Propane Locker Mod

[mark_53]

Just thought I would share how I modified my propane locker to allow a 4 pound propane bottle to fit in the locker after the OPD valve was required for new propane tanks.  After removing the locker from the aft cockpit locker, I used 1x2 pine boards (actually 1.75x.75) to make a 13x13 inch frame and glued to the top of the locker.  Drilled holes to secure the clamps to the 1x2, painted and reinstalled.

[Kevin Henderson]

Thanks for sharing your post Mark.   I'm certain alot of folks here will benefit from your modification.


BTW...

You certainly are more bold than I in tempting the Gods of the deep with your boat name.

Just Kidding   

What happened to Unsinkable I ?

[Ron Hill]

Mark : If you look in Projects you'll see how I modified my 4 lb propane tank box so it would accept a 10 lb. bottle.  Did that back in about 1990?

Also look in the old Mainsheet tech notes!!

[TonyP]

Thanks for sharing your post Mark.   I'm certain alot of folks here will benefit from your modification.


BTW...

You certainly are more bold than I in tempting the Gods of the deep with your boat name.

Just Kidding   

What happened to Unsinkable I ?

Hahaha .... Probably sunk !!!!!

Obviously our 91/92 had a 10lb/4kg storage fitted 

Tony

[kwaltersmi]

Nice work. I received the new locker lid from Catalina Direct for Christmas, but I considered a similar mod.

[Ken Juul]

Ron and Stu and I have been posting here for a long time.  Doesn't make it the only solution.  Nice thinking out of box......propane box in this case.  Nice alternative solution.

[Jim Hardesty]

Mark,
Congratulations on a fine project.   Just wanted to put in my 2 cents on the "liquid nails" shown in the pictures.  Till I hear from someone that knows more than than I do about boat work.  I leave the  "liquid nails" construction adhesive at home.  May be I'm just making more work for myself.  I'd like to know what others think.
Just a thought.
Jim

[mark_53]

Jim:

The liquid nails was my fist thought.  I actually used silicone caulk as can be seen in the second photo.

Mark

[Ron Hill]

Mark : Ken is right, it's a nice modification if you still want to use the little 4 lb bottle.  The trouble is that the OPD float device reduces the original bottle capacity by about 20%.

For cruising, I'd recommend that people go with an OPD device in the old 10 lb bottle or purchase a new 11 lb bottle with the OPD device already installed.  I like the greater capacity bottle.

A thought

[stevewitt1]

on my 89 "Forget-Me-Knot" I replaced that little useless tank (it was upgraded with the valve and held very little), robbed the hardware off the factory box and built a box to hold twin tanks.  All original venting, drain and piping switched over to the new box.
With the new valve my OEM tank stopped at 2.5#  
My box now holds twin 5# vertical tanks.
Don't mind the looks of the material.  It is cutting board material from my meat department. I replaced the cutting surfaces and knew I'd have a use for the old tops and I used some of the new board too.
All joints were caulked and rubber gasket for top.

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