this approach will keep the cost down to a level that is merely outrageous 

Comments? Have I overlooked anything?

[Bill]

Hi "Ralph

post your email to me and I will send you a picture of my setup.  I am swamped with Christmas orders and do not
have time to figure out posting pictures.  It is not a bad setup.  I would rather have my deck space taken up than cockpit space. 

Bill

[Jim Cozy]

Ralph- The pics of my installation are already posted here under "propane locker". I assume the commercial box would work fine if it fits. In answer to Pete's concern, the vent is in the coaming locker and the drain goes through the transom bottom. which is 6-8 inches above water with the boat at rest. But yes, no anti-siphon drain is possible and it would probably invalidate the gas-tight requirement. I'm not sure how an anti-siphon loop would react to a heavier-than-air gas backing through it. Anyway, good luck to all you gassers. Jim