Gas pipe replacement

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WalshamUK

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Does anyone have a recommendation for somebody to replace the pipes from the gas bottles to my gas cooker (the boat is a Beneteau 361)?
[Preferably someone who often works in Brighton marina]

Keith J
 
Keith

I can't answer the question but have to ask why? Replacing the flexible pipe at each end is understandable but what has caused the fitted copper pipe to deteriorate so quickly on what is a relatively modern boat?

Yoda
 
yoda said:
Keith

I can't answer the question but have to ask why? Replacing the flexible pipe at each end is understandable but what has caused the fitted copper pipe to deteriorate so quickly on what is a relatively modern boat?

Yoda
Click to expand...

Because somebody (previous owner) has damaged the fitting at the end of the copper pipe. It doesn't leak but it may need a new fitting or may need a new pipe. Certainly the flexible pipes are years out of date and definitely need replacing. Given that Butane is dangerous stuff, I want a qualified person to take a look.

Keith
 
WalshamUK said:
Does anyone have a recommendation for somebody to replace the pipes from the gas bottles to my gas cooker (the boat is a Beneteau 361)?
[Preferably someone who often works in Brighton marina]

Keith J
Click to expand...

The gas pipe on a Bene is basically a 3/8" 10mm ? copper pipe that is run between the hull liner and the hull with a coonector on eqch end that has a hose attached to it. If the connector is damaged all that is needed is to cut the old one off with a std pipe cutter and fit a new swaged connector and new hoses. Your local caravan shop should have all the bits, a lot cheaper than chandlerys and certainly Calor centres!
Stu
 
What are the regs? I'm going to replace all my pipework but to save money i was going to run the new copper and get a gas engineer to do the end bits and test it.
 
There are no regs and I think you will be hard pushed to find anyone qualified (or willing) to sign off a marine installation. No mention anywhere in the small print of my insurance about gas installations.
 
single said:
What are the regs? I'm going to replace all my pipework but to save money i was going to run the new copper and get a gas engineer to do the end bits and test it.
Click to expand...
There aint any regs for our boats, peeps tend to say use the waterways board, canal boats, regs.
Any one with a modicum of common sense and relevant experience of pipe fitting can do it with complete safety.
Stu
 
l'escargot said:
There are no regs and I think you will be hard pushed to find anyone qualified (or willing) to sign off a marine installation. No mention anywhere in the small print of my insurance about gas installations.
Click to expand...

Beat me to it! Sometimes I despair at some of the tooth sucking that goes on here!
Stu
 
single said:
But you could say that about domestic electrics or anything.I can't see whats stopping me running the main pipe as long as its clipped correctly and bends are correct etc? Then its all checked and signed off?
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Remember when the regs came out about domestic electrics? Oh cant do this and cant do that, load of boll ox! Turns out we can!
Stu
 
single said:
What are the regs? I'm going to replace all my pipework but to save money i was going to run the new copper and get a gas engineer to do the end bits and test it.
Click to expand...

There are recommendations of good practice and the inland waterways Boat Safety Scheme requirements are a good guide, but there is no compulsion. However if you want a Gas Safety Certificate it is wise to engage a qualified fitter. You may well be able to negotiate how much you do and how much he does. On my boat I did all the awkward time consuming work of taking all the trim down. He replaced all the pipework, fittings, shut off and regulator, tested it and issued the certificate. I re-assembled the trim.
 
skipper_stu said:
There aint any regs for our boats, peeps tend to say use the waterways board, canal boats, regs.
Any one with a modicum of common sense and relevant experience of pipe fitting can do it with complete safety.
Stu
Click to expand...

But not every one has the practical skills, know-how or relevant experience to do it in complete safety.

Not everyone knows how to make a compression joint, what type of olive to use how tight to do them up or what tape or sealant to use.

Very few will know the details of the two pressure tests that should be done or at what pressures these tests should be done.
A good many will not know what a manometer is let alone how to use one.
 
VicS said:
But not every one has the practical skills, know-how or relevant experience to do it in complete safety.

Not everyone knows how to make a compression joint, what type of olive to use how tight to do them up or what tape or sealant to use.

Very few will know the details of the two pressure tests that should be done or at what pressures these tests should be done.
A good many will not know what a manometer is let alone how to use one.
Click to expand...
Google is your friend!
http://www.thomson-caravans.co.uk/advice/diyprojects/gascompressionfitting.htm
I would be quite happy to follow those instructions as a novice and be confident that all was well! Follow this with a leak check solution test to check all is well with the joint. http://www.komar.org/bbq/mm/convert/leak-test/
On both my Benes there is just a simple rubber pipe to copper pipe to rubber pipe to stove thru screwed olive connectors. Std Bene fitting, they make thousands of boats, they dont blow up!
Too much tooth sucking on this forum sometimes!
Stu
 
skipper_stu said:
Too much tooth sucking on this forum sometimes!
Stu
Click to expand...

Nora question of tooth sucking
with gas you just cannot afford to get it wrong.

I can just imagine the different tune you'd be playing if someone came alongside you with a dodgy DIY gas system and blew you and your Benny up.

IIRC the guide on the Thompson website use to be on the Southampton Calor Website

Now how about the details of the pressure tests for anyone who really wants to do the job properly.
 
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Safety is important with gas hence the question. I wouldn't say i'm out and about on the boat any more than average but over the last 15 years i have been close to three boats that have exploded due to gas and its really not funny!
1st- A catamaran on a visitor mooring Ilfracombe- gas leak and static off kids tracksuit set it off! (apparently)
2nd- A mobo at Bristol harbour festival (next door but one to mine).Gas explosion when one of them went to light the hob in the morning.Whole top blew off the mobo.
3rd- A mobo out at sea.Gas explosion and boat sank within about 10mins!
 
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