Fuel tank vent location

[bauer965]

Thinking about rerouting my fuel tank vent as the num-nut who installed it made it twice as long as necessary, many bends, partial kinks, and possible low points.

Does anyone have any good reason why I shouldn't vent to the cockpit well? It would provide a straighter shorter inclined run from the tank. The downside it that it would be about 1' lower than where it currently terminates off the cabin side midships, and in theory could ingest water if the cockpit well was inundated with water, but I think that likeliness is the the same or less than its current location. And of course there would be a clamshell cover to keep most water out.

I believe many boats have a vent on the inbord side of the cockpit gunwale, this would be the same principle, just several inches lower in the well portion.

Please comment only on thoughts about this location. I know the ideal location, but it presents plumbing difficulties.




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[Lepke]

Usually the vent is as high as possible to protect the fuel supply from unknown future submergence risks. As a commercial fisherman, I survived a 90° roll and another nearly that big on a warship. A minute before either roll, I wouldn't have predicted a large roll. The point being, the ocean is hard to predict. While you may be a cautious sailor, some future owner may not be. There could be liability.
As far as the current routing, only vented fuel tank air or air replacing fuel should ever be in the vent tubing. Bends and low spots shouldn't matter. There should be a loop above the vent fitting so any water entering has to drain out the fitting.
I have a power boat now, but in my youth did a lot of sailing. Including racing and crewing on a fishing schooner. Water in the cockpit was common.