CNG Tank Supplier / Refil

[Joe CD MS 300]

I don’t have a sense of how many here use CNG on their boats. The fact that it is lighter than air is appealing from a safety standpoint. Apparently the supplier to many marinas in the Northeast / New England was acquired by a large foreign company that has suspended or discontinued deliveries to marinas for exchange. My yard in Rockland ME said to start thinking about converting to propane.

In searching for another source of tanks I came across this CNG fleet supplier who will refill “in compliance” tanks at their Tewksbury MA location. They just need to have a days notice since their locations are self service but to fill the typical marine tanks they would need to have technician there.

AVSG
Mike Manning 617 571-8122
20 Maine St
Tewksbury MA 01876

[Frenchy]

I use CNG too, Joe, and am going to stick with it as long as possible. My tank, a large scuba type, is way
out of compliance. It needs a pressure test. So I don't know what's going to happen when it needs to be re-filled.
Corps Brothers in R.I. used to supply the gas, but now I don't know. - Jean

[Jim Walsh]

A few years ago my propane tank was due for recertification. It was recertified by a fire equipment company. It’s not a service widely known which they perform. It only cost a couple bucks. There are several fire equipment companies in Rhode Island and I bet they would be the resource needed to get your tank recertification.

[gonesail]

I had one of the scuba tanks filled in Jacksonville about 10 years ago and the guy told me they were phasing out CNG fill stations. I converted over to propane so have no idea how to fill them today.

[Jack.Ducas]

Joe,
I have used compressed natural gas for my stove top burners, oven, and on demand hot water heater for as long as I've owned CD 30 FAYAWAY. I bought her that way more than 20 years ago now come to think of it. I actually just replaced or should say exchanged my empty tank for a full one last week. Mind you I don't use it often and as near as I can remember the last time I did an exchange it was 7-8 years ago. Frank Hall Boat Yard in Westerly RI is where you can do an exchange. Fayaway actually has the ability to carry 2 tanks about 16"-18" longer than a scuba tank, 1 in each cockpit locker. I carry only one. I'm pretty sure you can buy the tank there as well. Large tank exchange cost was about $80 bucks last week. I can remember when it was $50 or so. They have scuba tank size there as well, cost unknown. New tank to buy both sizes cost unknown. Love the stuff, very safe, reasonable in cost and efficient. The PO used to bake bread

[Frenchy]

Thanks, Jack - Now I know to go to Westerly, R.I. when my tank runs dry. - Jean

[Steve Laume]

I have the scuba sized tanks on Raven. I tend to go through about one a year for cooking. I messed up a few years ago when I left with an empty spare. I ran out in Canada and there was no way I was going to get it filled or exchanged. I cooked on a quart, paint can with a roll of toilet paper stuffed in there and filled with alcohol. This basically creates a large sterno can. I put it in my pressure cooker pot and used the oven grate on top. It got me home but was less than desirable. I will never leave home with an empty spare again so at least something was gained and I am going to carry an extra single burner stove for more remote trips from now on.

All that said, I was a bit worried when I heard news of discontinuing CNG fills. I also go to Frank Hall's to exchange my tanks. It is very easy. Drop off the old one and walk away with a full one that is within it's certification date and usually freshly painted. The scuba sized one cost me $69 and change. Nice folks there and some pretty boats in the yard if you go off season.

I have also watched videos of people making up adapters to fill these tanks at CNG filling stations. This seems a bit dodgy and is probably not legal. That might not stop me but I will simply exchange them, for as long as I can, Steve.

[Joe CD MS 300]

Joe,
I have used compressed natural gas for my stove top burners, oven, and on demand hot water heater for as long as I've owned CD 30 FAYAWAY. I bought her that way more than 20 years ago now come to think of it. I actually just replaced or should say exchanged my empty tank for a full one last week. Mind you I don't use it often and as near as I can remember the last time I did an exchange it was 7-8 years ago. Frank Hall Boat Yard in Westerly RI is where you can do an exchange. Fayaway actually has the ability to carry 2 tanks about 16"-18" longer than a scuba tank, 1 in each cockpit locker. I carry only one. I'm pretty sure you can buy the tank there as well. Large tank exchange cost was about $80 bucks last week. I can remember when it was $50 or so. They have scuba tank size there as well, cost unknown. New tank to buy both sizes cost unknown. Love the stuff, very safe, reasonable in cost and efficient. The PO used to bake bread

Thanks Jack, I may stop by there on one of my next trips between Maine and Philly. It’s not far off my regular route. The tank I’m on now is probably getting low. My spare is from 2017. I wonder where they get their tanks or refill and how long they will be able to supply.

[Jack.Ducas]

Joe, I believe they get the tanks refilled out of somewhere in Providence, RI. Should you make the trip this year FAYAWAY is in the next marina down the river less than 1/4 of a mile from Frank Halls. Lotteryville Marina. The only sailboat in the place, at the end of the dock. Feel free to stop by if you like.

[Joe CD MS 300]

Joe,
I have used compressed natural gas for my stove top burners, oven, and on demand hot water heater for as long as I've owned CD 30 FAYAWAY. I bought her that way more than 20 years ago now come to think of it. I actually just replaced or should say exchanged my empty tank for a full one last week. Mind you I don't use it often and as near as I can remember the last time I did an exchange it was 7-8 years ago. Frank Hall Boat Yard in Westerly RI is where you can do an exchange. Fayaway actually has the ability to carry 2 tanks about 16"-18" longer than a scuba tank, 1 in each cockpit locker. I carry only one. I'm pretty sure you can buy the tank there as well. Large tank exchange cost was about $80 bucks last week. I can remember when it was $50 or so. They have scuba tank size there as well, cost unknown. New tank to buy both sizes cost unknown. Love the stuff, very safe, reasonable in cost and efficient. The PO used to bake bread

Just called the Frank Hall Boat yard. Looks like they are having the same problem as most other places, no tanks for exchange at present.

Did call MaineOxy's location in Rockland Maine. They don't refill CNG there but would take tanks to their Auburn Maine location for refill and recertification if necessary. They have locations all over New England so maybe they have other spots as well.

There is also an adapter for sale by a western CNG supplier on ebay for $175 that ban be used to refill marine tanks at fleet refilling stations.

https://www.maineoxy.com/gases/specialty-gases/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... =emb_title

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sail-Boat-CNG- ... SwhY1ePIEK

[gonesail]

filling a scuba tank at a CNG vehicle station would not be for the faint of heart. but it can be done. keeping an eye on the pressure is the key. and who is going to stop you?

[Joe CD MS 300]

What is the pressure limits of scuba tanks? I believe that the CNG Typically used on boats are filled to 2,200 lbs.