scbafreak via BoatKB.com wrote:
In the old days, of the great sailing ships, water was kept on deck in a
cask for sailors. It was rationed, and was therefore kept under guard.

Perhaps it's a water cask.

I just got some drawings from a designer that happens to have one of these
barrels. The drawins aren't actual build drawings just something to look at
and help mull over a decision. The barrel seems to be a propane tank but I
am not entirely sure.

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Message posted via BoatKB.com
http://www.boatkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/boats/200611/1

In my opinion, that is nowhere close to ABYC compliant for a propane
tank. Also, it's way too big. Assuming propane would only be used for
the galley stove on that sailboat, that would be about a year's supply.