Propane Locker

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   The other day I noticed some rust on the bottom of the propane tanks located in the propane locker on my 430. Upon closer inspection, it seems that there is water making its way into the locker via the hose which vents the locker, as the hose was full of water. The hose is connected to a through hull fitting mounted near the bottom edge of the transom, and slightly “under” so that it’s not visible when viewing from the stern. Additionally, the hose run has a small “dip” in it, which traps the water and thereby prevents any propane from exhausting should a gas leak occur. When moored, the through hull sits above the water line but when underway, not so much - which I believe is when water finds its way into the locker. 
Wondering if anyone else has noticed this, and how did you resolve the problem?

I’ve currently removed the propane tanks and am contemplating a reconstruction of the gas locker. This would raise the elevation of the hose, and also give me better access to the starboard side of the lazarette which is significantly blocked by the gas locker. 

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Issywa Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 13 April 2022 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Issywa Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Propane Locker Posted: 10 September 2022 at 16:58
	The other day I noticed some rust on the bottom of the propane tanks located in the propane locker on my 430. Upon closer inspection, it seems that there is water making its way into the locker via the hose which vents the locker, as the hose was full of water. The hose is connected to a through hull fitting mounted near the bottom edge of the transom, and slightly “under” so that it’s not visible when viewing from the stern. Additionally, the hose run has a small “dip” in it, which traps the water and thereby prevents any propane from exhausting should a gas leak occur. When moored, the through hull sits above the water line but when underway, not so much - which I believe is when water finds its way into the locker. Wondering if anyone else has noticed this, and how did you resolve the problem? I’ve currently removed the propane tanks and am contemplating a reconstruction of the gas locker. This would raise the elevation of the hose, and also give me better access to the starboard side of the lazarette which is significantly blocked by the gas locker.

Issywa Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 13 April 2022 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Issywa Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 March 2023 at 15:46
	No comments from the peanut gallery?

Dogscout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 10 July 2017 Location: Wandering About Status: Offline Points: 123	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dogscout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 March 2023 at 20:50
	Well I need to ask something. You say that you Lazarette is blocked by the gas locker. That does not make any sense to me. My gas locker does not block either lazarette. Now I have had some rust on the bottom of the tanks but never looked for water trapped in the line. I will look but it will be some months before I am back at the boat.
	Adventure awaits

Arcadia Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rear Admiral Joined: 27 November 2017 Location: Sag Harbor, USA Status: Offline Points: 517	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arcadia Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 March 2023 at 20:57
	I would definitely remove the dip in the hose. Any water entering from the thru hull should drain out on it own. There is also concern about the submerged thru hull not being able to vent when underway, so relocating to an “always” dry hull location would be best. As far as rust goes, it may not be what you think. Your propane tank will always get cold when it is supplying propane as a result of gas evaporation in the tank. This will cause condensation on the tank which will pool at the bottom of the locker from within. To solve this, I covered the bottom rim of my tanks with plastic so the steel would not contact any water.
	Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY

Issywa Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 13 April 2022 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Issywa Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 March 2023 at 05:27
	DS - my gas locker is located in the lazarette and off center towards starboard. It's a factory made box roughly 20" w by 20" h by 24" d. Wish I had a pic to post. Anyway, I can sort of squeeze between it and the transom to reach some of the wiring etc for my diesel heater but no way could I get in to do a proper service. During my survey of the boat, the surveyor indicated that having the gas locker inside the lazarette, and not isolated was not in accordance with applicable regulations. He made a general comment in his report along the lines that "it was an OEM installation" - it wasn't an issue with my insurance company. I should note that adjacent to my port wheel is an access panel which appears to be a gas locker but it would be somewhat useless because 1. its small - might hold a couple of the camping canisters, 2. it doesn't have any gas plumbing 3. it's not vented. Arc - definitely salt water and not condensation. The bottom of the gas tanks were rusted so badly from sitting in a bit of salt water that I could flake of pieces off the rim at the bottom of the tank. The hose is not plumbed off the bottom of enclosure - rather, its off the side and so its 1/2" or so higher. Anyway, I disposed of all the corroded 5# tanks. Now I need to replace them. Would love a 10LB tank so I'm trying to figure out what type of enclosure and where to locate it. The above mentioned space on my port side might be better but will require gas plumbing, building an enclosure as well as venting it. Regardless of what I do, I'm going to install a gas sensor in my lazarette. BOAT - break out another thousand....

415 Singapore Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rear Admiral Joined: 23 September 2013 Location: Singapore Status: Offline Points: 704	Post Options Post Reply Quote 415 Singapore Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 March 2023 at 05:27
	Hi, maybe a different layout on a 415 but sanded and re-sprayed the gas bottles and added a piece of split hose to the bottom of the canister
	Paul - Night Train - 415 #136

Dogscout Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 10 July 2017 Location: Wandering About Status: Offline Points: 123	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dogscout Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 March 2023 at 13:35
	that pannel on the port side is the door to the gas locker. I keep a butane campingaz tank in it. I keep a spare in the port side lazarette. Your setup seems to be a NorthAmerican market change. There are small propane tanks that may fit in the port locker. Aluminum 8 lb tanks.
	Adventure awaits

Issywa Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 13 April 2022 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 15	Post Options Post Reply Quote Issywa Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 March 2023 at 14:57
	Anyone out there with a North American 430 - wondering if my gas locker is unique?



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