How much LP gas?

[rtrinkle]

I was wondering how many containers of the Coleman propane gas do you normally keep on board? What would be a good number of tanks to keep on board for a long weekend (3 days) anchoring for 2 or 3 nights, not having access to shore power. We are using the Magma Marine Kettle 2, party grill. Doubles as a grill or a stove.

[Russ]

I keep 2 1lb canisters of propane in a sack in the motor well. Generally 1 will last a 3 day weekend cooking and grilling on the magma keeping one canister for a spare. We use it for almost all cooking, breakfast - dinner and only use the stove for making coffee.

--Russ

[rtrinkle]

The grill is our main source for cooking as well. I picked up 4 1lb Coleman camping containers at BJs Wholesale for $8. That should last a while

Thanks for the advise.

[Russ]

4 will last you a while I bet. Just keep 'em outside where they can be ventilated.

--Russ

[Catigale]

I use up most of 2 on Cuttyhunk, 7 day cruise cooking breakfast and dinner for crew of 7.

Two kettles of hot water, bacon and eggs every morning

Mashed potatoes and meat on the BBQ each night.

Propane cylinders should not be stored down below ...store in the fuel locker up top.

[rtrinkle]

I figured on storing in the fuel locker for now.. Thinking of fabricating a PVC pipe to hold tanks. Not sure where to put above decks,, maybe zip tied to the mast for easy removal.

One thing I have not done is fabricate fuel locker hatches. At this point, I'm ready to launch this weekend and enjoy the boat. Spent most of the winter working on it. When we got the 01 it was stock, no modifications or additions to it at all.

Thanks for the advise.

[Russ]

I figured on storing in the fuel locker for now.. Thinking of fabricating a PVC pipe to hold tanks. Not sure where to put above decks,, maybe zip tied to the mast for easy removal.

I'm not sure how you would zip tie them to the mast. I'm a fan of light than air vapors stored as far downwind as possible. The fuel lockers would work well. I have a canvas bag that I keep them in and hang the bag in the motor well. This season I may come up with something more permanent.

--Russ

[Catigale]

Propane is more dense than air of course...thats why you keepit. Up top. I just put the cans into a plastic bag and stow them in the fuel locker next to the tank. Not even tied in. Haven't ever lost one at sea or on the road.

[BlueSeas]

Here's another reference point.
We lived aboard for 5 years(2005-2010) cruising and marina, not on the Mac. We used on average 10lbs/6weeks over that period. It was used mainly for cooking all meals on stove or in oven, hot water for bathing and cleaning dishes and very little direct heating. Our reefer was DC, those Gemini catamarans use a LPG reefer and as I understand go through about 20lbs/6weeks for just the reefer. IMO that's a lot of weight to be humping around looking for refill.
Oh and it was just two middle aged folks eating well
Also if your going to be using a lot, have to do your own math, of LPG it's much more economical to get a refillable tank. We have paid between $8-$12/10lbs over 5 years.
We are very happy with a 10lb aluminum tank. I think it weighs in at about 23lbs full so it's easy to carry back from the HW store walking or on the bicycle.
You need to be careful with those throwaway bottles, very cheap steel that will rust out pretty quickly if allowed to get wet. And like other have said, only store on deck or in a locker that drains overboard. We always turned the bottle off by hand after every use.

[rtrinkle]

KISS right?? I think I'll just use some large zip lock bags and keep them in the fuel locker. Thanks for all the advise...

[jschrade]

Magma has a bag that attaches to the lifelines that is convenient. Two is a pretty good idea as it would be a real pain to have one run out in the middle of cooking with no spare!!

I just toss mine next to the fuel tank when cruising but keep them in my dock box with the grill, when in the marina. Just to be safe, I always toss a lit match onto the boat before boarding!

Jim

[Don T]

Hello,
I take 4~6 1 lb propane cans for a week of cruising. I cook crab in a pot on the stove as well as use the BBQ so I can use quite a bit. If not cooking crab, 2 cans will last a week.

[K9Kampers]

Propane is more dense than air of course...thats why you keepit. Up top. I just put the cans into a plastic bag and stow them in the fuel locker next to the tank. Not even tied in. Haven't ever lost one at sea or on the road.

Likewise, except w/o the plastic bag. Two propane cans + a coffee can to store the Magma regulator

[Russ]

Just to be safe, I always toss a lit match onto the boat before boarding!

I literally laughed out loud at that one. Have an image of one of those jackass movies.