Gas Locker Lid

Most 3D printers would have a max bed size of around 25cm but there are some with 30cm capability. It would be a very simple print if you can find someone.
I think it is simple to model but with large flat parts like that made from materials that work well outdoors I’ve found they suffer warpage easily, so probably need someone with a really good printer and / or lots of experience.
 
GRP would be quite simple. All you need is a form - a square of the right size and an inch or so thick, with the sharp edges rounded off. Wrap the mould in cling film, and lay up four or five layers of glass cloth. Cover with peel ply and let it set. Remove the peel ply and sand smooth. A few coats of paint and mission accomplished.

Alternatively, a bit of marine ply, with a rim glued on would be even simpler, but use epoxy or a similarly waterproof glue, and proper marine ply, not the stuff they sell in B&Q. Finish with paint; varnish is hard work to keep nice.

Whatever you do, add a couple of clips to make sure the next storm leaves it alone.
 
I have never seen a requirement to have a sealed top lid on a gas bottle locker.
I didn’t say it was a requirement, just that modern ones have seals. I say modern, my 1999 Jeanneau is sealed so it’s not all that recent.
 
The lid does not need to be sealed but does need vent holes on the to allow any gas to escape the question is does the gas locker need to be fireproof so if the is a fire the metal gas locker will protect the gas cylinder from exploding
 
does the gas locker need to be fireproof so if the is a fire the metal gas locker will protect the gas cylinder from exploding
No, as with sealing the lid there are no requirements for gas on a sea going boat. Selling a "gas locker" requires meeting a fire standard, but that's a different question as with the seal on the lid and is why OP was quoted several hundred quid for a fancy box.

The only question is how safe you want your installation. Ours meets the standard and is fire resistant and has proper seals and a catch for the lid as well as venting over the side and being sealed well at the various fittings. Our bottles are also secured inside to stop movement.
Any and all of that is optional and down to the owner. OP has stated he just wants a lid for the box and isn't concerned by the rest as the locker is on the stern, which is a reasonable response.
 
The lid does not need to be sealed but does need vent holes on the to allow any gas to escape the question is does the gas locker need to be fireproof so if the is a fire the metal gas locker will protect the gas cylinder from exploding
On most boats a fire bad enough to get the metal gas cylinder inside a fibreglass locker to explode is already going to have been reason to abandon ship.
 
3D ? There are plenty of boxes / lids etc on Thingiverse that can be scaled to do the job ...

But honest - a simple ply lid with edging to create the lid ... then couple of hooks on the box sides to have a strap over the top to hold it ..

It really does not need anything fancy ....
 
I agree that BSS guidelines are worth knwoing and adhering to generally - the fact is they have no authorty over installations to boats in tidal waters.

I read so many times on forums where post's seem to forget this simple fact ...
 
I agree that BSS guidelines are worth knwoing and adhering to generally - the fact is they have no authorty over installations to boats in tidal waters.

I read so many times on forums where post's seem to forget this simple fact ...
Whilst true, I have found that discussing BSS recommendations during an insurance survey quite helpful.
 
Whilst true, I have found that discussing BSS recommendations during an insurance survey quite helpful.

And herein lies the thin end of the wedge ... slowly being pushed in ...

Insurance Co's are of course aware of BSS and non BSS situation ... but last thing anyone wants is to have Insurance Co refusing cover unless boat has BSS standards applied when they need not be.
Imagine the thousands of boats in UK that are not to BSS standards ... namely - the pipework undisturbed and long ago fitted ... antique Cookers ... regulators etc .. all still performing their required duties safely ... BUT along comes Insurance and BSS based requirements - no longer voluntary and viola - rip out and replace ...

Not trying to offend - but I for one even though no longer yachting in UK - still regard the yachting freedoms of UK to be protected. One day I may just return to live there again.
 
And herein lies the thin end of the wedge ... slowly being pushed in ...

Insurance Co's are of course aware of BSS and non BSS situation ... but last thing anyone wants is to have Insurance Co refusing cover unless boat has BSS standards applied when they need not be.
Goes both ways - I had one surveyor wanting me to improve my gas installation, and we discussed elements of BSS which he felt was appropriate and realistic, and another that wanted something that was not on BSS (as it happens, a lid!), and so I managed to talk her out of this.

Although it was extra work at the time, I didn't feel it was at all unreasonable or expensive or difficult.

At the end of the day, boat owners and insurance surveyors seem to want the same thing - as safe an installation as practicable. Being given a nudge in this direction isn't always a bad thing. I have not come across the situation you describe (although insurance companies have every right to do so) - have you?
 
Goes both ways - I had one surveyor wanting me to improve my gas installation, and we discussed elements of BSS which he felt was appropriate and realistic, and another that wanted something that was not on BSS (as it happens, a lid!), and so I managed to talk her out of this.

Although it was extra work at the time, I didn't feel it was at all unreasonable or expensive or difficult.

At the end of the day, boat owners and insurance surveyors seem to want the same thing - as safe an installation as practicable. Being given a nudge in this direction isn't always a bad thing. I have not come across the situation you describe (although insurance companies have every right to do so) - have you?

You have to remember that I ran Yacht Survey Co in UK for years .... as well as being a full on Ships Marine Surveyor still today ....

The ridiculous and truly daft stories that I could tell you if having a beer together - would soon have you understand where I'm coming from.

I know Yacht Surveyors who have written reports using BSS guidelines for tidal waters boats .. that report intended for Ins Co for cover ...

Its worse than the guys who wrote reports and created the 10yr life for mast stays on cruising boats !

I have actually written reports for a few people I knew - to bring back to reasonable and relevant level ... charging only a small fee to cover typing time.

I have even been a victim of a Yacht Surveyor (member of that well known bunch .. ) who wrote a report based on Insurance Co info to help them void the claim for damages departing Bembridge and for the previous payout for when the boat was broken into ... Luckily I was able to counter and effect a solution .. the Surveyor in question actually admitted and apologised. Hard for him to do otherwise - considering the Yard Boss who I knew observed the guy at my boat - without my knowledge.

No Surveyor or Inspector is truly independent - I don't care what they say or claim ... they are paid by clients to do best for their interests. Some just seem to be worse at it !!
 
The lid is indeed just to keep rain out - it doesn't have to be gas tight. That's why it was loose enough to blow off, I guess.
Then maybe a little redesign is in order (add a hinge and latch).

Boats are not houses or cars. Sometimes you have to make (have made) bespoke parts. Personally, I would have just fabricated one out of thin play and covered it with fiberglass and paint. A few hours work, all in. Alternatively, I might just bend one from ~ 0.050" aluminum. Even easier with a brake.
 
I lost the stainless steel 'top hat' to my heater exhaust on deck ... whoever installed it - used the three screws around outside to 'hook' it down ... I go across Baltic in heavy weather ... away it went !!

WhatsApp Image 2025-10-29 at 14.07.06.jpeg

For sake of a simple lock-down .. I would not be facing having new 'Top Hat' made !
 
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