Extra propane storage tip

watson1987

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 7, 2021
Messages
403
Fluid Motion Model
R-31 S
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3119L718
Vessel Name
Clifford
MMSI Number
368265640
I'm heading north in a few weeks, and know that propane is harder to come by in Desolation Sound compared to the marinas in the San Juans. My outboard is also propane, so I already carry 3x 5lbs in the locker, but I just learned/realized that the blue propane torch containers that you can get at Home Depot neatly fit in-between the tanks. I can fit another 6-7 in-between the larger tanks, and the remaining space on the left side. The lid still closes without issue. Bonus points for them being cheaper to buy than the green Coleman tanks.

My outboard and BBQ already have adapters to run on either tank size, and for the stove buy one of these

IMG_2317.jpeg
 
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You might want to check out small tanks sold at REI. I have that as an extra tank in our R31.
 
I'm heading north in a few weeks, and know that propane is harder to come by in Desolation Sound compared to the marinas in the San Juans. My outboard is also propane, so I already carry 3x 5lbs in the locker, but I just learned/realized that the blue propane torch containers that you can get at Home Depot neatly fit in-between the tanks. I can fit another 6-7 in-between the larger tanks, and the remaining space on the left side. The lid still closes without issue. Bonus points for them being cheaper to buy than the green Coleman tanks.

My outboard and BBQ already have adapters to run on either tank size, and for the stove buy one of these

View attachment 25854
IMG_2383.jpeg

Fully loaded with 7 spares.
 
We’ve been up to DS five times over the past six years for 7-14 days. We have never run out of propane. If we run low, there is bulk propane for sale at Refuge Cove in the heart of DS. We have refilled there. You should call Refuge Cove before heading up there to confirm.
In the past there has also been bulk propane at Gorge Harbor but with the change in ownership not sure if it’s still available. In any event the small green propane cylinders are available at most marina stores if absolutely needed.
We leave for DS again for a 18 day trip. We have two five pound (1.2 gallon) tanks in the propane locker. We cook almost every breakfast and dinner on the boat using propane. Not really concerned about running out for trips up to two weeks.
PS: For us the priorities of cruising in DS have been in order:
1. Fresh water management
2. Battery charge state management
3. Black water tank level
4. Fresh vegetable procurement
5. Wine reserves
6. Diesel refueling
7. Propane
 
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I have a propane outboard. That’s my big consumer.

We are also going for 40 days.

I’ll give them a call this week before I head up, but I feel much better with all these blue ones.
 
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I’d give both Gorge and Refuge a call. Their web sites indicate they both may have bulk propane this season.
Have a great trip!
 
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