Composite Propane Tanks
 

Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel. Minor size and capacity differences exist between
composite and steel or aluminum tanks, but are minimal in most
cases. They're taller by a bit, so if clearance is an issue for
your application, they might not work. Do a google on fiberglass
or composite tanks for an education - I think you'll be as taken
with this technology as I am. Also have a look at these links:

Here's just a few sources and prices, most of which are for the
"Lite" brand, and the 10 and 20# sizes...

http://www.ragasco.com/files/documen...jyrer_2006.pdf (a
maker's comments)

http://www.myboatsgear.com/mbg/product.asp?prodID=1163 (info about
Ragasco - another maker - on a boat)

http://www.buytikitorches.com/gas-to...cessories/lc20 102, 10=130

http://www.lpgastanks.com/propane-tanks/lc10 130, 20=130

http://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/pro...l.cfm/pid/3587 20=86

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...400&group=1082 all 100

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...400&group=1082 Ragasco,
different maker - 100

http://www.tridentmarine.com/stage/T...ewProducts.htm -
but the cylinder looks and specs exactly like the Ragasco

Only places I could find the Trident was in Canada. Here's a
couple of sources:

http://www.pridemarine.com/index.cfm?category=10202|10880&product=2287231

http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info....oducts_id=6300

Now, on to my story:

I had to get a replacement for my old-style valve on my 10#
aluminum tank. I brought it with me when we came ashore for
family stuff.

Fortunately for me, I was directed to Blossman Gas in Clayton,
GA, where it was accomplished in short order, inexpensively ($25
all-in) and refilled.

However, on the way in I'd noticed one of the composite tanks
sitting at the entrance door, and pointed it out to Lydia.

So, I casually inquired as to how much they were. $65!!
Needless to say (well, maybe not needless, but in any event) I
took one, filled. The circumference at its widest part is 3/4"
less than a steel tank, so it will drop right in where my barbie
tank is now.

Significant differences between it and a steel or alumiumum tank
are that it's slightly taller in the collar, and that it doesn't
have a tiny ring bottom, but, instead, is functionally flat.
That flat also results in its not being "rounded" at the botttom
of it, in the event, such as we, for our barbie mount, your
receiver is shaped like the ball-shaped base of most tanks. In
our case, it will just result in its sitting higher, which is of
no concern. It's a Ragasco, in the event that you feel the Lite
brand is critical to what I'm about to say:

Conversation with the manager, Sanford Thompson, revealed that
they had not had any success in moving them. That's cuz, of
course, they're more expensive than steel tanks, and most
landlubbers have no interest in tanks which won't rust,
particularly in this exchange-a-cylinder refill market, at about
double the cost of a steel spare/replacement.

When the comment about their lack of success, and the likelihood
of other branches being in the same non-boat, came up, I
immediately thought of this list, and other sailors, too, of
course (I'll be publicizing this on all the mailing lists and
forums I annoy).

So, they have, and can lead you to other branches in the event
the supply is gone after the word is out to the cruising
community, 17# (the nominal 20# size) Ragasco tanks available,
while they last, at $65 plus shipping, which they think would be
~10 or less. FWIW, it's quite lighter than my 10# aluminum tank,
even with both filled!

Contact info is , local phone
706-782-8305 or toll free 800-369-8305. Other locations may be
found by visiting the website, www.blossmangas.com.

I have no financial interest in this - just an excitement at
being able to find a tank at a price I'm willing to pay when I
already have a sufficiency of aluminum tanks. The technology
really tickles my fancy. That I'm able to pass along a deal is
small payment for the learning I've received here :{))

L8R

Skip

PS this from Sanford just a few minutes after sending my mail lists
(not forums) this same message:

Thanks to you we have sold the ones we have here at this store. I
will
start forwarding the other requests to our other stores that have
inventory and they can ship them as needed until they run out. I may
even have a distributor that may want to get rid of some inventory (He
has about 150 of them).
Thanks again for your help.

