Gas storage in a stern locker?

[SAWDOC]

Can a gas cylinder be stored in a stern locker isolated from other (living) parts of the boat - secured in place and with an ope in the transom to allow ventilation? Or should a dedicated gas storage locker be installed? If so can anyone recommend an arrangement compliant with standards that does not cost 200 squids?

Thanks!

 

[sailorman]

Can a gas cylinder be stored in a stern locker isolated from other (living) parts of the boat - secured in place and with an ope in the transom to allow ventilation? Or should a dedicated gas storage locker be installed? If so can anyone recommend an arrangement compliant with standards that does not cost 200 squids?

Thanks!

spare cylinders stow it in the anchor well as thats vented the same with o/b fuel

 

[sailorman]

Yes a gas cylinder can be installed in a stern locker if the locker meets the requirements of a gas locker. Sealed from the rest of the boat, top opening with a seal, drain overboard at the lowest point of the locker and the drain not near the exhaust or other openings into the hull.

& the chances of that are

 

[VicS]

Strickly speaking it should be stored in a dedicated locker with an overboard drain just like the locker that houses the bottle in use.

make a stout plywood box to fit in the stern locker with an overboard drain.

The risks are much lower though than with the bottle in use provided it is protected from damage to the valve (if its a calor bottle)

 

[mitiempo]

Yes a gas cylinder can be installed in a stern locker if the locker meets the requirements of a gas locker. Sealed from the rest of the boat, top opening with a seal, drain overboard at the lowest point of the locker and the drain not near the exhaust or other openings into the hull.

 

[SAWDOC]

Strickly speaking it should be stored in a dedicated locker with an overboard drain just like the locker that houses the bottle in use.

make a stout plywood box to fit in the stern locker with an overboard drain.

The risks are much lower though than with the bottle in use provided it is protected from damage to the valve (if its a calor bottle)

Thanks Vic.
My query related to the bottle in use. Presumably the plywood box should have a sealed lid? Bit nervous of the overboard drain aspect.

 

[saltylegs]

Thanks Vic.
My query related to the bottle in use. Presumably the plywood box should have a sealed lid? Bit nervous of the overboard drain aspect.

it can drain into the cockpit provided that the cockpit drains overboard and not into the cabin or other lockers or has low level engine air intakes

 

[VicS]

Thanks Vic.
My query related to the bottle in use. Presumably the plywood box should have a sealed lid? Bit nervous of the overboard drain aspect.

Sorry I misread the original post. Don't know why but assumed you were asking about storing a spare bottle.

The gas locker must be fire resistant and gas tight up to a level above the HP components. Strangely a tight fitting lid is not required! ( but if it has a gas tight lid the a vent will be required in addition to the drain, I think)

the Calor lockers at around £200 are fire resistant GRP, If metal it must be welded not rivetted. Mine is ply, of the same thicknees as the bulkhead to which it is fitted

It must have an overboard drain But it need not be from the very bottom of the locker provided the free space below it is filled. But the above about draing into the cockpit is correct. Cockpit drain outlets are often submerged though

The only guide is Chapter 7 of the Boat Safety Scheme for inland waterways craft.
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/downloads/BSS_Guide_chap7.pdf

I suggest you study that and try to comply with its requirements!

 

[mitiempo]

ABYC regulations are a bit different. The top opening must be sealed with a gasket. No vent is required other than a drain. The exit to the hull exterior must be above the waterline. Fire resistance is not mentioned but marweials must be corrosion resistant.

Draining the locker into the cockpit and relying on the cockpit drains will not pass a survey or insurance inspection in North America. The only way such drainage would work is if the drains are always above the waterline. Possible in a powerboat but rarely in a sailboat.

 

[rob2]

Draining the locker into the cockpit and relying on the cockpit drains will not pass a survey or insurance inspection in North America. The only way such drainage would work is if the drains are always above the waterline. Possible in a powerboat but rarely in a sailboat.

A problem most of us face! My cockpit drains are probably always underwater, being at the orward end of the cockpit - else I'm in trouble. However, the two open holes in the bottom of my gas locker (~6mm dia each) work better as geysers when the stern slams, so my gas bottles are always rusty. Does anyone know of a suitable valve I could install to increase the drainage and prevent the blowback?

Rob.

 

[snooks]

spare cylinders stow it in the anchor well as thats vented the same with o/b fuel

Someone pointed out to me, that keeping the two most flammable things together in the same locker, probably wasn't the brightest thing to do.

But I've yet to find somewhere else safe for the petrol or gaz

 

[VicS]

A problem most of us face! My cockpit drains are probably always underwater, being at the orward end of the cockpit - else I'm in trouble. However, the two open holes in the bottom of my gas locker (~6mm dia each) work better as geysers when the stern slams, so my gas bottles are always rusty. Does anyone know of a suitable valve I could install to increase the drainage and prevent the blowback?

Rob.

First comment must be that two drains 6mm diameter are not enough . Actual required size depends upon the total amount of gas stored. 1 x 1/2" diameter is the minimum but 1 x 3/4" is recommended. (or the equivalent total area if more than one outlet exists)

I doubt if an acceptable valve could be found but it will be interesting if any one has any ideas.

An outlet on the transom possible?

(note that the outlet from the locker does not have to be from the very bottom provided the empty space below it is filled .)

 

[Ubergeekian]

Someone pointed out to me, that keeping the two most flammable things together in the same locker, probably wasn't the brightest thing to do.

I used to keep four gallons of 100:1 two stroke, one gallon of 25:1 two stroke, one gallon of paraffin and a Camping Gaz 904 cylinder in the stern locker. If that lot had gone up I'd have exceeded hull speed rather spectacularly.

 

[rob2]

First comment must be that two drains 6mm diameter are not enough . Actual required size depends upon the total amount of gas stored. 1 x 1/2" diameter is the minimum but 1 x 3/4" is recommended. (or the equivalent total area if more than one outlet exists)

I doubt if an acceptable valve could be found but it will be interesting if any one has any ideas.

An outlet on the transom possible?

(note that the outlet from the locker does not have to be from the very bottom provided the empty space below it is filled .)

Yes, I think larger drains would be better. The stern locker lid is the aft seat in the cockpit, so if the gas blew, it would vent to open air. Fitting a valve would obviously reduce flow through the drain, so I would happily open up to an inch or more for each of the drains, but as they are tucked under the stern, with around 45 deg deadrise, a flap valve hinged at the lower edge might work, both to drain gas and prevent ingress of water. I just can't decide how to make one!

Rob.