Where to relocate a gas cylinder
Q
During a recent survey, it was pointed out my domestic gas cylinder should be able to drain overboard and not into the bilge. It is currently located at the bottom of my cockpit locker. I understand this was the original design my yacht is a 1985 Beneteau First 29.
I don’t wish to stow the cylinder on the cockpit sole, so can you give me any practical advice on where else would be best to rehouse the cylinder?
Keep up the great work on an excellent magazine. Derek Moran, Dublin
TONY DAVIES REPLIES: Well Derek, your surveyor is absolutely right and it is vitally important for leaking gas to be prevented from draining into the bilges.
Both Butane and Propane are heavier than air and any leak will allow the gas to accumulate in the bilge.
As there is nowhere for it to go the accumulation can build up over long periods until an explosive level is reached.
This problem doesn’t arise in caravans – where gas bottles are also stored in lockers – as any leaks simply escape through vents in the floor and disperse to atmosphere.
You need to build a compartment large enough to take bottles that are in use as well as any spares. The compartment must be sealed on all sides apart from the top, with it’s bottom above the outside waterline level. A small vent in the bottom will then allow any gas to escape to atmosphere. The best place for this compartment is in one of the cockpit lockers, the only complication being that you will probably need to re-route your gas pipework.
The locker itself can be built from (for example) 9mm ply and fibreglassed inside and out to both seal the compartment and protect the ply from damp.