[C320-list] Propane System

[Artstree at aol.com]

I am still a scriber to the Catalina 28 email group, and I thought I would
pass along a discussion item, propane tank use. Some on the thread were new
owners and they were asking about closing of seacocks habits ad that
transition into propane use after I posted my boat closeup checklist below

 


Battery Switch

Off

Saves Battery Power


Shore Power

Off

Optional , but reduces the potential of stray current in the marina


Bilge Pump

Automatic

Ensures pump is operational. Sometimes I even lift the float to ensure all
is working properly.


Refrigerator

Off & Open

Reduces the potential for mold


Sea Cocks

Closed

Ensures sea cocks are operational and seals potential leaks


GPS

In Cabin

Safety from theft


LP Tank

Off

Eliminates a potential for gas buildup in the bilge.


Roller Furling

Locked & Tied

Prevents the sail from unraveling in high winds


Wheel/Sail Cvr

Secure

Checks to ensure covers do not blow away


Hatches

Closed

Secures boat from rain


Trash

Removed

Removes unwanted smells


Cell Phone

In Pocket

Eliminates the need to go back to the boat an hour after leaving it. It is
very aggravating if you live 3.5 hours away and get home and find you left
it on the boat.

 

Another item for new owners to consider, is using a combination lock on the
hatch. It is easier to call you slip neighbor and ask "Can you go over and
confirm the battery is off for me and the combination is ****." than to
drive back to the marina just for peace of mind that the switch is off.
Just food for thought. Feel free to copy the list. It has saved my butt
before. I even have one in the dash of the car as a second check before
leaving the marina.

 

Obviously, there was a lot of discussion on seacocks and then someone
mention that they relied on the solenoid to shut off the propane and it took
off in a new direction. With some of the new owners and maybe even some of
the experienced owner's they may not be aware of proper safety measures that
should be habits. Someone posted the link below and it is and excellent
article. Even with my many years of boating, I found a few new wrinkles and
helpful thoughts for me.

 

You are never too old to learn or refresh your memory.

 

>From Jeff Ebert

#1

This article by Don Casey describes how to use the pressure gauge to monitor
for leaks. Is that what you mean, Ken?

 

https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2012/july/propane
-systems

 

 

Art Harden

Tortuga -Catalina 320 #243

937-477-5544