Thank You,
Sanford Thompson, Clayton, GA #406
706-782-8305


Morgan 461 #2
SV Flying Pig KI4MPC
See our galleries at www.justpickone.org/skip/gallery !
Follow us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheFlyingPigLog
and/or http://groups.google.com/group/flyingpiglog

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power
to make it come true. You may have to work for it however."
(and)
"There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in
its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts."
(Richard Bach, in The Reluctant Messiah)

Composite Propane Tanks
 

"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message
...

Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel.

Thanks but , no thanks.
I will stick with steel which does not burn and has a high melting point.
So what if it rusts a bit? I'll get a new one in exchange when it becomes
empty.
And what kind of boat owner cares if his propane tank weights half of a
steel one?
I have 4 tons of lead in my keel so lightening a propane tank, even though
it is above the waterline, is a low priority for me.

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 20:24:20 +0200, "Edgar"
wrote:


"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message
...

Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel.

Thanks but , no thanks.
I will stick with steel which does not burn and has a high melting point.
So what if it rusts a bit? I'll get a new one in exchange when it becomes
empty.
And what kind of boat owner cares if his propane tank weights half of a
steel one?
I have 4 tons of lead in my keel so lightening a propane tank, even though
it is above the waterline, is a low priority for me.

A lightweight scuba tank would be worthwhile.

Casady

Composite Propane Tanks
 

Skip Gundlach brought forth on stone tablets:
Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel. Minor size and capacity differences exist between
composite and steel or aluminum tanks, but are minimal in most
cases. They're taller by a bit, so if clearance is an issue for
your application, they might not work. Do a google on fiberglass
or composite tanks for an education - I think you'll be as taken
with this technology as I am. Also have a look at these links:

Here's just a few sources and prices, most of which are for the
"Lite" brand, and the 10 and 20# sizes...

http://www.ragasco.com/files/documen...jyrer_2006.pdf (a
maker's comments)

http://www.myboatsgear.com/mbg/product.asp?prodID=1163 (info about
Ragasco - another maker - on a boat)

http://www.buytikitorches.com/gas-to...cessories/lc20 102, 10=130

http://www.lpgastanks.com/propane-tanks/lc10 130, 20=130

http://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/pro...l.cfm/pid/3587 20=86

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...400&group=1082 all 100

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...400&group=1082 Ragasco,
different maker - 100

http://www.tridentmarine.com/stage/T...ewProducts.htm -
but the cylinder looks and specs exactly like the Ragasco

Only places I could find the Trident was in Canada. Here's a
couple of sources:

http://www.pridemarine.com/index.cfm?category=10202|10880&product=2287231

http://ca.binnacle.com/product_info....oducts_id=6300

Now, on to my story:

I had to get a replacement for my old-style valve on my 10#
aluminum tank. I brought it with me when we came ashore for
family stuff.

Fortunately for me, I was directed to Blossman Gas in Clayton,
GA, where it was accomplished in short order, inexpensively ($25
all-in) and refilled.

However, on the way in I'd noticed one of the composite tanks
sitting at the entrance door, and pointed it out to Lydia.

So, I casually inquired as to how much they were. $65!!
Needless to say (well, maybe not needless, but in any event) I
took one, filled. The circumference at its widest part is 3/4"
less than a steel tank, so it will drop right in where my barbie
tank is now.

Significant differences between it and a steel or alumiumum tank
are that it's slightly taller in the collar, and that it doesn't
have a tiny ring bottom, but, instead, is functionally flat.
That flat also results in its not being "rounded" at the botttom
of it, in the event, such as we, for our barbie mount, your
receiver is shaped like the ball-shaped base of most tanks. In
our case, it will just result in its sitting higher, which is of
no concern. It's a Ragasco, in the event that you feel the Lite
brand is critical to what I'm about to say:

Conversation with the manager, Sanford Thompson, revealed that
they had not had any success in moving them. That's cuz, of
course, they're more expensive than steel tanks, and most
landlubbers have no interest in tanks which won't rust,
particularly in this exchange-a-cylinder refill market, at about
double the cost of a steel spare/replacement.

