dtbender
Member
would like to convert electric range on boat to propane was wondering any body have input on how to approach thank tb
GBs with propane systems on board use the port flying bridge seat base as the propane locker. This compartment is isolated and sealed from the interior of the boat and vented overboard out the side of the flying bridge. We have two Worthington aluminum horizontal propane tanks in our locker and the gas line runs down the inside of the cabin side and is connected to our Force 10 range (stovetop/oven/broiler) in the galley.
Why do you want to convert to propane??
If you use the sealed and vented LPG tank storage space that Marin described above, you will not need a separate locker.
I suspect a surveyor, at least a competent and knowledgeable one, makes allowances for the age of the boat. A brand new or very new boat probably gets scrutinized more intently for adherence to the ABYC standards,
An older boat, like our 1973 model with its as-built propane locker and propane line to the galley would be looked upon as being just what it is; an older generation boat. Expecting or demanding that it be in compliance with the ABYC recommendations is like expecting or demanding that a Ford Model A pickup be in compliance with the current crash and rollover protection requirements that apply to my new Ford pickup.
I don't care how old the boat is, I survey to ABYC Standards (plus what I've learned over the years). 99% of the buyers I survey for know very little about the systems on the boats they buy and I feel it is my responsibility to inform them of the "best practice" (often ABYC). I do not insist they change anything, I simply inform them of "best practice".
I don't care how old the boat is, I survey to ABYC Standards (plus what I've learned over the years). 99% of the buyers I survey for know very little about the systems on the boats they buy and I feel it is my responsibility to inform them of the "best practice" (often ABYC). I do not insist they change anything, I simply inform them of "best practice".
As to the point about gasketed locker lids ..... Yes, propane is heavier than air but not that much and it can easily be moved around a vessel with a little puff of wind hence the ABYC gasket.
and ..... Draining LPG out of the bottom of a locker on a flying bridge could lead to the gas drifting down the helm cable race or into an open window,
Well, I have got to point out, ABYC standards, unlike USCG requirements are not law. They are voluntary best practice guidelines. There are very few new boats if any that meet all ABYC standards.
As an example, the propane detectors that I have used are mostly worthless. They fail in a year or less and give spurious false positives. I have bypassed them on every boat that I have owned with one.
Does that make me less safe? I don't think so. I do follow the one hose rule, so that there is only one connection to the stove to worry about. My nose is a pretty good detector, although one does have to get down near the sole to use it properly.
The lack of a gasket on a top opening locker is another questionable standard. Sure in a perfect world gasketing that joint makes sense, but propane is heavier than air, right? So why does the locker need to be sealed at the top?
David