2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

[Nick1218]

Should I vent, using clam shell vents - on opposite boat sides - one vent facing forward, the other to the stern - the aft (aprox 32 cu ft" locker) where gas can is stored with fuel line to 9.9 outboard in 26' MacGregor sailboat? And if so, what size vents and holes?

Hate the thought of cutting holes in the sides of a perfectly good sailboat, but don't like the idea of fumes.....

 

[robert graham]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

Maybe better to just store your extra fuel cans above deck?..In the long run, probably the best. Good luck and don't get blown up!

 

[Nick1218]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

Not my secondary storage, it the primary. I do appreciate your sentiments about my future. Other options you might suggest - like venting?

 

[Mark SF]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

Good god, of course. You can't have a vented gas tank in an unvented space, at least without taking out some very good life insurance first.

 

[Nick1218]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

Good god, of course. You can't have a vented gas tank in an unvented space, at least without taking out some very good life insurance first.

Then how would you vent the space? That was the original question. The gas tank's vent would be manually closed when not in use. And would be opened when in use. I'm not sure life insurance would solve the venting problem, but I appreciate your humor.

 

[tommays]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

A lot of the newer outboard powered sailboats have a vented fuel tank locker

On older boats there is really NO way to make it safe and when the tank is in use it should be ON deck with a strap

 

[Mark SF]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

I think I would try and put two vents at different heights - not sure if gas fumes are heavier or lighter than air but either way with a vent at the bottom and a vent at the top you have it covered and you have convection helping the air flow.

My experience is that the top of those tanks always get covered in gas so even when the vent is closed you need some ventilation during storage.

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

___

 

[l008com]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

easy as 123

 

[ghamby]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

My boat had clamshell vents on the motor lazerete hatches. Gasoline fumes
rise. Could you put vents on the hatch cover? This would avoid cutting into
the hull or deck proper. 1-1/2 dia. holes would probably do. GH
ps, I looked at a pic of a McGregor 26, I think my solution does not apply. Post us a picture of your boat please.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 2 1/2 gallon gas container storage, venting?

Gasoline fumes don't rise they are heavy and could infiltrate below deck.
When vents are installed one is piped low to vent the fumes collected in the bildge.
Heavy gas fumes is why tanks are to be removed from the boat to fill.
Even if in the open cockpit fumes could flow below deck when in use.