When the comment about their lack of success, and the likelihood
of other branches being in the same non-boat, came up, I
immediately thought of this list, and other sailors, too, of
course (I'll be publicizing this on all the mailing lists and
forums I annoy).

So, they have, and can lead you to other branches in the event
the supply is gone after the word is out to the cruising
community, 17# (the nominal 20# size) Ragasco tanks available,
while they last, at $65 plus shipping, which they think would be
~10 or less. FWIW, it's quite lighter than my 10# aluminum tank,
even with both filled!

Contact info is , local phone
706-782-8305 or toll free 800-369-8305. Other locations may be
found by visiting the website, www.blossmangas.com.

I have no financial interest in this - just an excitement at
being able to find a tank at a price I'm willing to pay when I
already have a sufficiency of aluminum tanks. The technology
really tickles my fancy. That I'm able to pass along a deal is
small payment for the learning I've received here :{))

L8R

Skip


How well do they hold up to UV?

bob
s/v Eolian
Seattle

Composite Propane Tanks
 

As to vulnerability to a fire, go to the lite website and watch their
video....

L8R

Skip

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Apr 9, 11:58 am, "Roger Long" wrote:
Which link is that?

--
Roger Long

Googling gave me: http://www.cabinetheatersafety.com/i...fm?pageid=3282.
Interesting.

-- Tom.

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 20:24:20 +0200, in message

"Edgar" wrote:

I will stick with steel which does not burn and has a high melting point.
So what if it rusts a bit? I'll get a new one in exchange when it becomes
empty.
And what kind of boat owner cares if his propane tank weights half of a
steel one?
I have 4 tons of lead in my keel so lightening a propane tank, even though
it is above the waterline, is a low priority for me.

The lead in your keel is helping the performance of your boat and is
centrally located. The extra mass in your (likely far aft) propane
locker is just adding to your pitching moment and slowing you down,
although probably not in quantities that matter for cruising.

As for who cares, absent the boat performance issues.... Anybody who
ever has to lift it, especially in awkward circumstances.

Ryk

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 11:11:55 -0700 (PDT), Skip Gundlach
wrote:


Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel. Minor size and capacity differences exist between
composite and steel or aluminum tanks, but are minimal in most
cases. They're taller by a bit, so if clearance is an issue for
your application, they might not work. Do a google on fiberglass
or composite tanks for an education - I think you'll be as taken
with this technology as I am. Also have a look at these links:

Just one caveat. Unprotected fiberglass deteriorate in sunlight
(U.V.). The tanks should either be painted (which destroys the ability
to see how full they are) or stored out of direct sunlight.

My neighbor boat bought a set and the price was about the same as
aluminum tanks. I suspect that they will eventually drive the aluminum
tanks out of the market.


Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Wed, 9 Apr 2008 20:24:20 +0200, "Edgar"
wrote:


"Skip Gundlach" wrote in message
...

Some of you may be aware of, or, perhaps, already own (in which
case this may not be of interest to you at this time!) composite
Propane tanks. Briefly put (and follow some of the links I put
next if you don't already know about them), composite tanks won't
rust, won't corrode, are lighter than aluminum and way lighter
than steel.

Thanks but , no thanks.
I will stick with steel which does not burn and has a high melting point.
So what if it rusts a bit? I'll get a new one in exchange when it becomes
empty.
And what kind of boat owner cares if his propane tank weights half of a
steel one?
I have 4 tons of lead in my keel so lightening a propane tank, even though
it is above the waterline, is a low priority for me.

Most of the serious cruising boats I see here use aluminum tanks.
Keeps the rust stains off the topsides....

Bruce-in-Bangkok
(correct email address for reply)

Composite Propane Tanks
 

On Apr 9, 3:29 pm, Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
Most of the serious cruising boats I see here use aluminum tanks.
Keeps the rust stains off the topsides....

And makes them easier to lug around. You can get LPG in some pretty
remote places but usually a long carry from the place you anchor your
boat...

-- Tom.