LPG/propane - what is your preferred storage cylinder and why?

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Trident makes an 11 pound fiberglass tank that is 12” in diameter and 15-1/4” high.
They also sell six different sizes of aluminum tanks. The 10 pound is close.
https://tridentmarine.com/product/tr.../#.YM_H1y33af0

Trident Marine does not make those tanks. They just mark up the price. A quick google search found the same tank for $129 from Viking cylinders - the manufacturer vs West Marine - Trident $173.

There is a big caveat on fiberglass tanks if you are not in the USA or plan to travel internationally. In many countries they are illegal and cannot be filled.

[argold57]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Are the tanks sitting in water contributing to the rust?

Pete

Not really but the locker drain sits about a foot or so above waterline. It is well sealed from top from rain.

I do not do much heavy weather sailing. Never checked if some seawater gets in while healing but if so it drains right out. Might be a good idea to rinse with fresh water upon return to port.

In any event. I still would prefer composite or aluminum. Just need to find the right dimensions.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by argold57

Not really but the locker drain sits about a foot or so above waterline. It is well sealed from top from rain.

I do not do much heavy weather sailing. Never checked if some seawater gets in while healing but if so it drains right out. Might be a good idea to rinse with fresh water upon return to port.

In any event. I still would prefer composite or aluminum. Just need to find the right dimensions.

A LPG distruster became a friend as much as a supplier for my business. We were both into boats. Not really being derogatory about aluminum tanks. He did make the comment that you can not see the corrosion on aluminum tanks, I had one. For what it is worth.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Cadence

A LPG distruster became a friend as much as a supplier for my business. We were both into boats. Not really being derogatory about aluminum tanks. He did make the comment that you can not see the corrosion on aluminum tanks, I had one. For what it is worth.

As a retired Certified Marine Corrosion Analyst ... Your friend is wrong.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

As a retired Certified Marine Corrosion Analyst ... Your friend is wrong.

As I said, for what it is worth.

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by Cadence

A LPG distruster became a friend as much as a supplier for my business. We were both into boats. Not really being derogatory about aluminum tanks. He did make the comment that you can not see the corrosion on aluminum tanks, I had one. For what it is worth.

Well. my boat is going on 36 years. The aluminum propane tanks are original. They have been re-valved twice and inspected every 5 years. Still good.

[Marathon1150]

We have two boats. One with 2 x 20# aluminum, and an aluminum 10# tank for the BBQ. Second boat came with a steel tank that rusted super quickly so it was just replaced with an aluminum 10# tank.

Aluminum is expensive but as noted above, they can last seemingly forever if they are maintained, inspected, and re-certified as necessary.