Propane tank

[Panhdjoe]

We are in need of a new 5# propane tank for our family cruiser, My question is. Are there marine grade tanks our will the ones that are sold at a place like camping world be OK. I see the ones that are sold by defender are more expensive. Does any one know what the differencs would be?

[DougSea]

I took a quick look at the Defender page and there are clearly tanks which are intended for a sea-water environment. IMHO I would lean towards one of these over a "regular" steel tank. Do you keep it aboard at all times? Given the desire to have it in a vented compartment I'd think it would get wet and a regular tank would rust.

[loubennett]

I recently saw some fiberglass propane tanks at a Tru Value hardware store. They were more expensive than the steel ones but probably worth it for a marine application. They only had the 20# size used on most backyard grills but if you check their website you can probably determine the manufacturer. They may make smaller ones.

[elad]

I recently bought a fiberglass propane cylinder from Lite Cylinder Co. Converted a Honda 2000i to propane so I don't have to carry gas around. Both are working fine.

[jleonard]

So what's involved with that conversion and how is it working out?
(Sorry to change direction).

[Chuck Waygood]

I had an aluminum propane tank on the cockpit of my last boat for 8 years, always in the salt water environment, and no problems. In fact, we are still using the same tank on the home grill. Expensive when bought, but well worth the extra money. How many steel tanks are around after12 years? We did have to invest in a converter for the valve....

[elad]

jleonard,

Go to GeneratorSales.com They have the tri-fuel conversion kit and are extremely helpful folks.

I actually mounted the regulator onto the fiberglass propane tank so I could carry the generator around without the regulator etc. when I want to run gas only.

Conversion was not that hard though the space inside the generator cover was very cramped for what needs to be done. Instructions are clear.

Generator runs very well on propane and no adjustments other that switching on the gas supply valve to go back to gas. The regulator adjustment settings in the instructions did not work at first but the guy at GS told me to just make adjustments until the generator ran smoothly. It works great.

I bought the fiberglass tank for light weight as well as corrosion resistance.

[N4QC]

Elad

Did you install the tri-fuel demand regulator as well as the propane tank regulator on the propane tank? How long is the fuel supply line which comes with the kit? The prices look very reasonable for not having to carry gas aboard and they have various kits for different makes and models of generators…

Have fun,

[elad]

Joe,

Yes, both regulators are on the tank. I bought a 3 ft fuel hose to go from the tri-fuel regulator to the generator.

Dale

[Panhdjoe]

I just returned from a couple days at the boat, it turns out that my locker is designed for a #11 pound cylinder. I got a powder coated steel cylinder from the local West Marine. While I was at it I removed the locker did a complet reseal and ran a new vent line. The way the old vent line was aranged it alowed some salt water to get into the bottom of the propane locker. All should be well now. Thanks for the help. Joe

[joe.baar]

Please note that some truly backward localities - like King County, the governing district surrounding Seattle, Washington - forbid the use of fiberglass propane tanks. Such tanks continue to be sold by businesses located within King County, apparently because they can still be used outside the county's jurisdiction and are very useful and profitable. Just don't let the local sheriff catch you with a fiberglass tank connected aboard your boat if such a condition is illegal in his jurisdiction.

[Jay Knoll]

Just found this thread. Have a contract on a FC27 and am starting on thinking about getting rid of the alcohol stove. Could you post a pic of your tank installation?

Thanks

Jay

[JeffScott92]

Jay,
I just bought Kippy Girl from Panhdjoe a couple of weeks ago. Planning on going out this weekend. I will take some pictures and post.
Jeff

[JeffScott92]

Pictures attached.

[Jay Knoll]

Thanks Jeff I appreciate the pics!

I don't know if I'll have room for that type of installation. The boat I'm buying has a 155 hp Isuzu and two D6 batteries; space in the engine compartment is pretty tight

Jay