''73 Pearson 26 gas storage...

[craigcurtis]

I recently bought a 73 Pearson 26 standard. This particular model only has a small rimmed platform underneath the cockpit sole for the outboard fuel tank storage. The guy who sold me the boat says he never stored the fuel tank there because of the possibility of fumes collecting. Instead, he lashes the tank to the back of a cockpit seat. I''d rather use the platform underneath the cockpit sole, but am also concerned about the collection of gas fumes. Anyone out there have an opinion, experiential or otherwise?

[Irwin32]

Below cockpit sole seems to suggest an enclosed space. You do need a well vented compartment. An inboard gas engine would also need a blower. I am not sure about a tank only set up, as you do not have an engine that delivers a spark sitting in the compartment. Propane lockers do not need a blower, but they do need a vent and it needs to vent from the bottom of the locker.

[boatmad]

Like the title says, if you have a gas tank below decks, you need ventilation hoses and a ventilator fan. This is a Coast Guard reg--you might want to call the Auxiliary to clarify this, but basically, even if it weren't required, you'd want to do it anyway. The fan should be non sparking!! It's not particularly difficult to set up, but it will smell like gas below decks. I'd probably stick with above decks storage. Gas fumes, as you probably know, sink to the lowest space in your bilges, can actually blow in through your cabin entrance.

Good luck,

Boatmad

[sailingdog]

I'd be hesitant to store gasoline anywhere below decks... if it leaks or spills, the effects can be devastating. A pound of gasoline, once vaporized has about seven times the explosive power of a pound of dynamite.

[sailandoar]

Provide a vent for the tank.

(1) Decide where you will mount the tank and provide a means to secure it such as wooden cleats screwed/glued to the deck inside the locker. Also provide a hold down strap.

(2) Get an extra cap for the tank you have and epoxy or 3M-5200 a tube or pipe fitting into the top of the cap after drilling a hole.

(3) Mount a vent fitting throught the hull just as you would for a permenantly mounted inboard tank and connect it to the tube/pipe on the cap you have modified with a hose.

(4) Make a place to store the normal cap for the portable fuel tank such as: Tie a little net bag to the portable fuel tank and stick the normal cap in there when the tank is mounted in the locker.

(5) Go sailing/motoring.