Outboard fuel storage

[leelocke]

I''ve been looing at a lot of boats and haven''t seen a very safe way of storing a gasoline jug for the outboard. What do most people do? There''s usually a draining locker for the propane tank(s), but I haven''t really seen a locker that looks safe for gasoline.

[TrueBlue]

This may be a unique feature to my boat, but a possible retrofit for some sailboats with open aft deck areas, such as abaft of center cockpits or over swim platforms.

On the raised aft deck of my Nauticat Pilothouse Ketch, are two solid teak bench boxes flanking the aft helm station. Each bench-box measures about 42"l x 18"w x 20"h, is firmly screwed to blocks secured to the teak decking and has a hinged grated teak lid, under the upholstered top cushion. The bottom panel is vented.

I have found these boxes to be very versatile for storage of cruising gear while under way. One bench contains my spare alum. propane cylinder (the cylinder in use has a designated locker within the starboard side deck steps) and the tender''s outboard gas jugs . . . since the teak grating allows for required air circulation. The other bench works well for temporary stowage of PFDs, a small cooler, docking lines & chafing gear.

Steve

[hamiam]

Gas fumes are heavier than air so you do need to be careful. Ive always just used a jerry jug the type than can be found at West Marine for about $12. They hold 5 gals each, have 2 handles (one to carry it and one to pour) and can be lashed onto stantions or whatever. I guess its not an elegant solution but it works for daysailors all the way up to ''round the world cruisers..