[C38] propane and vang

[Glen Robinson]

For years we sailed with a large ice chest in the stern, which doubled as a helm seat.  When we decided to convert to LPG prior to our cruise to Mexico, I considered several thousand (it seems) unacceptable approaches for an internal propane locker.  
  Finally, at JoAnn's suggestion, I replaced the ice chest with 2 aluminum horizontal LPG tanks bolted (with wingnuts for easy refilling) atop the lid of the stern locker, hose connections toward the center with a lightweight, plywood/fiberglass quick-remove bench fabricated to fit atop the tanks.  JoAnn sewed canvas covers, snapped to the front and top rear areas, completely concealing the installation, but effectively leaving it "outside".  The pressure regulator, solenoid valve and BBQ tee are located behind the tanks and connected to the cylinders by a flexible hose, allowing easy change from the empty tank to the full one.
  With the bench removed, the lid still will hinge upward, providing locker access.  All is out in the fresh air, and any LPG leak into the cockpit is intended to go overboard through the drains.  We installed an LPG control system with detectors in the stern locker, immediately below the tanks; and another near the cabin sole by the engine access door (moved to this location after its predecessor, installed in the bilge, flooded, and became inoperable).  Both are tested regularly.  A large, bright, red LCD in the elect panel warns whenever the solenoid is "ON".
  I understand that such an approach may concern some, but in 10 years and several thousand miles we have had only one problem:  About a year ago our stern locker LPG sniffer detected gas in the boat, activated the alarm and and shut down the solenoid.  An inspection disclosed a leak in the flex hose fitting and a torn area in the locker gasket.  The gasket was replaced with one much larger in all dimensions, and tested to assure no further leak from above.  The hose was replaced and we now now carry a spare.
  glen&JoAnn
  SnowBird
  P.S. Have a Garhauer hard vang, installed in '97.  Love it!

Philip Gay <eyriepg at msn.com> wrote:
            I have seen some installations but was never quite happy with the locker drain mechanism.  The lower drain needs to be above water lever and there is not much difference in elevation between the cockpit seats and the waterline.
   
  I took the easy way out and mounted my 10 lb tank in a large hefty fender holder, mounted off the back of the cockpit rail.  I used an aluminum tank and dressed it up with a sunbrella cover.  I use a solenoid to shut off propane flow into the boat when the stove is not in use.  I hated to hang anything off the stern as narrow as it is, but I never worry about propane settling into the cabin.
   
  Phil Gay
  C38 049 Que Linda
  Everett, WA
    ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Erlandson 
  To: Catalina 38 Listserve 
  Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 11:33 AM
  Subject: [C38] propane and vang
  

  Any good propane locker souloutions out there? I would like to use one of the Seaward locker kits any body tried one? Also I want to install a rigid Garhauer vang but the boom twists any ideas?
  Thanks,
  John-
  C38 #291
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