Hey again Sean! - Yes, it's an endless list, eh. I generally prioritized by safety 1st (which can be from electrical, basic safety [e.g., radio, lights, fire extinguishers, sensors, LPG lockers, etc], to safe operation to crew safety, and beyond, eh), followed by basic function, followed by comfort/wishes. I just saw a book came into my mailbox that looks pretty good and actually has a section on prioritizing repairs/upgrades. It might have been nice to have 4 years ago when I bought my Kelt 7.60 as my 1st sailboat having just completed a 4-day CYA skipper cert course. It is appropriately called "This Old Boat" by Don Casey. I will pick it up from our Toronto nautical bookstore as I think it would still be great to have 4 years into it all. Here is the amazon.com url: http://www.amazon.com/This-Old-Boat-Second-Completely/dp/0071477942 which also allows you a peek inside.
Another great way to prioritize is if you had a good survey done, as it should include all the deficiencies, including safety. The need for an LPG locker was one of the things in mine. But, it sounds like you may not have had a survey done?
Another great resource is a magazine I subscribe to called "Good Old Boat". I really enjoy it. Very high quality content plus resources I don't see anywhere else: http://www.goodoldboat.com/
Back to the LPG locker: As mentioned above, it was cited as a safety issue and actually a regulation breaker. There is a detailed regulation (both US and Canadian, which are comparable if not the same), as to the current safety standard/set-up/design for marine LPG systems, including the locker requirements, as well as running lines, connections, sensor requirements, etc. LPG is a very significant safety risk on a boat, and from what I understand is the prominent cause of explosions on boats. Aside from it's obvious flammability/explosion concerns, it is heavier than air, so any leak will go to the lowest part of the boat. Think about how you evacuate LPG from your bilge without a spark hazard - Nearly impossible.
So in answer to your very good and valid question: The locker HAS to have an open drain to the outside of the boat. There are standards as to the size, locker bottom placement, hull placement above the waterline at a certain degree heel, etc. Simply put, it is an appropriate sized/type hose connected to a fitting coming from the BOTTOM of the locker, running at a specific downward angle (to allow gravity to lead the leaked LPG out), and going through the hull above the water line. It is not valved, and remains open at all times. Without this, you are absolutely correct, in that your locker becomes a explosion hazard itself.
I have included a URL below with issues related to installation, system requirements and some wild examples of bad things. In fact it's the 2nd Google result from "marine lpg installation" and actually produced from my surveyor. Good stuff! But also just Google "marine lpg installation [or] regulations" yourself, and you should also get the specific regulations by your respective authority. It is very specific as to the components of an LPG system, and even how to use it. Basically it includes but not limited to the following:
- Sealed top-loading locker (mine is by liberal interpretation a top loading, but one could argue that it is front loading)
- Drain to the outside of the boat (and no way to leak into the boat)
- Be located away from ignition sources (e.g., batteries, switches, motors, etc.)
- Quick release opening security (hand-opened, not tool-opened)
- Pressure gauge (for indicating leaks - there's a procedure to perform the regular leak check, and a specific sequencing of what gets connected to what in what order, for installation)
- Solenoid switch, operated from near the appliance
- Tank securing method, e.g., strap
- All gas-line connections are made INSIDE the locker
- Single continuous hose to the appliance
- LPG detector near the appliance
- Open the tank valve only when using and close again when done
- Leak check procedure performed regularly using the pressure gauge (basically you open the tank valve, while the appliance is shut off, but the solenoid is open, and see the pressure go up, then close the tank valve and watch that the pressure stays the same over a period of time, while the solenoid remains open, till you close it after the leak test.)
You can see that the original system on our Kelts doesn't come anywhere near regs or safety standards and are a major hazard if not corrected - And SHOULD NOT be used until corrected. Also you'll see by my surveyor's article that many brand new boats have egregious shortfalls, in their design. (Sorry for the bad news [smile])
Here is the link to my surveyor's article: http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/Safe%20Boat%20propane%20Installation.htm
Good luck! And, again, sorry for the bad news. You can see why many people say to go alcohol, lol. Take care and keep me posted! - David
David J. Wysocki, M.Sc., OT Reg. (Ont.)
1055 Dunbarton Rd
Pickering, ON L1V 1H1
Ph: 905-492-1915
Fax: 905-831-8798
From: Sean [via Kelt Sailboat Forum] [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: April-16-13 7:21 AM
To: David - Moon Chaser
Subject: RE: [LPG Locker] Genoa Size for Foresail Furler
Thanks for the prompt reply and insight. Our acquisition is a new one, so you can imagine the challenges of prioritizing the changes/repairs etc...
I like your idea of a cover but without offering the "open" ventilation, would the compartment be more likely to hang onto the vapours if they did escape and create a bigger risk?
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