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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Propane Tank

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/15/2006 : 15:43:05

I have the built in propane tank setup in the cockpit locker that comes standard on the 250's. I took my little tank to my local ACE hardware to have it filled for a upcoming trip. The guy at ACE told me I have the wrong type valve on the tank. After pleading with him he agreed to fill it. To avoid future problems I was thinking about taking the tank to a local LP company and seeing if they would change out the valve to the "right one" which ever kind that is. Has anyone had any problems getting their tanks filled or made a valve upgrade on their tank? I expect this is only a problem with the older boats, as Catalina surely would not have supplied the old type tank/valves on their newer boats.

1997 250 TR WK (sold)
1984 O'Day 28 (sold)
1979 SISU 22
Bath, NC.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 02/15/2006 15:45:45

mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2006 : 16:03:41

Hi Tom,

This was discussed at great length when the requirement for OPD valves occurred. See if you can go to:

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1759

Max

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2006 : 16:28:03

Thanks Max, that was a interesting read. (guess I should have done a search before I posted) I'm gonna check out the valve replacement idea first before ordering a new tank. One other note; the guy at ACE told me that the law was for grills only, that if the tank was used for something else then they could fill it. hmm...

Edited by - on

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2006 : 19:08:24

My 2001 has the new approved valve, but I/we don't really need such a large propane tank. Are there smaller refillable tanks on the market that will connect to the valve and, if so, what make and where can I buy one? With a smaller tank I'd have room for some more "stuff"

Thanks.

Edited by - on

sailorman
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2006 : 21:54:23

Let me clear up the propane issue. First of all; Tom, I hope that Ace dealer wasn't one of my stores. I am the store coordinator for a local chain of Ace stores in Atlanta. ALL propane tanks for non-commercial use have to be OPD compliant. The tanks on the 250's can be retro-fitted but it will cost you as much as a new tank. New tanks of the correct size (heck I can't remember--maybe 5#) can be ordered thru the Ace catalogue. New tanks are $40-50. If you like, I can find the Ace order number for you and post it which also can be ordered on line.

Edited by - on

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
856 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2006 : 22:21:34

By the way, I saw a new 250 at a local boat show.
The 2006 model no longer uses propane, so no more tanks.

Edited by - on

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 01:11:29

What gas and tank is used instead of propane, and where is it stored?

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 07:07:47

When the 250 was first released, it had a rinky dink small cannister system in the galley cabinet that required mail order purchase of fuel. The system worked horribly, the little cans leaked and rusted quickly and Catalina didn't stay with it very long.

In '97, that was replaced with the dedicated locker using a quality tank but it ate up a great deal of valuable real estate in the process.

Then OPD compliance caused many to have to change the valve which for some required a slight lid modification to provide clearance.

Many with rinky dink cannisters pulled them and adapted to Coleman cannisters. A couple of Coleman fuel cannisters (found almost everywhere) provide adequate fuel for both stove and grill for a two week cruise, so they seem a reasonable alternative rather than eating up valuable real estate.

Does the latest system use these?

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 07:08:41

i may be wrong about this, but i think i remember that the issue with our older tanks is that the few that did change the fittings to the new one, found out that the lid in the locker would not close tightly over the new fitting. i think that the problem was that the new fitting is taller or larger than the space provided for it in the locker lid.

Edited by - coldducks on 02/16/2006 07:16:29

DrDre
1st Mate

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USA
68 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 10:35:31

I had the same problem getting my factory installed tank refilled last season. After calls to Catalina, Defender and Seaward I came up with company that handles this issue, ANH (714) 258-2525. A new tank and separate lid that's needed comes to $217.00 plus shipping. That's a bit much for something I'm only using on overnight and longer trips. I believe Arlyn has a mod where he placed a small Coleman canister under the galley sink. I'd like to do something like that only placing the canister outside in the vented locker and using the existing solenoid and hose hookup. Is that a possibility and if so how is it done?

Edited by - on

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
856 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 11:15:40

Frank and Arlyn,
The stove in the 2006 model uses liquid or gel fuel (either camping stove "White Gas" or "Sterno" gel).
The stove is no longer behind the sink but over the cooler.
The drawers have also been removed.
There is nothing in the starboard cockpit locker.
I'm taking my boat to the dealer in 2 weeks, so I can get more details and post pictures.

Edited by - on

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 18:14:45

Russ, is it possible to replace our large propane tanks with smaller tanks? I don't need that much gas.

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 18:45:29

I also had been told I needed the OPD valve when I went to U-Haul (where I recently paid $2.46/gal for a hundred lb. tank). Our little tanks are ten pounders. But the guy there said if I came afer 5:00pm when there would not be any state inspectors to show up he would fill the little tank. That worked about twice. Then someone new on the job blew it for me by getting the manager involved. I had to upgrade. The problem was not the exterior part of the OPD but the internal length. I found a gas company that had some used OPD valves and they installed one for me. And the handle part is the same size, only a triangle shape, so it fits into the old locker just fine. The only drawback is now the valve locks out before it gets ten pounds of fuel. But for now it is still preferable to me to have the reusable tank. I may decide to go with the disposable canister and opt for more space in the locker later. I am pretty sure that these will need to be fixed in an upright position so the liquid is not discharged. Next time I am out to the marina I will try and remember to check the numbers on the valve if you like.

