Storing propane tanks below deck

[Rockstar2011]

I just got a new portable bbq for my O'Day 25. There is really no where to mount it permanently on the deck, so I will have to store it either in the cabin storage or in the storage locker at the stern. This is the bbq I got here: MAGMA PRODUCTS Magma Cabo Gas Grill at West Marine

Just wondering if it is okay to store the bbq in the cabin storage with the propane tank attached? Of course, I would make sure the propane is turned off completely before storing. Is it okay to do this?

[SailKing1]

Not a good idea. Propane can leak and settle in the bilge. Can ignite and cause fire. I kept mine in a PVC attached to the railing on deck.

[imagine2frolic]

WRONG, very wrong, it should be able to drift away, or be in a vented locker to the outside of the boat. A solution won't be hard to find.......i2f

[JimsCAL]

OK to remove the LPG cylinder and store the grill below, but the cylinder needs to be outside or in a cockpit locker that is vented overboard.

[bubb2]

MAGMA Propane Storage Locker/Tote Bag at West Marine

[Rockstar2011]

^I don't have a rail on the outside of the boat like that, so would have to improvise somehow. Otherwise, that would be perfect. I didn't know that the cylinder could be removed after it was attached. I figured it wasn't a good idea to keep below deck, but thought I would check. Glad I did.

[CalebD]

Yes, it is not the grill that is dangerous but the gas canisters are if not properly stored.
Propane is heavier then air and will accumulate in the bilge. LPG is somewhat lighter then air and is therefore somewhat less dangerous.

[SlowButSteady]

Originally Posted by CalebD

Yes, it is not the grill that is dangerous but the gas canisters are if not properly stored.
Propane is heavier then air and will accumulate in the bilge. LPG is somewhat lighter then air and is therefore somewhat less dangerous.

LPG (liquified petroleum gas) is primarily propane, often mixed with butane, and is therefore heavier than air. LNG (liquified natural gas) and CNG (compressed natural gas) are primarily methane, and therefore lighter than air.

[chef2sail]

Kaboom.....there were other recent threads of this topic? Search them as they are very informative . The little bombs valves leak when used in a great majority of them. Buy a mesh bag and attach to stern rail or somewhere outside that's vented.

Dave

[Minnewaska]

When you discharge any compressed gas, it's temperature will decline. I've seen cylinders form ice on the outside. I highly suspect that those that have experienced leaks have frozen the plunger. Be sure to shut down and give it plenty of time to warm back up before removing the bottle. They also make reusable brass caps for these bottles.

I fully subscribe to keeping them above deck for reasons given above. However, while safety rules may be diligently followed by everyone (im more of a cynic than that) I've not been able to find a report of a boat fire started by a leaking BBQ cylinder.