gasoline storage.

[meboater]

I have a Tanzer 22 with an OB. My previous tanzer had no seperate spot for fuel. it was kept under the cockpit seats. This boat has a dedicated area adjacent the transom. I typically keep a spare 3 gal tank under the seats.

It occurs to me that this boat has a continous bilge. The electrical panel is wired under the V-berth. It seems to me that if I were to spill fuel in any part of the bilge, the entire bilge could fill with fumes. Given that there is a battery and a bunch of connections, I have some safety concerns. Let's say the fuel spilled, the bige filled with fumes, and something shifted causing an electical spark.

Is this a realistic concern? I could solve this problem with this particular boat with a 6 gallon tank. But- they were originally designed without fuel storage. If I put a spare tank under the seats, might I blow up?

HH

[poopdeckpappy]

I would lash spare gas to the deck at the stanchions, unless you rig a blower that would ventilate the entire bilge to go along with your 6 gal tanks

[75R20]

I wouldn't think that you have a problem, because as you stated, you are aware of it. You also know of a repair or fix for it. Also gas vapors have to be of a certain concentration for them to become combustible. that ratio is somewhere in 7 to 1 to 15 to 1 range.
My fuel tank is in the lazerette, and the lazerette is not completely vapor tite, and does have access to the bilge, I've never thought twice about it.
I don't refuel my tank while it's in the lazerette, and the tank doesn't leak.
Not uncommon in smaller boats.
Best of luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080

[fordo]

You should not store gasoline(or propane) in any area that vents to the interior of the boat. A blower could help but the are designed to be run prior to starting an inboard engine. Your fire danger is much more random, any spark at any time. You can't run the blower continuously. Remember, you're aboard a boat; anything that can leak will leak eventually. Do as PDP suggests and lash the spare to the stanchions.

[tommays]

I use to cruise the J24 with 2 X 6 gallon outboard tanks which were always stowed and secured in the lazaret when not in use never lost a drop or had any problems

Of course the tank was always on deck when in use as it should be and a strap to hold it down is always a good idea as you would be surprised how much they can move around

[MARC2012]

Unfortunately one problem could be all that is needed.marc

[HerbDB]

Originally Posted by 75R20

I wouldn't think that you have a problem, because as you stated, you are aware of it. You also know of a repair or fix for it. Also gas vapors have to be of a certain concentration for them to become combustible. that ratio is somewhere in 7 to 1 to 15 to 1 range.
My fuel tank is in the lazerette, and the lazerette is not completely vapor tite, and does have access to the bilge, I've never thought twice about it.
I don't refuel my tank while it's in the lazerette, and the tank doesn't leak.
Not uncommon in smaller boats.
Best of luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080

With all due respect for others opinions, I believe this is very bad advise. The potential for fumes accumulating in the hull is there. Go with your instincts and don't do it!!

[tommays]

Well

How do you think every outboard powered sail and power boat stores there fuel ?

[tager]

I definitely do not store my fuel in my cockpit lockers. I have a 26' outboard powered boat.

[RXBOT]

My little sloop is very similar to T-22. I have freind with ss square tubing and welder. So made frame that fits against transom between seats (lockers) and holds tanks a few inches off cockpit floor and is obviously above the self drains. Transom forms back,lockers sides, you need to close in front and top with plywood or your choice. Hinge or slide top, front doesn't need to open.I have tiller and mainsheet attach in this area so works for me.