In checking my propane locker I found standing water. In inspecting the fitting where I assume a hole should be inside the locker it was solid plastic or fiberglass. I couldn't see it but in tapping it with a screw driver it appeared to be solid. No movement at all. Apparently no through hole to the rubber hose on the outside of the locker. Has anyone else found this to be the case. Makes no sense to me unless it's an error in the manufacture. Additionally would the gas vent through the lid if there was no other way out. Any suggestions. Should I simply drill a hole where a hole should be? Thanks for any help. Bill
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Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill-
We don't have a vent or drain in our propane tank locker. On our boat, it would be pretty difficult for water to enter the locker because of the hatch design. We had a 1986 C 30 with CNG gas storage in the aft locker and no vent on that either. (CNG is lighter than air, so wouldn't likely make it into the bilge like propane might)
That said, it does seem a bit odd that the designs don't include some type of gas vent.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Paul what throws me is the fact that there is a fitting toward the bottom of the propane locker with a rubber hose attached visible from the anchor locker and also the port side lazarette which leads to a vent shown in one of my schematics labeled lpg vent which is located at the port side stern. However as I said there is no opening at the fitting to let anything escape through that hose to the vent. My propane locker also is designed to not allow water in. However it finds it way. I thought all propane lockers must have a venting system. Insurance requirement? Are you sure there is no fitting towards the bottom of your locker to allow venting? Thanks, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill;
After our PM's - I went to the boat yesterday to check this very issue. I do in fact have a drain in the propane locker coupled to a hose that is vented overboard. I can't not imagine why there would not be one in your boat unless it is as you say, a 'manufacturing oversight'.
But if there isn't one, then I think there should be one. Let's not forget that propane is heavier than air and only a 15% air gas ratio is need for ignition. CNG is lighter than air an does not present the same problems.
This article explains why in much greater detail;
http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_39/features/Some-Propane-Dos-a...
I think I would knock that plug out of the bottom of your propane locker and make sure it vents well.
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Agree. Sounds like they might have glassed over the fitting. If it's a straight tail piece, you might be able to just remove the hose and then drill from the hose barb of the fitting into the propane box, perhaps taking the guesswork out of where the center of the hole should be.
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor
Thanks guys for your input. I've been in touch with Gerry Douglas of Catalina on this what I consider a very important matter. This is what I know. The fitting in the locker has no through hole. It's solid plastic where a hole should be. There is a rubber hose attached to the other side of the fitting. There appears to be a patch job where a hole used to be approximately 90 degrees from the existing fitting The fitting appears to be relocated. What I plan on doing (I live 5 hours away from my boat) is to disconnect the hose. Insure it drains by pouring water down and watching the vent on the transom to make sure it's not clogged. If all is well here I will drill a hole for venting/draining. And reconnect the hose. Anyone see any negatives here. Thanks, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
I think you are on the right track with that line of thinking Bill. I too believe it was a manufacturing defect and I'm glad you caught it in time. You might want to ask a plumber what type of non- permanent sealant (if any) should used between the hose and the nipple from the box spigot.
That propane stuff just scares me.
Ever see this from Yachting Monthly ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxm3uMy6MPI
These guys have a boat that they totally destroy with common problems such as through hull failures and propane leaks and suggest fixes.....interesting series.
Curious what Gerry Douglass had to say ?
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Gerry was as helpful as he could be considering the circumstances. He emphasized the fact that there must be a vent. Original manufacture had that installed. Some PO may have altered their design. Which makes sense since there is apparently a patch job where the original fitting was. So it's up to me to insure it's fixed. His responses were immediate and very helpful. Good support from the factory I must say. Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
Bill,
Here is a good video on the subject...........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqa4K9dOX04&feature=youtu.be
Fair winds,
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Excellent. Thanks
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca