Gemini 105Mc Owner’s Manual
12Copyright © 2004 Performance Cruising Inc.
Propane System
Propane System
Propane is recognized by most yachtsmen, as well
as the Coast Guard, as the best fuel for use on
boats. It is the easiest to obtain, economical, and
has more heating per pound than natural gas. In
terms of safety, propane will only explode if there
is a ratio of between 12,000 and 65,000 parts per
million of propane and air. There are three major
built-in safety systems to minimize any risks associ-
ated with the propane system:
x Flame Failure Overrides
x Xintec Propane Detector and Solenoid
x Propane Pressure Gauge
Although propane is odorless, an identifying odor
(mercaptan) is added so the gas can be readily de-
tected. Should a propane leak ever occur, the odor
is easily detectable at very low levels and over-
whelming at just 600 parts per million. Each pro-
pane bottle contains 20 pounds of propane and
takes a long time to escape from a bottle in the
event of a broken pipe. This is unlike gasoline
which, with a small spill, instantly evaporates to an
explosive mixture.
Always store the propane bottles in the cockpit
locker on the bridge. The locker contains ventila-
tion ports down through the bridge deck.
The pressure gauge is an essential safety feature
and is the first thing connected to the valve on the
bottle. The gauge does not indicate the level of the
gas in the tank; weighing the tank determines the
amount of propane in the bottle. The pressure
gauge provides easy and frequent leak testing of
the LPG system. After using the system and turning
off both the refrigerator and stove, and turning off
the gas at the bottle, the system should hold the
same pressure for at least 10 minutes. The pres-
sure reading will vary depending on the ambient
temperature. Warmer temperatures will cause the
pressure reading to increase while colder tempera-
tures will lessen the system pressure.
There is a separate and continuous copper line
from the propane junction to both the stove and
the refrigerator. There are no joints in the lines
except at the appliance.
Each appliance has a flame failure cut out. In the
event the flame is extinguished on either the stove
or the refrigerator while the unit is still in the “on”
position, the cut out system stops the propane from
flowing to the appliance.
Xintec Propane Control Panel
The Xintec Propane Fume Detector and Control Sys-
tem consist of two detectors located in the aft cabin
of each hull, the Control Panel mounted on the switch
panel, and the solenoid in the propane locker.
When the 12-volt Xintec Detector ‘Gas Valve’
breaker is first turned on, the propane detector goes
through a checking system and stabilizes with a green
light over the number of each sensor on the control
panel. The Xintec detector requires 200 milliamps to
operate. Pressing the left hand end button on the
Xintec control panel marked 'Solenoid', switches the
solenoid open. There is a loud click in the propane
locker when the solenoid opens.
In the event the detectors determine the existence of
3000 parts per million of propane fumes (25% of the
lower explosion point), the control panel will sound
an alarm and automatically close the solenoid which
cuts off the propane to the entire boat.
The Xintec owner’s manual has complete instructions
on system use and maintenance.
Propane Tanks
There are two (2) 20 lb. vertical bottles with a 5 year
rust protection and overfill protection. Note: New,
unfilled tanks are delivered with compressed air and
must be purged the first time they are used.
A rubber tube connects to the fitting that has a pres-
sure regulator. There is a special left-hand thread
that is first screwed into the bottle to connect the
tube and regulator.
Propane Junction And Solenoid
The rubber hose coming from the regulator is con-
nected to the solenoid and solenoid by-pass. The
solenoid bypass is intended for use when sailing with
no method of charging the batteries. The solenoid,
which takes (1) one amps per hour to keep open, can
be turned off. This system enables using the solenoid
when the boat is on shore power and when there is
the likelihood that the boat may be unattended. If
the propane is turned on, which would be the case for
a live aboard, and there were to be a leak, the pro-
pane detector would shut off the solenoid. When sail-
ing, the boat is attended and therefore any leak
would be detected by either the odor and/or the Xin-
tec alarm and the propane could be turned off manu-
ally at the tank. The bypass is opened by turning the
lever in line with the pipe that is bypassing the sole-
noid.
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