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 Ventilating Cabin After Propane Leak		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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crystal_blue
1st Mate

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USA
82 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/13/2026 :  16:15:59  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I've only ever overnighted on Mariah once; but as we're planning another overnighter next month I figured I'd get some feedback from the forum:

Our galley stove has been converted to propane, and includes a sniffer below the galley sink. During our first overnighter last year, the alarm sounded while we were cooking dinner. At the time we had the pop-top up and the pop-top cover installed, but open. After shutting off the stove and removing the propane canister from the boat, we opened the fore hatch and the portlight in the head. Fifteen minutes later the sniffer was still detecting dangerous amounts of propane, so I ventured below with a fan (something like this) and set it on the table directing airflow aft towards the companionway hatch. Even with all that, it was still probably a good 45 minutes from the time the sniffer's alarm first went off to the time it wasn't detecting propane any more.

I know that propane is heavier-than-air and so leaks will tend to pool in the bottom of the boat. What's the best way to properly ventilate/dissipate pooled propane? Would it have been a good idea to place the fan on cabin sole, pointing aft and up through the companionway hatch? Or would placing an electric fan even deeper into a pool of gaseous propane just heighten the risk of ignition?

Thanks--
Jim and Crystal Smith
Lehi, Utah
1996 Catalina 250 WB #191 "Mariah"
Edited by - crystal_blue on 08/13/2026 16:26:07

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts
Response Posted - 08/13/2026 :  19:44:55  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'm not an expert on the subject, but I suggest you first flood the bilge with water. It will displace the propane from the deepest part of the boat. Next, I would open the forward hatch and the companionway hatch and put a large fan over the forward hatch running on high. Try to get a strong breeze flowing aft through the boat. I'd let it run as long as weather and time permits. Nobody should be on the boat. After awhile, shut it down, wait a few minutes and check the sniffer. On a windy day, a wind chute in the hatch would probably be better than a fan. I wouldn't run an electric fan inside the boat at all.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5500 Posts
Response Posted - 08/14/2026 :  10:01:32  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This is a very serious safety hazard.
Whenever dealing with potentially explosive atmospheres.
>> Never use or turn on or off any electrical devices. Not a fan, not a light, not a vhf radio, or a cell phone. <<
Even a small electrical spark is likely to cause an huge explosion.

That said, what are your options?
1. Prevent leakage of propane before it starts. If you have a gas leak in your stove, check all connections and repair any leak. You can check for leaks using soap suds for blowing bubbles. Coat the suspect connector or pipe with bubble solution, and look for bubbles. Also, if you turn on the gas, listen for a hissing sound.

2. Check the stove for leaks. If the plumbing is good, perhaps there’s an unused port inside your stove that’s leaking fuel. Check the stove for uncapped orifices and plug them.

3.Install a powered ventilator. If you can’t find the leak, install a powered ventilation blower with a brushless motor between the bilge and the cockpit. Typical for gasoline powered powerboats, these blowers are intended for quickly removing gasoline vapors from below decks.
You would have to mount the on-off switch externally and outside the cabin to prevent sparks inside the cabin.
Talk to a boat technician about how to do it correctly so you don’t accidentally create a dangerous situation. Here’s an example from Defender Marine

Not a trivial matter but it should be dealt with before ever using the stove again.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Edited by - Voyager on 08/14/2026 10:13:00
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2026 :  08:46:43  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Voyager
3.Install a powered ventilator. If you can’t find the leak, install a powered ventilation blower with a brushless motor between the bilge and the cockpit. Typical for gasoline powered powerboats, these blowers are intended for quickly removing gasoline vapors from below decks.
You would have to mount the on-off switch externally and outside the cabin to prevent sparks inside the cabin.
Talk to a boat technician about how to do it correctly so you don’t accidentally create a dangerous situation. Here’s an example from Defender Marine

Not a trivial matter but it should be dealt with before ever using the stove again.
That's the best way to do it. The blower might come with instructions on how to install it.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore
Edited by - Steve Milby on 08/23/2026 08:51:32
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.