I just read about the propane explosion on the topic. I carry two small propane tanks for my grill, where do most of you folks store them when not in use ? thanks
kev : I took a 4" PVC pipe and cut it to the length of 3 16oz propane canisters. Then I glued a 4" end cap on one end and a 4" cleanout (screw in cap) on the other end of my "tube".
I took two "U" brackets and screwed them on so they hold this tube on the stern pulpit. It holds 3 16oz propane canisters. That's what I did.
There are other holders in marine catalogs that you can buy that hang on life line or stern pulpit.
There is a real problem with the "grill propane" canisters because every so often when you disconnect it from the grill regulator, the internal rubber seal does NOT seal. Therefore you don't want those canisters inside the boat - for obvious reasons.
A few thoughts
We keep a spare 10lb tank off of the stern on the port side (mostly because we have a radar mast on the starboard side). We just tied it off of the port backstay. It rests on the raised step but is held in place by the line. We have a white vinyl cover that Kathy sewed to help reflect the sun, keep crud from landing on it, to act as a protector (in case in big seas it bangs the gelcoat), and to just in general make it look cleaner back there. Works for us so far.
I think that you are referring to the small camping, propane torch style disposable canisters. I keep mine in a canvas bucket hanging in the anchor locker. The anchor locker does meet storage requirements, a bottom vent/drain. It works for me. Rust may be a problem if you sail in warm salt water and don't use the canisters often.
Jim
Magma makes a sunbrella bag that fastens to our pushpit. It will hold 3 of the 16oz cans. We've had it for 6 years now and it's still going strong.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=686709&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=51150&subdeptNum=51158&classNum=51165
Ron,
I like your idea, I'll have to make one up and get those tanks out of the port lazerret.
Ralph
I kept mine in the anchor locker as well but I put them in a zip lock freezer bag to keep the rust out.
I made a couple of sunbrella "holsters" for my grill propane. Attach them to the vertical stantion in the unusable space under the stern seats. Need to put a drainage hole or two in the bottom of the holster. They are about 8 years old now, velcro is starting to disintegrate. Quick over the winter project to fix.
kev : After seeing some of the other propane storage ideas, I can say that my canisters in the PVC tube are NOT exposed to the salt water/air environment = no rust. A thought
I used to keep one of the little green camping cylinders inside my Life Sling pouch. An extra small propane tank had a home in the anchor locker.
Now I keep two ten pound epoxy tanks mounted outboard of the pushpit on a custom cantilevered platform under a sunbrella cover.
I use the same MAGMA bag as Lance for my grill propane canisters. The previous owner stored them in the lazerette. The insurance company didn't like that so much when it showed up on the survey. :?