Propane Tanks in the Cockpit

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  • December 25, 2012 7:23 AM
    Reply # 1166590 on 1166368
    In my case the teak box enclosing my tanks (almost) butts up against the turtledeck that covers my sliding companionway hatch.  With the two tanks oriented fore/aft gives me oh, approx 2 feet between the forward side of the box and the mast.  Orienting two tanks athwart-ships (port/stb) would allow for a little more room between the box & mast but being thus wider will hinder visibility forward.  I've never felt 'cramped' in the (rare) times I need to get to the downhaul.

    The regulator and propane solenoid is located at the tank(s), inside the box. A heavy duty rubberized low pressure hose (and solenoid wiring) exits the rear of the box into the front side of the turtledeck and makes an immediate turn outboard to port. It then makes a turn aft to run down the deck in the space between the turtledeck and the companionway hatch slides (plenty of room for a hose in there).

    The hose then exits the turtledeck at the rear and makes an immediate turn outboard.  The hose then runs to a right angle pipe-fitting that serves as a 'thru-hull' in the cabintop.  This fitting is located right next to, just outboard of the handrail and under the cover of my dodger.  Lets say approximately at the most forward end of the 2nd 'opening' forward in the handrail.  Right in the corner of where the handrail exits the dodger.  The hose is attached to this pipefitting via brass fittings both topside and below.  The solenoid wiring simply 'penetrates' the deck alongside the pipe fitting.  I don't particularly care for that approach and feel a  watertight 'cable clam' would have been preferable even though it would require extra deck space to implement.  Because of this arrangement (in my case) special care needs to be taken with regard to sealing/waterproofing.  Still, it's never presented a problem (I just hope I never need to replace the wiring).

    I like this location since the handrail offers some protection, it is out of the way, takes up virtually no cabintop space under the dodger and is thus also out of any direct weather.   I suppose you could make an argument a better location might be in the same location but inboard of the handrail instead allowing it even more protection from getting bumped, being a toe stubber, etc. but since it's under the dodger it is already out of the way of such inconveniences.  Plus, it would require a tighter bends in the hose as it exist the turtle deck.

    At that point the propane thus enters the cabin and a second hose (attached to the pipe fitting underneath the cabin top) then runs downward and outboard (port side) within the (optional) cabinetry over the icebox. From there it drops into the portside galley cabinetry. Once it reaches below the countertop it then runs aft thru the cabinetry behind the stove finally exiting just behind the stove.   The solenoid wiring continues from there to the engine room and then to the panel breaker.

    None of the routing is that critical, i.e. space constraints, etc..  The only 'tricky part' seems to me to be how the pathway penetrates the deck.  I don't think you would want the hose or solenoid wiring alone to penetrate the cabintop.  Having a 'thru hull' with fittings on the hose both above and below allows for easy hose replacement should it ever become necessary (it hasn't yet)
  • December 25, 2012 11:39 AM
    Reply # 1166640 on 581745
    Anonymous
    Thanks for that detailed response!  

    I've been giving lots of consideration to this matter as we'll be converting to propane pretty soon. I like the idea of keeping the tanks on the deck but was always curious as to how that routing took place.  I also like Dick's idea of keeping the tanks in the lazarette because the routing would be very easy to the galley.  But then I'd have to glass in the whole lazarette and that seems like a pretty big job.  


  • December 26, 2012 11:10 AM
    Reply # 1166956 on 581745
    I have been re-working my propane box (forward of the cabintop on the foredeck) for a while, mostly because something I read about it not being a good idea to use propane tanks designed to be stored vertically in a horizontal position. Also, the previous owner plumbed the line through the deck, causing a water leak. I have a proper horizontal tank now, but have not finished the installation.
  • December 26, 2012 2:04 PM
    Reply # 1167022 on 581745
    On a horizontal tank, the pickup tube goes into the tank, then bends down to the low spot on the tank.  On a vertical tank the pickup tube goes straight down to the bottom.  If yuu lay a vertical tank on it's side, you will only have half the tank useful to draw propane, as the propane is in liquid form inside the tank.
  • December 26, 2012 2:09 PM
    Reply # 1167023 on 581745
    Page 4-G-1 and 4-G-3 of the Westsail Factory Construction Manual shows the box and the routing of the hose.  I will send you the drawings if you do not have access to them.  Send me an email.
  • December 28, 2012 8:29 AM
    Reply # 1167931 on 1167022
    Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Bud Taplin wrote:On a horizontal tank, the pickup tube goes into the tank, then bends down to the low spot on the tank.  On a vertical tank the pickup tube goes straight down to the bottom.  If yuu lay a vertical tank on it's side, you will only have half the tank useful to draw propane, as the propane is in liquid form inside the tank.
    As I recall the over pressure relief valve is also configured differently for the verticle vs horz tanks and for safety the tanks must be installed per their design.  Jay
  • January 05, 2013 12:16 PM
    Reply # 1172416 on 581745
    Deleted user
    My tank and backup tank fit in a gap in the stanchions around the boomkin. The tanks actually make a great backrest when I'm sailing.

    Works well, I can change a tank in about 5 minutes.

    The plexiglass box for the regulator works well too.

    http://westsail.org/resources/MemberAlbums/3761386/Assorted%20Others/IMG_0285.JPG

    Last modified: January 07, 2013 10:50 PM | Deleted user
  • January 18, 2013 10:42 AM
    Reply # 1183106 on 581745
    Deleted user

    Glorious is an early Westsail (hull" 42).  There is only the one small lazerette farthest aft.  When we purchased her (origially Born Free) she came with a custum s.s. dual tank mount bracket.  The bracket hangs off the outboard side of the boom gallows. It is sturdy and easy to remove the tanks.  Being a Coast Guard Auxiliary member I came to respect (fear?) propane.  I like having the tanks and fittings outside the hull. They also do not take up cockpit space which is limited on 32s.  At first I was concerned about the possiblity of it being ripped away in heavy weather.  So far so good and fortunately, she has never been knocked down. Knock on wood!  Sorry, I do not have a picture nor do I know who built the bracket.  I think it was made in southern Calif.  If interested, Bud is familiar with Glorious/Born Free history and lives in the area so may have more info.

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