LP gas tanks

I know this topic has been touched a few times in other threads but I’m looking for a little more detail. I have used LP gas in campers for years without a problem. Checking for leaks is simple and general good maintenance keeps trouble from happening. I want to use it for heat and cooking on a boat. Are there codes and regulations governing the installation of a LP system on a boat?

Gary

 

ABYC is always a good place for safety guidelines. There are no codes or regulations, but a manufacturer or designer would probably face some liability if the ABYC guidelines were ignored.

The USCG does have some regulations for commercial/charter vessels I believe.

http://www.abyc.com/standards/toc.cfm
American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) - Standards and Technical Reports: Table of Contents

DC

 

A1, MARINE LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) SYSTEMS
Right at the top.

Thank you, DC

Gary

 

http://www.abycinc.org/committees/A-01.pdf

If anyone else is interested.

Gary

 

Another reference is the NFPA pamphlet 302 chapter 6-5. I happened to just have read this last week.

Kyle

 

LPG on boats

Hi! Gary:

I plan to use LPG on my power boat for both cooking and hot water. The tanks will be located in the after cockpit seat lockers. The lockers will be vented directly outboard through the hull. Automatic shut off solenoids are being seriously considered as an additional safety feature. I have considered opening the bottoms of the lockers to the cockpit sole for ventilation and water drainage but since LPG is heavier than air this may not be a good move. Any feelings about opening the locker bottoms?

Bill Buchanan

 

"I have considered opening the bottoms of the lockers to the cockpit sole"

Not a good idea. You should have a safe set up if you follow the ABYC guidelines. Insure that all leaks drain or vent overboard at least 20” from any hull openings.

Gary

 

Visit Tridentmarine.com. They have a series of products for lp gas use on boats. you might find them to have something that fits your needs.

 

Thanks for the link Jorge.

Gary

 

Portager will cringe I'm sure ( ) but I love gas! We've cooked and heated with it for almost my entire life without drama. There are safety issues that must be considered however. Solenoids, gas detectors etc are great but the 3 most important things to remember when using LPG are:
1. ALWAYS vent cylinder storage areas directly outboard from the lowest point of their 'cupboard'
2. A small amount of flow-thru ventilation is required to ensure you don't quietly drop off to sleep (forever)
3. Like the rest of you boat, maintenance is the name of the game.

Something else to consider, fibreglass gas cylinders are becoming more readily available. Not cheap, but it certainly sidesteps the problem of corroding cylinders...