I have a Magma Barbecue grill mounted on the stern railing. The grill runs on disposable propane gas bottles. I would like to plumb the grill into the boat's propane tank by way of a quick connect fitting just after the regulator in the tank locker so that the grill will be connected to the gas ONLY when in use. Has anyone done a similar installation? Can this be done safely or should I stick with the inconvenience and uneven temps that come with the disposable gas bottles?
I haven't done what you're specifically asking, but I have converted a "bottle" BBQ to a conventional tank. You can buy hoses in various lengths with a connector that will attach to the BBQ regulator at one end, and connect to a standard propane tank valve with the other.
On L'Abri, we carry a 5 lb propane tank that comes out of the hold for the BBQ. If nothing else, you will save a lot of money vs. throwing those disposable bottle away every few uses.
Member "Willie" did exactly this. Unfortunately his pictures and description he posted on a private web site that now seems defunct. (Much better to post here, then we don't lose the info).
You might want to see if you can contact him directly.
Tony
I'll assume that you want the quick disconnect so that the propane hose isn't "cluttering" up the cockpit when you are not using the grill. Propane is one of the few things that will make our boats go boom. I'm not sure I would be comfortable with the propane hose coiled in the lazerette. Quick disconnects have been known to leak. If you do choose to go this route I would add a separate shut off valve or solenoid for the grill line.
Propoane connectors and hoses for gas grills are sold by most chandleries. Try this WMP site: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?dispName=CABIN%20_%20GALLEY&jspStoreDir=wm51&catalogId=10001&Nao=10&Ntt=Propane%20Systems&N=377%20710%201146&langId=-1&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&omniTag=Category:Propane%20Systems&storeId=10001
Seems you just need to find out what's manufacturered and assemble the correct parts. Keep propane only in a sealed locker, not sinmply a spare tank in the lazarette.
"On L'Abri, we carry a 5 lb propane tank that comes out of the hold for the BBQ. "
Steve, storage of propane in the hold is a safety issue. I hope I misunderstood you! I'll never forget the photo of a sailboat which literally blew up due to propane leaking into the bilge. I'm not sure what sparked it, but it doesn't take much.
David
Check me out on this but I think the Magma runs on high pressure and the pressure after the regulator is low pressure 11in of water column. It looks like you would have to tap off before the regulator. But please check me out on this.
Good Winds
DaveM
Dave,
Thanks, I will definately check out the pressure before proceeding. THANKS!!!