Non-Marine Gas Grill Propane Tanks

[endoftheroad]

I am aware it may not be safe nor have any alarm systems.
But, will the Coast Guard fine me for such usage on my sailboat?

Thanks

[James S]

Are you asking about the LPG tank...if so, most are not specifically marine grade.
If it’s on deck and connected to the grill, I don’t know why you would have a problem.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by James S

Are you asking about the LPG tank...if so, most are not specifically marine grade.
If it’s on deck and connected to the grill, I don’t know why you would have a problem.

I know it is not marine grade and may only last a couple months but is it legal for such type tank on my sailboat?

[donradcliffe]

Yes, its legal in the US, which has fairly lax regulations on LPG. That doesn't mean its not capable of blowing your boat to kingdom come. Its up to you to make sure that the tank doesn't rust through, and its not in a place where the gas will collect in the bottom of the boat if it leaks. You should be OK if you use the tank exchange programs, and pick a non-rusty tank each time.

[Cheechako]

Do you mean a steel tank? what do you mean by "non-marine"??

[barnakiel]

All the tanks we ever had were just plain stuff one uses in the camper van or in the house. No alarm here either (OK - we have a small boat with very deep bilge, once we open the front hatch and the cockpit door the draft will wipe a strong sailor off his/her feet).

I think an alarm is a very good idea in a more compartized or less ventillated hull.

I also like the solenoid cut-offs in bigger boats, there are some that can be linked to alarm. (We simply "turn off" our bottle when not cooking)

So if the USCG states you need a marine LPG tank, then you are probably a bit over-regulated out there. (Only guessing, since on another I hear that LED bulbs have to be USCG approved).

b.

[endoftheroad]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Do you mean a steel tank? what do you mean by "non-marine"??

"steel tank" meaning a conventional back yard barbecue grillin' type tank.

[barnakiel]

My steel tanks:

- one old Swedish, galvanized, heavy (thick wall?) 10 y.o. no rust whatsoever,
- two Scottish reds, galvanized and painted, 5.y.o., well, not quite so good - getting rusty,
- one Spanish, new - no galvanization, just painted - we will see how good, so far so good, hopeless regulator though - no thread, sort of 'push-on' solution,

The plastic bottle - all Swedes I asked recommend them. I have seen them available in the US. Probably my pick for replacement.

b.