Propane locker for CNG conversion

EpicAdventure · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010

We are looking at buying a boat (we might be getting very close here... kind of exciting and scary!)

The subject boat has CNG and I'd like to convert it to LPG. Few questions:

1) I don't know the specific model of stove, but from what I've read, I think the jets have to be changed to run off of propane?

2) What size tanks do most folks use? I was thinking that two of the 10 lb composite would probably work pretty well?

3) I was surfing on propane lockers and came to this page. I'm surprised that then vent appears to be at the top of the locker. If I were to build my own locker, wouldn't it make more sense for the vent to be at the bottom? Maybe that is because the round tank almost seals in the locker?

4) If I have two tanks (only one in use at a time) should the "reserve" tank also be in a vented locker?

kd3pc · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010

Epic

Depending on the stove, you may need to change more than the jets, should install a sniffer in the galley with a cutoff solenoid, depending on the boat, this ranges from easy to a week long ($$$) project

MOst are using 10lb and larger, as anything smaller will have to be filled frequently if you actually use propane. Good news propane is more readily available than CNG

the locker you point to only uses 1 lb cannister, almost too small to be useful. For the money you would be better to hang a tank on the rail. And yes, the vent has to be at the lowest point in the locker. I think you are seeing the feed line.

tanks have to be stored with vents also...

other than availability, my cng is fine

paulk · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010

There's a very good diagram on propane tank installation on the WM website, in their catalogue. Two 10-lb tanks sounds like enough to heat with, but you're not likely to run out. We get through most summers with just a 5, but we don't have a grill or bake much bread on board.

chuck53 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010

I just bought a boat that has CNG. I was concerned as availability isn't great for CNG.
Now that we've had the boat for 6 weeks, we've decided we like the CNG and don't plan to change it as it would be a pain in the butt to do so.
THere is a safety factor that propane doesn't have. If there is a leak, the gas rises as opposed to settling in the bilge as propane will.
Previous owner said he only had to fill his tank once a year and I can deal with that easily.

mitiempo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010

It would depend where the op is and where he is planning to cruise. If offshore cng will not work as it is not available in many countries. If he is staying local and it is available in his area that is a different story. Propane is the fuel of the world outside North America and is readily available everywhere, sometimes under different names.