John100156
Well-Known Member
Mmmmm - Castlevar dont take offense. We are not minimising the risk. We are simply suggesting that common sense must prevail. Severity high, liklihood low!
Most boat owners are fairly confident and competant to undertake this type of work on their own boat, and it's perfectly legal/legitimate for them to do so. If unsure, then they would/should/be stupid not to, ask for advice or contact an engineer.
It's sad you lost your friend, but we dont know what the facts of that case are? Was it due to changing a cylinder, hose or regulator?
In my opinion, it's perfectly safe to change these serviceable items without any special training, assuming you test for leaks after. After all, millions of boats, caravans and gas BBQer's have been doing so for many years, yes some do make mistakes and the consequences can be severe, just like when driving a car.
Of course, we do need to be careful with Butane (C4H10) because it is (if my chemistry is correct - VicS will let us know if its not) heavier than air due to its molecular mass which is around 58 ((4x12)+(10x1)) compared with air at around 29. So gas can build-up in voids/bilges.
Hence we must make certain areas where cylinders are contained are well ventilated and ventilate all bilges or voids below!
Come on Castlevar - we need experts like you on board with us! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Most boat owners are fairly confident and competant to undertake this type of work on their own boat, and it's perfectly legal/legitimate for them to do so. If unsure, then they would/should/be stupid not to, ask for advice or contact an engineer.
It's sad you lost your friend, but we dont know what the facts of that case are? Was it due to changing a cylinder, hose or regulator?
In my opinion, it's perfectly safe to change these serviceable items without any special training, assuming you test for leaks after. After all, millions of boats, caravans and gas BBQer's have been doing so for many years, yes some do make mistakes and the consequences can be severe, just like when driving a car.
Of course, we do need to be careful with Butane (C4H10) because it is (if my chemistry is correct - VicS will let us know if its not) heavier than air due to its molecular mass which is around 58 ((4x12)+(10x1)) compared with air at around 29. So gas can build-up in voids/bilges.
Hence we must make certain areas where cylinders are contained are well ventilated and ventilate all bilges or voids below!
Come on Castlevar - we need experts like you on board with us! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
