|
01-06-2021, 09:58
|
#1
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Boat: 1983 Freedom 21 (shoal keel)
Posts: 66
|
Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
The gas tank for the outboard on my small boat was stored in the cockpit bench locker when I purchased the boat. I've since kept it in the open in the cockpit to ensure good ventilation, but it's an annoying place to keep it and I'm a little concerned about UV degrading the tank & lines since I don't leave the bimini top up when I'm not around.
Would it be safe to move it back to the bench locker? The locker is totally isolated from the cabin and has drains at the bottom so theoretically if the vapors are heavier than air then they should just drain out, right? There's also no electronics or other ignition sources in there.
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:02
|
#2
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Nice, France
Boat: Hunter Marine 38
Posts: 1,342
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Where are the drains leading to, Inside the hull or outside?
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:09
|
#3
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
I’d be willing to bet that’s where the builder intended the tank to be kept
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:13
|
#4
|
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Minnesota
Boat: Tartan 3800
Posts: 4,848
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
I would think that you will have to decide for yourself.
Many newer boats have fuel lockers that vent overboard. Mine does.
You might consider using an outboard that does not require a separate fuel tank. 6hp should be plenty for you, and 6hp motors with internal tanks are available.
__________________
The best part of an adventure is the people you meet.
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:24
|
#5
|
Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 49,364
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Quote:
Originally Posted by sailormed
Where are the drains leading to, Inside the hull [cockpit] or outside?
|
Gasoline produces ignitable vapors that are 3 to 4 times heavier than air, and gives off enough vapor to flash, when exposed to an external ignition source at temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees F.
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:25
|
#6
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Boat: 1983 Freedom 21 (shoal keel)
Posts: 66
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
sailormed - The locker drains to the cockpit, which has always-open scuppers through the transom, so there's no open connection with the cabin. (You can see the drains in the picture in the original post).
Jammer - I actually am running a 6HP with a built-in tank, but it came hooked up to an external tank and I actually prefer the external setup - easier to gauge fuel level and easier to take it to a gas station and refill.
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 10:33
|
#7
|
Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Rock Hall, MD
Boat: Mariner 39
Posts: 699
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
I have a similar storage compartment where I keep my outboard gas tank all the time. There are no vents to the boat interior. I keep my small propane bottles in there, too. Any leaks are going to find there way out the cockpit drains if not blown away in a breeze.
As you noted, it is nice to have that tank out of the way and to be shielded from direct sunlight. I was less worried about the long term UV degradation and more concerned about the daily expansion/contraction from heating/cooling.
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 12:35
|
#9
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Nice, France
Boat: Hunter Marine 38
Posts: 1,342
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Quote:
Originally Posted by boatman61
Its just fine in that locker..
|
Agreed, after seeing your answer in P6.
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 12:42
|
#10
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Skagit City, WA
Posts: 25,514
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Quote:
Originally Posted by iansan5653
The gas tank for the outboard on my small boat was stored in the cockpit bench locker when I purchased the boat. I've since kept it in the open in the cockpit to ensure good ventilation, but it's an annoying place to keep it and I'm a little concerned about UV degrading the tank & lines since I don't leave the bimini top up when I'm not around.
Would it be safe to move it back to the bench locker? The locker is totally isolated from the cabin and has drains at the bottom so theoretically if the vapors are heavier than air then they should just drain out, right? There's also no electronics or other ignition sources in there.
|
If it's sealed from the interior of the boat entirely, I dont see why not.
__________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Broads and Boats. The rest I wasted" - Elmore Leonard
|
|
|
01-06-2021, 13:21
|
#11
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Boat: 1983 Freedom 21 (shoal keel)
Posts: 66
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Thanks all for the input. It's good to have the peace of mind that I'm not unknowingly doing something dangerous.
|
|
|
02-06-2021, 08:36
|
#12
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Southern MD, Chesapeake Bay
Boat: Catalina & Maycraft
Posts: 996
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
I believe that's what that particular locker was intended for. I have a different boat, C22, and it has the same fuel locker design.
|
|
|
02-06-2021, 09:19
|
#13
|
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Fond du Lac WI
Boat: Watkins 27 - 27'
Posts: 922
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
You're probably OK but if it were me? I'd add an overboard drain as well (belt and suspenders). With gas there is no such thing as 'too safe'.
In any case, make sure you clean out the lines regularly; spiders love 'em.
|
|
|
03-06-2021, 15:06
|
#14
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SC
Boat: None,build the one shown of glass, had many from 6' to 48'.
Posts: 10,208
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Quote:
Originally Posted by iansan5653
The gas tank for the outboard on my small boat was stored in the cockpit bench locker when I purchased the boat. I've since kept it in the open in the cockpit to ensure good ventilation, but it's an annoying place to keep it and I'm a little concerned about UV degrading the tank & lines since I don't leave the bimini top up when I'm not around.
Would it be safe to move it back to the bench locker? The locker is totally isolated from the cabin and has drains at the bottom so theoretically if the vapors are heavier than air then they should just drain out, right? There's also no electronics or other ignition sources in there.
|
|
|
|
06-06-2021, 11:19
|
#15
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area (Boat Sold)
Boat: Former owner of a Valiant V40
Posts: 1,152
|
Re: Safe to store gas tank in isolated cockpit bench locker?
Just don't open that locker while smoking ...
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Advertise Here
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor Spotlight |
|
|
|
|
|