Edited by - Ben - FL on 02/16/2006 18:49:06

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 20:15:22

Interesting. Russ says his 2006 uses Sterno or white gel fuel. My 2006 came with a butane stove, located as he described. Catalina changes specs frequently. Russ, my hull# is 881, what is yours?

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 20:25:36

Thanks Ben, I have a full tank now and that should last me through the BEER cruise. (If I don't over do it on the coffee and hot chocolate before then)

I wonder if I took the triangle valve knob off a compliant tank and put it on my old tank to make it look like a OPD valve if anyone would catch it.

Sailorman Ed, I promise not to take it to my local ACE

Edited by - on

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
856 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 00:42:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kevinmac
 Interesting. Russ says his 2006 uses Sterno or white gel fuel. My 2006 came with a butane stove, located as he described. Catalina changes specs frequently. Russ, my hull# is 881, what is yours?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Kevin,
Thanks for the update, so it's Butane (my mistake).
To clarify, I have 2 replies above. In the first one, "I saw an '06 at the boat show."
My hull is #793 (an '05 model commissioned in June '04).
I have Propane stove, with tank in the cockpit starboard locker.

Can you post pictures of your Butane stove?

Thanks, Russ

Edited by - Russ.Johnson on 02/17/2006 00:44:42

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 02:18:02

HEY!! One mo' time: can I replace the large propane tank in the starboard lazerette with a smaller one? If so, where do I get it, i.e. RV store, sporting goods store (Big 5, et al), etc.?

Edited by - on

Quentin
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 05:14:02

Farmhand, I use disposable LPG tanks. Check the general forum. 12-15-2005, Seaward Princess one burner troubles.
Quentin C250 WB #153 Old Bombay II

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 06:04:27

Another 250 owner and I were discussing at some point, the possibility of routing a gas line from the stove to the coaming box for hook up there to a coleman fuel cannister. Our question was, "can the coleman cannister be used in a horizontal position?" The other owner contacted coleman with the question and they said, "Yes, no problem."

Because it has worked so well, I've stuck with quick connecting a coleman cannister under the sink when needed but the gas line to the coaming box is an option. The coaming box would receive a coleman cannister with room to spare for a cuzy type cover to keep it from clunking around. A hole in the forward end of the coaming box (plenty high enough to avoid water entry) would provide easy routing for the gas line. A valve at the cannister would be easily accessible.

The coaming box of course is well ventilated and safe. It seems like a reasonable option.

Edited by - on

welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 12:00:46

Frank,
Here are a couple sites I found on the web. They both show an adapter to use with the smaller bottles. The one on Cabela's site has a regulator built in to the adapter, so I am not sure how this would work with the regulator in the propane locker? You probably only need one regulator in line and could probably bypass (disconnect) the one in the locker and connect directly to the adapter from Cabela's? The other site has an adapter without the regulator - this would probably hook up to regulator in the propane locker in some fashion?

They both offer other propane items as well. Just a couple of sites I found, there are probably several other suppliers if you search the web.

Also I added a site from Boat US showing basic system - not sure if this helps any?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_

http://www.fireboy-xintex.com/propane_detectors.html

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/18.htm

Edited by - welshoff on 02/17/2006 12:25:54

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 12:44:01

Thanks, Wil. Had no idea a simple exchange of the supplied tank with a smaller one was so involved and complicated. Still no answer to my simple question: can I simply remove the supplied LPG tank in the locker and replace it with a smaller one with the same hook up device? Unscrew the big one as if for refilling, but screw back on a smaller one. Bottom line: do those LPG tanks come in various sizes?

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 15:08:49

Russ,

I will post pictures of my stove after next (not this) weekend if that is soon enough for you. It is 20 degrees here, and we hide in our houses when it gets that cold... I realize that for others of you, that is sweater weather... ;-)

I have never tried the stove. I have heard that it is near useless - that it is not really hot enough. Don't know.

Edited by - kevinmac on 02/17/2006 15:11:28

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 16:43:45

Looked at my installed LPG tank again and doubt tanks are made any smaller, so I will live and cook with what I've got. Another dollar saved

Edited by - on

528
Navigator

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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 18:47:15

Hi All, been reading this thread with interest. I wanted the additional space, so I removed the propane locker 2 years ago and installed a new hose under the stove that accepts propane bottles. Works great, using a pressure cooker reduces gas consumption, and the food is outstanding. My major concern is a CG inspection. Any thoughts on that aspect of operation?

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AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 19:35:18

"I removed the propane locker 2 years ago and installed a new hose under the stove that accepts propane bottles."

How, exactly, did you do that? Sounds like a great idea. Pictures, diagrams...?

Edited by - on

528
Navigator

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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2006 : 22:17:41

I honestly don't remember exactly, but I did it so that everything could be reconnected if I ever sell. I know I filled the screw holes in the lazarette with 5200, I think the wires were clipped to the shutoff valve leaving enough to solder them back together. Under the sink you disconnect the existing and change to a hose that accepts the bottles. I don't have my camera USB cord with me, or I would post pics of everything I have been promising.

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