Where to keep the outboard gas can

[Irwin32]

I have usually stored my 1 gallon dinghy gas mixture on deck or in the dinghy if I am towing it behind. where do you store it? I have heard that one solution is to put it in the propane locker.

[GordMay]

The Propane Locker is NOT to be used for storage of anything other than propane, and is not likely large enough (for most of us) to store a jerry can (unless you forego the propane).
Like you, I stored mine on deck, lashed to the rail & fender boards between stanchions, and in the dink.

[jlmarra]

I store our 2 gallon tank in the anchor locker.

John Marra
S/V Sailor Dance

[Irwin32]

WHY is the propane locker a bad placed for the storage of gasoline?

[TrueBlue]

Good question Irwin32 . . . I''d like to hear GordMay''s reasons as well. Both the propane & anchor lockers are vented below, allowing heavier gases to sink & discharge (such as propane).

The only risk I can see is the hinged cover NOT having a vent. I am not certain of the physical properties of gasoline vapors . . . but if they are LIGHTER than air, of course this could be as dangerous as an undetonated bomb.

Steve

[Jeff_H]

Both gasoline vapor and propane gas are heavier than air. Lockers where gasoline is is stored should be vented to the exterior (and not to the cockpit or other contained area) at the top and bottom to promote air flow through the locker.

Jeff

[Irwin32]

I started this strain and was told the propane locker was NOT to be used for storing a gas can. I still cannot see a reason why not to do this.

[Sasha_V]

The short answer would be because of how they are vented. Lockers for gas bottles only need a vent at the very bottom as fumes are heavier then air and flow enough like water that they will "escape" just by havign a tube form the bottom of the locker to the outside of the hull.

Fumes form petrol/"gas" are slightly lighter then air (but only slightly, so tempreture plays a major part) and will try to go EVERYWHERE. Thus a drain-point type vent in the floor is not going to render much safety in evacuating fumes. Lockers designed for storing gas cans tend to be vented at the top, often with a little venturi-effect vent head that creates a slight vacuum in the locker as wind blows across it.

Sasha

[Irwin32]

Check the post before my last as it says gas fumes are heavier than air. Which is it?

[Irwin32]

Gas fumes are heavier than air.