Rusting propane tanks

[Osprey]

I think Pugtug613's reference to 13# tanks refers to the tank's "water capacity". The other references such as 5#, refers to the tank's propane capacity i.e. how much propane can the tank hold. About 5 #, or actually a little less, is the correct figure for the standard tanks supplied on Ranger tugs.

 

[Red Raven]

Yes, I was referring to 5lb propane capacity, which is how they are sold.

Curt

 

[Sam Walker]

Awesome. I learned something. Well at least there is less hazard by having less propane on board. Glad to see that it lasts as long as it does. Thanks all.

 

[Todd]

Go to a good auto supply store and get POR 15 paint. Stands for "Paint Over Rust" I use this product on a lot of equipment in pump pits which are always wet and it holds up a long time.

 

[Crewdog]

Well, I had been lifting the propane locker hatch and spraying down the cylinders and locker area after each saltwater day, but after lifting the tanks out with some difficulty yesterday, the base rings are almost completely rusted out, and tank bottoms are pretty bad.

Am able to use the propane in the tanks on home outdoor grill; will pull valve and dispose of tanks when done, but will order new tanks for boat.

Lesson learned and recommendation for all propane tank vessels:
If you're going to fresh water wash down the boat after a day on saltwater, lift out the tanks from their mount and spray down the bottoms too.

Maybe some do this already, but wanted to put it on the site.

 

[Red Raven]

Excellent point. Thanks for the tip!

 

[R Baker]

For aluminum tanks you might look at www.vintagetrailersupply.com They list a number of different sizes with detailed specs.

 

[Franky]

What I did was to have my tanks dipped in heavy plastic. Like you see on truck beds. Now ours tanks have lasted for 4 years and no rust. You must have tanks sand blazed to make the dip setup to the tank. But back shure you don't fill in the date and year tanks was made. We just used a light coat their so they can see it for refilling . Will get some picks up soon. Also did the deck box too...

 

[BradOwens]

I placed a ribbed rubber mat from Home Depot in the bottom of the locker. The ribs keep the tank and other contents up off the bottom of the locker to improve drainage, and keep them from vibrating against the fiberglass so the paint won't wear off exposing the metal.

 

[knotflying]

Well, I tried something a bit different. I used the Ospho and then painted with the cold galvanized. I then put the tank bottom in a plastic bag 3/4 of the way up and wrapped it tight. I then put a plastic bag over the tank overlapping the bottom half and kept it loose so water will drain over the lower bag but also allow any escaped gas to fall to the bottom. Another thought I had was to spray some of that rubberized coating you see advertised on those infomercials where the guy sprays a screen door attached to the bottom of a boat and floats away.