I don't cook onboard very often, so I don't have frequent opportunities to get into the propane locker. Today as I was doing a general "look around", I noticed a number of rust spots on the propane tank. I am unaware of the thickness of the tank wall and whether or not these rust spots are merely cosmetic or whether they have affected the integrity of the tank. This tank is at least 14 years old that I know of. Should I replace the tank or just hit it with rust remover and a coat of Rustoleum paint?
Thanks, Mike
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Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
I guess if you want to be very conservative, the answer is replace.
I had a steel tank years ago that came with the boat and it has some small rust spots, too. I thoroughly scraped and wire brushed and determined by careful inspection that it was just a very thin surface layer of rust. I primed and painted it and used it for several more years.
When rust spots started accumulating in many other spots, I decided to replace it with the glass-reinforced polymeric tank made by Lite Cylinder. They were ALL just recalled last year. Sometimes you just can't win. :rolleyes:
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
It has been my experience with propane suppliers is they will not refill a tank that is questionable.
__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050
Not sure if this would apply to tanks on our boats, but this summer I tried to get the tank on my patio grill refilled and found out there is a federal law that makes it illegal to fill a tank over 12 years old. Mine was 13 yrs. Apparently, there could be a problem with internal rust. My tank looked almost new but I had to purchase a new one and then pay to have it filled.
I am still using the original tank on my boat (only gets used a couple of times each season; the grill or microwave gets a lot more use). There are no signs of rust, just dirt and spider webs; maybe I should be nervous having this old tank on board.
Richard
1994 C36 Tall Rig M1.5
Waukegan Harbor
Lake Michigan
Unless I am mistaken, that requirement was to update the valve assembly only, and not replace the tank itself.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
If it is not a new regulation, my local Ace Hardware convinced a lot of people. They had a large stack of old tanks turned in and a lot of new ones for sale.
Richard
1994 C36 Tall Rig M1.5
Waukegan Harbor
Lake Michigan
Mike,
I have a little rust on mine and it causes no issues other than the looks. It in a propane locker so I don't see it much to care. One thing to note, make sure its only surface rust and not any deeper into the metal. If it is pitting then you want to swap it out for sure.
Larry Robcke
MKl Tech Editor S/V L' Amante #319, 1984 C36
Sailing Long Island sound and the Hudson River