I always keep my eyes open for new technology and products that make sense in this ever-changing world of boating. And recently I found a product that makes so much sense I needed to get one right away.
Called the Composite Cylinder, it is manufactured by the Lite Cylinder Company of Franklin, Tennessee. Lite Cylinder is one of a growing number of companies that manufacture LPG tanks in composite material. Lighter than steel, corrosion free, these cylinders are the next step above what we have been using for LPG storage for years. I have two 10-lb aluminum tanks on Growler, and the genrally dank environment of the propane locker keeps them grungy looking, even though they don't rust.
What I really love about the new tank is that the level of propane can be readily seen through the composite tank material, so there is never any guesswork about how much propane remains for shipboard use. Trying to judge tank contents by lifting the tank by hand is guesswork at best, as one never really knows the amount left in the tanks.
I ordered the tank from one of the online retailers listed on the Lite Cylinder website (litecylinder.com), although I have since noticed similar composite tanks available from various marine suppliers. I ordered a 10-lb tank (three gallon) as a direct replacement for one of Growler's aluminum tanks. The Internet price was $89.
The parchment-colored Composite Cylinder is slightly narrower than the original aluminum tank, and a couple of inches higher, and it fit inside Growler's propane locker just fine. And best of all, I can see the propane level by just looking at the side of the cylinder.
Great stuff. I guess I'll be buying a second 10-lb cylinder for the boat, as well as a couple of 20-lb cylinders for the grill at home. My selection of steel and aluminum tanks will gather dust in my garage until I can find another use for them. Perhaps as components of a fluxgate capacitor for my DeLorean? Hmmm, I'm sure I can think of something.