Anyone with spare CNG tanks?

[sail_flathead_lake]

I'm looking to buy an extra CNG tank or two. If anyone out there made the switch to propane but still has a tank around, please let me know. I'm in Madison WI, but would be able to arrange shipping.

Thanks!

[TomG]

I have a tank and a regulator. I can send pics if you're interested.

[joe_db]

I have one that is long out of hydro. My boat is literally about 20 feet from the other CNG tank owner

[sail_flathead_lake]

Joe_db and TomG,

No need for pics, and long out of testing is OK (there's a test place here in Madison). Any idea what you'd want for them? I have plenty of A4 parts if you're interested in a trade! I have a late model engine taken apart in my garage, all of which is good save for the block (found a crack when I took it to the machine shop for a washdown/measurement) and the alternator, which I stole for my other motor.

Thanks!!!

[joe_db]

Shipping won't be cheap - I think it would go as hazmat
The marinas around here usually have filled tanks you can buy outright or trade an empty for. Do you have a way to fill it once you have it?

[sail_flathead_lake]

According to the logistics guy at my job, UPS and FedEx will ship empty CNG tanks without hazmat, as long as it's ground (airplanes are a different story). http://forums.pda.sailboatowners.com...2&pp=20&page=2 seems to have similar information.

We do have a fill station here in Madison, but not one near my boat (Apostle Islands), and my one tank only lasted 1/2 the season last year.

I'll call UPS/FedEx and ask.

Thanks!!!

[joe_db]

I'll trade you for an accessory drive The tank is empty - been sitting in my shed for 20 years or so. Are you SURE you can get it filled? I don't think the fill hose is the same as the fill hose for a car. Someone - IIRC - used to sell an adaper for a car fill to fill the CNG tank. Apparently it holds about $2.00 worth of gas - as opposed to the $70 or so I pay to swap tanks
If the gas was cheaper and I had a marine-rated carb I would run the engine on it too.

According to the logistics guy at my job, UPS and FedEx will ship empty CNG tanks without hazmat, as long as it's ground (airplanes are a different story). http://forums.pda.sailboatowners.com...2&pp=20&page=2 seems to have similar information.

We do have a fill station here in Madison, but not one near my boat (Apostle Islands), and my one tank only lasted 1/2 the season last year.

I'll call UPS/FedEx and ask.

Thanks!!!

[sail_flathead_lake]

Joe,

I just called UPS - if the valve is removed it can be shipped ground as an 'empty cylinder'. Why you have to remove the valve is beyond me, but as I'd have to have the tank hydro tested anyway, removing the valve is no big deal.

Out local utility company (MG and E) fills CNG tanks once or twice a year for sailors. Turns out that the only other guy to show up is an employee at a marina in Illinois - he drives three hours to get here. He's got about 20 tanks in his pickup, and I have filled just my one tank. The last two times I did this they didn't charge me, because the $1.70 worth of gas was less than the work to bill me, I guess.

I'd love to get my hands on two tanks - let's wait and see what TomG says. If you guys are close, maybe we could combine shipments?

Not sure what shape the accessory drive I have is in... The motor last ran back in early 2000s, according to the PO.

I would happily trade if you could make use of it - I don't have any use for an accessory drive, but I sure could use a CNG tank!

[joe_db]

I think it just unscrews, but I have never done it.

Joe,

I just called UPS - if the valve is removed it can be shipped ground as an 'empty cylinder'. Why you have to remove the valve is beyond me, but as I'd have to have the tank hydro tested anyway, removing the valve is no big deal.

Out local utility company (MG and E) fills CNG tanks once or twice a year for sailors. Turns out that the only other guy to show up is an employee at a marina in Illinois - he drives three hours to get here. He's got about 20 tanks in his pickup, and I have filled just my one tank. The last two times I did this they didn't charge me, because the $1.70 worth of gas was less than the work to bill me, I guess.

I'd love to get my hands on two tanks - let's wait and see what TomG says. If you guys are close, maybe we could combine shipments?

Not sure what shape the accessory drive I have is in... The motor last ran back in early 2000s, according to the PO.

I would happily trade if you could make use of it - I don't have any use for an accessory drive, but I sure could use a CNG tank!

[sail_flathead_lake]

Yep - it unscrews. You will need a big wrench! I'm pretty sure they remove them when they do the hydro test.

[sail_flathead_lake]

Joe,

Check your PMs. I need your address. Have the accessory drive boxed and ready to go.

[joe_db]

Valve and ports open:

[sail_flathead_lake]

Awesome!

Let me know what the shipping estimate is and I'll send a check. Also, if you have and address for me I'll send out that accessory drive.

Have you heard from TomG about his tank?

[TomG]

Hey fellas,

What's the story?

Do we need a plywood box to crate them in?

[sail_flathead_lake]

TomG,

I don't know... I imagine that if you duct tape them together you might get away with a double-walled cardboard box and some styrofoam filler. I think that apart from the valve, they'd be hard to break.

How to you like the T30? Is it a starboard galley version? I really wanted one of those boats, but ended up with the Ranger 33 (which I love). I still think about Tartan 30s longingly, though.

Please do let me know if there's anything I can send along for your trouble. I have a spare A4 for parts that is just collecting dust in my garage...