Storing Diesel Below Deck

[sandycohen]

Hello Folks -

I am considering storing a 5 gallon plastic diesel jerry can below deck in the same area where my permanent metal fuel tank is installed. The jerry can is the type with a 'pull trigger' handle as well as a secondary push button on the valve, both of which have to be engaged to pour fuel.

Is it unsafe to store this below deck? It is well braced, but even if the boat were to heel heavily and the can tilt, is this an unreasonable risky thing to do? What about from the standpoint of temperature stability (the area is not climate controlled so could range from 70 degrees to over 100 degrees on a hot summer day.

Thanks

Sandy

[Wand]

Can't see any probs at all; it's where I've stored the jerry and I'm still here to tell the tale...

[boatman61]

No worries at all mate... even with tempretures...
I've carried upto 6 25 litre jerries strapped on deck in direct sunlight in temps of 40c+... so down below... no sweat.
Its as safe as your fuel tank... only down side is the smell from any spillage...

[ozskipper]

Unlike petroleum (gas in the USA) and Propane (LPG Gas) its not explosive under normal conditions. So if you get a spill, at worst you will have a messy clean up. Assuming you dont set it alight.

[S/V Alchemy]

You haven't said what it will sit on or how it will be secured, but I assume it's going to be upright. I would consider putting it in its own plastic box (like a recycling bin) and cushioning the can with a couple of little fenders or a cut down pool noodle. You can secure the box itself with bungees or lashings. A secured box means it can't fall over or out, and there's nothing to chafe against, and if somehow a leak develops, it's contained...If diesel leaks in the box, you'll smell it strongly below.

I agree that it's better than on deck in several ways.