Is on deck fuel tank legal?

[Luvtheocean67]

I have a 1998 Wellcraft CCF190. The original (poly) fuel tank has developed a leak and I am going to either replace it or abandon-in-place and use an on-deck fuel tank. I found a 22 gal moeller above deck tank that fits between my seat posts. I was told by someone this is illegal and "if I'm stopped by the Harbor Patrol or Coast Guard, I would get a hefty fine". I live/boat in Massachusetts. Does anyone know if this is true? It would be a much simpler repair. Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[GA_Boater]

I would offer my opinion, but why don't you call the people issuing the citations?

If you do use an above deck tank, make sure it's well secured. You don't want 22 gallons of gas in a tank flopping around in rough waters.

 

[dwco5051]

I would offer my opinion, but why don't you call the people issuing the citations?

Even if legal to operate with a tank change I could see a problem if involved it some sort of accident and being sued. The first thing the plaintiff's attorney will ask is the installation meet all requirements of ABYC H-24 pertaining to installation of gasoline fuel systems.

 

[Chris1956]

It is legal in NJ. I expect it to be legal in Ma, but you should check.

 

[jhande]

So in Mass I couldn't run my boat with an outboard motor with it's poly carry along tank?

I would check with the proper authorities.

 

[Luvtheocean67]

I would offer my opinion, but why don't you call the people issuing the citations?

If you do use an above deck tank, make sure it's well secured. You don't want 22 gallons of gas in a tank flopping around in rough waters.

Thanks for all the replys. If on deck, I have plans to secure the tank firmly. However, I will heed all the advise and call the authorities and ask the question.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would replace the below deck tank just because there is an issue that lead to the original tank to leak. That and i would want maximum deck space

 

[Texasmark]

Well back in the day when smaller outboard boats had a couple of 6 gallon tanks for fuel, they weren't really on deck, more like under the deck. I suppose with a CC and inadequate space under the console, one might opt for on deck storage. Ask the water cops seems to be the right answer....on getting sued, when is the last time you saw or heard of a boating accident? Only ones I ever heard of were in the news and the operator was drunk.....nothing about gas cans.