Propane tank OPD valve

[Randygh]

My boat is equipped with a small Seaward propane locker with a 1 gal tank. The tank has the old style valve and I need to replace the tank or valve. I looked at the Seaward, Fisheries, and Boatfix websites and I can't find a new tank. If I take the tank to a local propane dealer, can the tank be refitted with a proper size OPD valve? Has anyone purchased a new one gallon tank to replace the old tank? If so, where did you purchase it? Thanks for any info.

[heymagic]

Check the local RV supplier, I picked one up last year in Oly.

[Go Aweigh2452]

I bought a 1 gal at Home Depot last year for half of what Camping World charges.

I swapped the valves in several. It's a pretty simple deal. Much cheaper than a new tank as well. Getting the float adjusted for a 1 gallon tank took a couple of tries.

[Go Aweigh2452]

only problem I see changing out an older tank assembly is that the certification stamped on the tank expires eventually so if the tank is already close to expiration, better to just replace with new. Then you have little worries about leakage, etc. The places I have had fill them check the date on my older looking bottles.

Yeah... but propane bottles test every 12 years. If your bottle is that old... it's time for a new one anyhow... :)

Besides... you can trade them in at a Blue Rhino station and get a new one anytime you want.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Besides... you can trade them in at a Blue Rhino station and get a new one anytime you want.


I thought they only did 5 gal size? That's all I've seen and I have an account with them...

They only do 5.5 gallon bottles. But, that's how I got rid of any older non-OPD tanks I had. I also cannibalized an OPD valve off one of my 5.5's and now I'm all good :)

They don't care about OPDs for turn ins for exchanges at all.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Yeah I know, I had a different company (like rhino) and forgot when I went to exchange it and went to a Rhino dealer by accident. They said, no problem, pulled the plastic name off the bottle and took it in exchange... I've used Rhino ever since... But I still like to get my own bottle filled.... caost is $8 using a farm store verses Rhino exchange for around $15...

I only did the Rhino thing to get rid of my non-OPD valve... smell what I'm cookin' ther Doug?

8)

[Go Aweigh2452]

speaking of cooking... fresh beeeeeer should be ready for Chowder fest... hahahahahahahahahahaha

I think I'll keg it next Sat.... looks to be about 5.5 percent... not butt kickin but will give a good buzz...

[Randygh]

I emailed Fisheries Supply about an OPD valve vs. a new tank. My tank is older than 12 yrs and I need to buy a new tank. Fisheries does stock the tanks. But, my propane locker is the old style with a beveled bottom on one side. A new tank requires a retrofit lid, but the Fisheries guy didn't know if the retrofit lid will fit on the older style lockers. The dimensions are the same of both lockers so I assume the new style lid will fit on the old locker. Has anyone purchased a Seaward 1 gal propane retrofit lid for the older style locker? I may end up buying a whole new locker and tank but would be cheaper to just get the tank and lid. :?:

Ya know the bottle can be older than 12 years and still be servicable. Have you called around to find out if someone will hydro test it? For an older application like that, you might be better off? Head pressure on an LP tank is very low (I think around 150 or so normally) and not much higher than 250 max rating. You'd have to have a pretty dogged out bottle for it to fail hydro. Just a thought. They usually only charge $15-$20 for most bottles. Might be cheaper than buying new and you're good for another 12 years. :)

[Go Aweigh2452]

brand new bottles at Costco for $19 and change... why bother with the old rusty looking ones? If the new one leaks, you bring it back. Old one leaks after getting the new valve??? Besides, I would rather have a nice new one on the boat then an old one that has a greater chance of leaking... :roll:

reminds of the song by P.O.D. "Boom"...

I think it's more a matter of getting it to fit his locker. How much are those?

[Randygh]

A new locker including tank is $203.00 at FS. I can't find one at BoatFix. I appreciate the help and info the folks at FS provide so I'll buy from them. They've been good to me over the last several years, but I've saved alot of money on the inflatable, motor, davits, fishfinder, & GPS by purchasing through eBay.

I mounted the inflatable on my swimstep tonight. Looks pretty snazzy, just like the big boats. The inflatable fits around my 9.9 kicker when it is lifted for travel, however I won't be able to use the kicker when lowered and the inflatable is lifted up out of the water. Because it is smaller, I may have to use my new 3.5 Nissan as a kicker motor forthe boat, however I don't think it's shaft will be long enough to reach below my hull and the small fuel tank would be a real pain. Perhaps I'll be able to tie up the bow of the inflatable to my stern hand rail when I'm trolling and use the 9.9.

[Randygh]

The retrofit lid and new tank fit A-OK in the 1 gallon locker. FS had 'em to me overnight. $100.00 total for both pieces.

Congrats. New stuff is always cool.. as long as it doesn't cost too much. :)