Propane Locker

[Surge1961]

I am in the process of purchasing a propane stove for my 1976 C & C 33' sailboat. The original stove was a three burner alcohol. Has anybody had any experience with installing the propane tank or building a propane locker. We are attempting to determine the best location for this. Our boat still has the original A-4 motor. you assistance would be appreciated.

Bryden

[CaptainForce]

outboard venting is critical for propane storage safety. We keep our propane tanks in a container on deck. If you do select a locker or lazerette space, be sure that it is not fitted with any opening that could drain propane gas into the boat, but is well vented outside the boat from the lower portion of the locker. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[dhays]

As CaptainForce said, you need to have a drain in the locker that drain outboard. Being heavier than air, the drain needs to be designed the same as you would for a water drain.

[GaryHLucas]

I hid a 10lb aluminum propane tank inside the horseshoe buoy on the stern rail on my 27 footer years ago. It worked well, and I always turned off the valve at the tank to shut down the stove, burning off all the gas. It also was connected to the gas grill on the stern rail too. We seldom used the stove after getting the grill.

Gary H. Lucas

[CaptainForce]

Originally Posted by GaryHLucas

I hid a 10lb aluminum propane tank inside the horseshoe buoy on the stern rail...........
Gary H. Lucas

It's good that you've mentioned this stern rail plan. Most of the easiest solutions to propane safety I've seen have been hanging on the stern rail. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[Faster]

Another thing to keep in mind as you plan the 'drain' is to be sure it won't back flood when the boat is sailing and heeled.

It's not difficult to build a plywood locker with a lid, glass it up for durability and put a drainline/scupper through the transom if there's room in the lazarette or other nearby storage area.

But we too, have, in the past, hung the bottles off the rail outside... nothing else will 'drain' better than that!! You do need to keep the tanks clean and painted (or use aluminum or F/G ones) to avoid rust stains after a while.