How to remove propane locker? SO40

[gene]

I need access to install some davits in my SO40 and I don't see an obvious way of removing the propane locker. Anyone done this?

Thanks Gene

[rxc]

Ahhhh... I can't tell you exactly where the cut line is on your 40DS, but I can tell you that there is one. When I had the genset and arch installed on my 43DS, they removed both the propane locker and the other one on the other side of the boat. I told them to NOT glue them back, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made.

You will need to poke around the top edge of the locker with a pointed object, looking for the one spot that feels like it is a bead of soft silicone. Jeanneau matches the colors so well you cannot see it, but the joint is there. You will then have to cut the joint with a mat-knife, or something similar. All the way around. I don't remember if there are screws, but can check for you, if you can wait till next week, when I am back on the boat. I will also take some photos.

[gene]

I was hoping it was not glued in. I has been out once for sure as there is a motor lift mounted which would have required removal of the propane locker. A technically capable 6 year old could get in from the other side but I don't have access to one. Anybody want to loan me theirs?

Boat is not a DS but locker mounting should be similar. If glued then I hope the yard that did the first job used something other than 5200 or similar.

I will be starting the project next week if the davits arrive so any more input would be appreciated.


Gene

[Don Reaves]

I'm sure the reason for the glue is to keep propane from leaking into the boat. If it were my boat, I'd glue it in when replacing it.

Don

[rxc]

Sorry this reply is late – the trip to the boat was delayed by a week.

Attached are some photos of my gas bottle locker, with close-ups that show where the joint is. There were no screws anywhere to attach the locker into the structure. The locker is a one-piece “bucket” of fiberglass with a drain opening in the bottom that has a hose that leads to an overboard in the transom of the boat. The gas supply hose into the boat goes thru another opening in the side or the bucket, and this is sealed with silicone. The wires to the solenoid also go thru a side opening that is sealed, and the screws that fix the solenoid to the inside of the bucket are also sealed, as well. In order to remove the locker, you have to find the seam and use a thin sharp blade to slice it all the way around. It then comes out in one piece.

The only problem is the drain hose, which is not quite long enough to come all the way out. I chose to cut the drain hose in an accessible location and install a removable hose barb. It is a pain, but I think that Jeanneau did it this way to ensure that the hose does not have any loops that could collect water and prevent gas from draining out of the locker. There is plenty of slack in the wires and the gas supply hose.

Don Reaves' comment above about sealing the joint did not concern me too much when I first saw it, but now I know that it is a good idea to re-seal the edge, or else it can leak water into the interior of the boat. Normally, our cockpit enclosure keeps rain (and breaking seas) out of the cockpit and from getting into the gas locker. But we have just taken the enclosure down for the winter, and while we were sleeping in the aft cockpit we noticed some leakage, and traced it to the seal on the gas locker. So, now it has a thin seal of silicone, but can be opened easily if/when necessary. Also, I noted that the lid for the locker has a gasket that provides a good seal, so that gas is unlikely to leak out the top and thru the joint.

In an case, it is VERY useful to be able to get into this part of the boat, for access to things like the autopilot, the engine exhaust thru-hull, and, on my boat, the bottom of the arch. I would love to figure out some way to use this area for stowage of bumpers, but haven’t quite figured out how to make that happen.

I second your desire to "occasionally" have a technically capable 6-year old available. I have tried to teach a cat to pull cables, but they don't quite grasp the concept...

[gene]

Thanks for the info. I will remove it when I get time. I used heavy screws to secure the lower support and they seemed to work fine on our recent trip. At some point I want to mount a cleat back there so will need access then for sure.

Your cat is more likely to crawl in some inaccessible place and get stuck forcing you to take the boat apart just to get him (her) out.

Gene

[jaminb]

Just removed mine to upgrade the flexible gas pipe fitting and free a fender that had welded to the heater exhaust.

I would just like to thank whoever stuck the bucket in last time (probably the Webasto fitter) using a whole tube of silicone.  It has only take me a day, the skin off all my knuckles, a bread knife, 2 craft knives, and hammering in wedges to finally get the mother out of my SO37.  Removing the drain pipe was the easy bit, access can be had by removing a ply panel to the rear of port cockpit locker (3 cabin version).

Any smart ideas for fixing the bucket back in to allow for easier future access? (other than less silicone)