composite propane tanks

[keepondancin]

I need to replace a propane tank, and was wondering if anyone is using a composite tank. They are half the price of aluminum, and the tank I need to replace doesn't have an OPV valve, and is probably 20 or more years old, so way past it's hydro date. I am curious if there is a problem getting them filled. I have asked several propane vendors if they would fill one, and each has said they never heard of a fiberglass propane tank. I can imagine the discussions that might occur trying to get it filled, especially in the islands.

[tybee22]

I have 2 of the 11 gal tanks and love them. Much lighter to carry and you can shine a flashlight through them and see how much gas you have left. Never had a problem getting them filled.

[Therapy]

I don't know about the islands but in west FL I have never been turned down. There were a few stations where operators had never seen them. One took a picture so he could show his boss.

They had no problem when they could clearly see the "approval" markings on the tanks.

It is pretty neat to be able to put a sharpie mark on the tank every day and see exactly how much you use. Propane fridge on board.

[FSMike]

I am very happy with my tanks (from cylinderlite ?). Have had no problem filling them in Virginia, Florida, and the Bahamas.

[ReMetau]

We live in West Florida for now too, and have not had any issues getting our 20 pound tank filled. I liked the price, the weight, and the fact that it will never rust.

We heard of people claiming that some of the islands wouldn't fill them, but I think that has or will change with the popularity of these tanks among cruisers.

[Greg S]

Agree with the others, great value, work great, never had a problem filling them.

[stevensc]

In Louisiana the gas sellers are not allowed to fill them. According to the state agency regulating that there have been cases of the tanks splitting. That was about 3 years ago and may have changed by now. I had the West Marine stor order it for me so I wound up bringing it back there and buying an Al. one. But check in your cruising area to see what the regulations are.
Steve W

[zeehag]

they will fill anything in mexico--there are also many cruisers who have the fg ones. i covet the fg ones.
i have one steel and one aluminum.
fg you can see thru and function without corrosion or rust under them. but they are too large to fit many propane lockers--i am going to make propane lockers to fit the fg tanks--so, if you buy and do not like, i will trade , once ye find me.

[belizesailor]

Acquired one last year. So far seems just fine. No problems getting fills, but then again you should see some of the tanks they fill here in Guate!

[Pblais]

I like mine. Just be sure to get a good one. Some have steel rings around the valve that will rust. The Ragasco ones are the best made in Scandinavia and come in 10, 20 a,d 30 lb sizes. I love the handles molded into the top. It really is a PITA to hassle a steel tank aboard. The basic steel tank won't last two years on the water with salt air. They rust very quickly. The aluminum tanks are really nice too but hideously expensive. I use to have a twin set of 10 lb tanks in aluminum and they were sweet. I think they would cost about $400 today. The 20 lb composite tanks are about $100. Steel are about $30.

You need to use something you can fit in a propane locker so get the measurements first.

[barnakiel]

We have a plastic bottle here and first time I saw them was elsewhere way back in 2002.

Very light, does not rust. No issues.

Filling depends on the fitting, not on the material they are made of.

b.