Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Wobegon on July 11, 2011, 02:36:54 PM

Title: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Wobegon on July 11, 2011, 02:36:54 PM
Does anyone know the dimensions of the propane tank that was original to a 1992 C34?  My tank has run empty and being that it is so old, I either need to replace the tank or replace the valve...trying to determine best option for us.  I forgot to take measurements, etc. last weekend while at the boat.  I am looking at the possibility of purchasing a new tank, but smaller, so it will fit in existing locker with the new type of valve, etc.   

I have read the posts regarding this issue, but I need not see any dimensions that will fit in the existing propane locker without modifying it.  As always, any wisdom be appreciated.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Volk on July 11, 2011, 03:08:22 PM
Wobegon,

I have hull # 1235 (1993), and had the same dilemma and decided to buy a new fiberglass & plastic one (10# cylinder) from The Lite Cylinder Co., (www.litecylinder.com), it is corrosion free you can pull it up & see the amount of liquid in it. It fits into the existing holder and has room for the regulator, pressure gauge and additional t-valve and hose for my stern mounted barbecue.  I still have the old one in my garage.  The dimensions of it is 16 1/2" High and 10 1/2" in Diameter
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Wobegon on July 11, 2011, 03:38:57 PM
Ron;

Thanks!  My hull is 1211 so I assume the size of your locker is the same as mine.  The specs on the 10# cylinder show the overall height of 17.25" and diameter of 9.6" accordingly....is that the same one you purchased?  They show $95...is that the right one?
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Volk on July 11, 2011, 03:48:36 PM
Yes, that's the one but my diameter dimension shows 9.25".  Was $85 when I purchased it the end of 2008.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Wobegon on July 11, 2011, 03:56:46 PM
Thanks again....Does your tank have some extra room on the diameter?  Do you think that larger size will fit?  I have found it on line from $95 to $119 range.  This looks like a very cost effective alternative.   I think I will order one this week.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Volk on July 11, 2011, 04:06:19 PM
Should fit, as mentioned in the original answer the old tank was 10 1/2' D.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Hill on July 11, 2011, 05:14:28 PM
Wo : So you have an idea of comparason, the new OPD valve in your old tank will cost about $35.  It can be done on the spot and the tank recertified then refilled.

A thought.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Wobegon on July 18, 2011, 02:56:58 PM
Thank you to everyone.  I installed my replacement propane tank and it fit great.  To be cautious, I did end up replacing the gauge, regulator and hoses as well.  I guess I was paranoid not knowing how old they were.  Great piece of mind.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ralph Masters on July 19, 2011, 12:34:22 PM
How long will a one gallon propane tank last you in normal weekend use???  Looking at upgrading and the one gallon locker being 13 x 13 x 13 should fit

Ralph
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Hill on July 21, 2011, 06:06:59 PM
SD : If your use is 52 weekends you'll run out before the end of the year.
 
Almost impossibe to predict if you don't know the number of burners, how high the flame, how often, use of the oven etc. -- you see my point!?!
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: n624ma on July 21, 2011, 08:33:40 PM
General "Rule of Thumb" is one pound of propane per person per week to cook three meals a day.

A gallon is about 4 1/4 lb so for two people about 14 weekends, probably more since a lot of us probably eat sandwiches at lunch and don't have dinner aboard on on Sunday.

Our last boat had a 10 pound tank and we never emptied it in a seven month New England season, typically 2-3 weekends a month and two week long trips.
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ralph Masters on July 22, 2011, 11:35:38 AM
Good info, thanks to all

Ralph
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Hill on July 22, 2011, 06:32:57 PM
SD : I have a 11 lb tank and like N6 have to refill once a year and there is still propane in that tank.
I average 100-110 overnights a year (for the past 24 years except when we went south for 8 months).
We usually only use one burner and the oven is used frequently in the spring and the fall.

This may give you some idea of usage.  One of the first things I did to my C34 back in 1989 was to go from the 1 gallon tank and make a 10 lb tank box (look in projects).  Have never had a problem of running short of propane. 

A thought
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ralph Masters on July 23, 2011, 08:41:53 AM
Just as a side note, I'm upgrading from the pressure alcohol stove and tank.  The room under the seat is not large enough to put a big tank.

Ralph
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ron Hill on July 23, 2011, 12:56:04 PM
SD : If you go to projects, you'll see that I made my own box and installed it under the aft lazerette seat.

Check it out! 
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Stu Jackson on July 23, 2011, 01:13:03 PM
Here's what Ron is referring to:

http://www.c34.org/projects/projects-propane-storage.html

Most of the old "Projects" have been moved to the wiki, which has a very good search engine of its own.

For those of you who like to go to the old Projects and FAQ pages, a "How To" is included in the "Quick Start Guide" here:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5260.0.html  Just click the links!

Ron has contributed a tremendous amount of material for all our benefit and I think you can excuse him when he says he's written it up already, because he usually has!
Title: Re: Propane Tank Size
Post by: Ralph Masters on July 23, 2011, 08:46:01 PM
Ron,
That'sa pretty nifty box.  after doing some meassuring today I dont think I could get the ready made 13 x 13 x13 into the lazzert.  I think I'll have a go at your project and do it myself.

Thanks,

Ralph