Gas Bottle Locker

[Guest]

I have been told by my insurance company that I require a locker for my LPG bottle.(this is to prevent gas buildup in the bilges). Does any one know where I can buy a readymade one or have I to do a DIY job ?

 

[byron]

I don't understand. As long as any escaping gas vents into the open air rather than into the boat there is no need for a locker. This is why on some smaller craft you will see the bottle mounted in a cradle off the stern. I would query this with them especially if your bottle already vents externally.

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[ColinS]

My gas bottle was sited in the cockpit, but required a separate holder because the cockpit drains were not regulation height above the water line.

 

[Gordonmc]

I have the same problem... but without nowhere to vent overboard and no self draining cockpit the only place I can put a bottle is on the deck between the forehatch and the coachroof, taking the pipework through the coachroof wall.

To hide and protect the gubbins I am building a timber box.

When you think about it, the most likely source of a leak is not the bottle at all, but the pipe-joins and whatever appliance you are using, so don't get complacent about turning off the supply at the bottle.

 

[byron]

I am looking in the BBS reccomendations list as I write. It specifically says that venting into a self draining cockpit is acceptable (with a couple of provisos) but makes no mention of drain hole height above waterline excepting the implication that said hole should be below the gas bottle and connections which is after all only common sense. Maybe someone else will check and confirm this or tell me what I am missing.

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[yoda]

Since my gas bottle is in the cockpit I am interested in the provisos. Where can a copy of the BBS regulations be found / obtained? I firmly believe in having the bottle easily accessible so that it gets turned off after every use. Find it gives the helm something to do on a long trip and uses a space that otherwise is not used. Also agree with comments on joints. I prefer to run one length of flexible pipe from regulator to galley shut off valve and replace every 5 years. Just glad the insurance company don't require a survey as that seems to be where all the trouble starts. Let common sense prevail.

 

[byron]

You can get a copy from the Environment Agency (Navigation) Thames Region or from British Waterways. The thing comes in a plastic folder and is called "THE BOAT SAFETY SCHEME GUIDE" If you can't get one and live near me (Near Henley on Thames) you can borrow mine. EMail me byrona@royal.net
Here follows what it says...
LPG cylinders in self-draining cockpits
Boats with a cylinder housing that opens into properly designed and constructed self-draining cockpits are acceptable provided:
* The drain outlets from the self draining cockpits are above the waterline when the boat is fully loaded.
* The self draining cockpit is LPG-tight to the interior of the boat, at least to the height of the LPG cylinders, low pressure regulators and associated equipment
* Any hatches or openings within the self draining cockpit are watertight
* cylinders housings conform to the draining requirements of standard 7.2 and standards 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6 and 7.8
This will help minimise the risk of gas leaking into your boat's interior.
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It also goes on to say that it's essential that the shut off valve be easily accessible etc. etc.

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[Guest]

I think the point - drain OUTLETS - should be emphasised. On most yachts the outlets of self draining cockpits are below water, hence the cockpit sole is gas-tight.

 

[byron]

I have no wish to get into an arguement with you but don't you think it would be a pretty daft design to have outlets below the water line? (i) The pressure below the water line would restrict the outflow or even prevent water draining from the cockpit (ii) as the vessel was going along the pressure of water would force itself up into the cockpit.
Anyway, the matter is now closed I have reported what the British Safety Scheme says on the subject.

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[yoda]

Byron

Many thanks for the info, very helpful. Will try to get my own copy.

Yoda

 

[DanTribe]

There is a useful free booklet "LPG for marine use"available from Calor Gas 0800 626 626 or look at www.socal.co.uk/index.html.
Regarding building your actual locker, what boat do you have? Is there an owners association who may have already solved the problem?

 

[Guest]

Sorry Byron, but I can't leave it. One or both of us misunderstands the other. Every yacht that I have sailed on has it's cockpit drain outlets under the water. The cockpit sole is above the waterline(I believe that the recommended height is a minimum of 3 inches above the waterline with the yacht loaded) and the principal is that if the cockpit catches water (from a breaking wave or rain), that water runs down to the lowest level. I believe the Small Boat Safety Scheme is written mainly for inland waterways. I have no knowledge of narrowboats etc. Perhaps that is where our misunderstanding lies.

Regards

achilles heel

 

[Avocet]

My cockpit drains are below the waterline!

The cockpit sole is just a few inches above the waterline so they have to. I do get a tiny bit of water on the sole when well heeled but it always goes back down when flat again.

 

[Guest]

Thank you all for your replies, even though it turned into a slanging match over cock-pit drains. Mean time if any one hears where I can get a ready made gas bottle locker please let me know on this post . David.

 

[Miker]

Looks as though there is a gap in the market. I asked the same question a few months two ago but got no answer. Also I did not see any such product at the Boat Show. If you do have some success please highlight it on the BB.

 

[byron]

Yep! That is definately our misunderstanding, all along I have been talking about stinkpots which I realise is very narrow minded of me... sorry! but I am a stinkie myself ;-)

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