Check your propane system.....

lwarden · 05-05-2022, 10:35 PM

This happened one dock over from my boat in San Diego at Harbor Island today. Apparently a propane related explosion on a Hunter sailboat. Owner was nearby along with his dog and both escaped with only some singeing apparently. He got lucky, it must have been a big blast to lift the deck like that.
I wasn't there, pics were sent by a friend.

socalrider · 05-05-2022, 11:26 PM

Holy cow! Harbor Island West? What dock? So glad to hear there weren't serious injuries.

Would be great to get a post-mortem on that once the full picture has emerged.

catalinajack · 05-06-2022, 02:37 AM

Oh boy, here come the propane paranoics.

David Griffiths · 05-06-2022, 05:02 AM

not paranoid, but looking to reduce potential serious problems.
I have lpg at the moment, but looking to change to a Wallas Diesel stove, and microwave.
I reckon if the owner had been onboard, he wouldn't be very well right now!

Porgy · 05-06-2022, 05:19 AM

I would have expected it to be burned to a crisp but, no obvious signs of fire. I suppose it could have blown itself out after the initial ignition?

Other than that we know nothing about how the system was installed, used or maintained. I shut off the tank solenoid unless I’m actually cooking. The leak sensors are always on. I check those routinely.

rslifkin · 05-06-2022, 07:07 AM

I'm betting that wasn't a "whole boat full of propane" situation. It looks like the explosion may have only involved one part of the cabin (based on the deck damage). And based on the lack of charring and fire damage, it must have been one quick bang and done (where nothing got hot enough to continue burning).

I'd definitely be curious to find out what the failure mode was (and how it went un-noticed until an explosion occurred).

Nicolas · 05-06-2022, 10:51 AM

Hello,
I just saw the accident of your sailboat, I'm sorry for you.

I am interested in buying your mast if it is still usable.

I sent you a private message

Thank you Nick

Nicolas · 05-06-2022, 10:56 AM

Ah, I understand that's not your sailboat, sorry lwarden.

Can you help me get in touch with the captain of the sailboat?

Thank you

**Comodave** · 05-06-2022, 11:56 AM

It does highlight the need for preventative maintenance on a propane system.

Nicolas · 05-06-2022, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comodave

It does highlight the need for preventative maintenance on a propane system.

…This happened one dock over from my boat… 😉

**Comodave** · 05-06-2022, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicolas

…This happened one dock over from my boat… 😉

Glad you weren’t docked in the next slip. I am surprised that it didn’t catch fire.

lwarden · 05-06-2022, 02:22 PM

Nicolas, I don't think I want to asks the victim if his boat is ready to be part out, seems a bit too soon for that. I will let you know if I hear this is the direction he will be headed, but I expect there is a lot of insurance work to do before they get to that point.

I'll be down this weekend and will update this thread if I hear more about the cause or any other info.

This was down at Cabrillo Isle marina.

Simi 60 · 05-06-2022, 03:06 PM

I have these as of yesterday as an extra level of safety

You can also pump the gauge up and down several times, turn off bottle and watch gauge for a few minutes to pressure test the lines

Quote:

Grillman Caravan BBQ Gas Safety Shut off Valve

The Gas Safety Gauge is a handy, low cost, all in one gas safety device that will show your gas cylinder level at a glance, detect gas leaks and, automatically shut off the gas in the event of a major leak.

Quick and easy to fit on all POL cylinders, the Gas Safety Gauge also features a night glow dial face for better viewing in low light. Its solid construction from brass and aluminium means that the Safety Gauge is built to last for many years.

The Gas Safety Gauge is perfect for your gas BBQ, gas patio heater, caravan and many other POL fitting products.

100% Emergency Gas Shut Off - in the event of a major leak or regulator failure
Visual Gas Gauge - consumption gauge indicates minor gas leaks, low gas, good level of gas and over pressure
Glow in the dark gauge face
Fits LPG cylinders with POL connection
5 year warranty

HTurner · 05-06-2022, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simi 60

I have these as of yesterday as an extra level of safety

You can also pump the gauge up and down several times, turn off bottle and watch gauge for a few minutes to pressure test the lines

https://www.facebook.com/16832663752...0469655503800/

Simi 60 · 05-06-2022, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTurner

https://www.facebook.com/16832663752...0469655503800/

Well, it's not 2018 now
But thanks anyway

Add: interesting that it took two years for a recall on that batch
Couldn't find anything about actual problem in real life
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/rec...-and-regulator

DDW · 05-06-2022, 04:53 PM

That'll buff out.

**Comodave** · 05-06-2022, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDW

That'll buff out.

Big buffer…

psneeld · 05-06-2022, 08:53 PM

Pretty much most things on a boat can ruin your day.

If you dont pay attention and learn, sure things can go wrong.

But millions of new boaters each year start with no experience and or POS boats and manage to survive.

Amazing how caring a little can go a long way to being safe.

**Larry M** · 05-07-2022, 03:34 PM

It looked the deck tried to lift off.

Pictures of the starboard side and port side. John Miller, photo credits.

**Comodave** · 05-07-2022, 06:30 PM

It certainly could have been so much worse for the surrounding oats.