Composite Gas Tank

See-through tanks let you check levels.

0

Having had our propane supply run bone-dry at the worst possible time, we were drawn to the translucent composite liquid propane gas (LPG) tanks, which recently gained the approval of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The new tanks do not corrode and allow the user to see remaining fuel.

Ragasco  9-kg Tank

We found two types: Ragasco one-piece blow-molded tanks made in Norway, and two-piece molded tanks (with a seam joining the top and bottom) made by Lite Cylinder Co. in Franklin, Tenn. We obtained a 9-kilogram Ragasco tank from distributor Trident Marine (www.tridentmarine.com) for testing and noted that its dimensions (12.5 inches in diameter by 18 inches high) differed slightly from that of its 20-pound aluminum or steel equivalent. The tank may not fit in some propane lockers. The dimensions for the composite tank are actually smaller, but it is broader at the top and bottom.

We also noted that the external polyethylene web that encases the tank negated one advantage of a composite tank, the ability to easily fix a remote tank sensor (see “External Holding Tank Sensors,” February 2008). The Lite Cylinders, advertised by Defender Marine, (www.defender.com) expose more tank wall, so it may be possible to fit an external sensor.

The Ragasco tanks have been in use in Europe for several years and underwent extensive testing to get DOT approval. A two-piece composite tank split at the seams during fire tests, but neither tank type experienced a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE), the type of fatal explosions documented in metal tanks.

If you are happy with your inspected aluminum tanks,

Practical Sailor sees no real reason to switch right away. But if you are looking to upgrade, the composite tanks (a 9-kilogram tank costs about $100) allow you to better track fuel consumption. Whatever tank you use, it and its valves should conform with national safety standards (www.userpropane.com), and the onboard system should meet Standard A-1 from the American Boat and Yacht Council (www.abycinc.org), which covers the propane fuel system safety

Also with this article...
Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him at darrellnicholson.com.