Marty,
If we keep the propane locker on the flying bridge in the open air, it that sufficient, or do we need to somehow attach a hose so that it drains out a scupper or something? Obviously only need it to "drain" if there is a gas leak.
Here's the deal. Propane (unlike natural gas) is heavier than air. So it will "flow" downhill. When positioning a propane locker it is not just a matter of having an opening at the bottom for propane from a leak to flow out of.
You have to envision that invisible propane as a fluid, like water. Where will it go when it comes out of the drain or vent?
If you position a propane locker in such a place that propane coming out of the drain or vent can, for example, flow down a flying bridge deck, over the edge, and then in through an open window or a vent or a door or hatch to get inside the boat, you've got a major problem.
Because if "loose" propane can get inside a boat it will find it's way to the lowest point, which is the bilge. It will collect there until such time as a fresh water pump kicks off, or a starter motor, or a bilge pump or whatever, none of which on a diesel boat have to spark-proof, and your boat will immediately reduce itself to the raw materials it was made of.
So whenever you think about positioning a propane locker, or a propane bottle or bottles, think about where water would go if it escaped the bottle. Because wherever it will go, propane will go.
