Propane Info Correction
26 April 2007
Correction on our propane capacity: A little rehashing of the propane issue
We carry a main tank that is 10 lbs., and a small auxiliary tank that is 1 to 2 lbs. (from Home Depot in San Diego, and neither of us remember it's capacity - it doesn't say on the tank.)
While living aboard for 3 1/2 years in Tacoma, we used only the 10 lb. tank, which we refilled about every 9 or 10 weeks, depending on how much we used the oven.
Sailing down the WA/OR/CA coastlines, we never had to ration our propane use, even though for the first time, we were using it for three meals a day, everyday, (unlike living in Tacoma, when we drank coffee and ate lunch at work).
During our coastal trip, during the cold winter months, with much cooking and baking, one full tank lasted about 8 weeks.
So, we were not throwing caution to the wind by heading off with the capacity of 12 lbs. of propane onboard. The fact of the matter is that we inadvertently took of with less than the 12 lbs. We estimate there is 4-5 lbs total in the two bottles. One thing is for sure, for us at least: warm food is a must during an ocean crossing. Rationing propane would not be a good thing.