Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

[heatherjoy]

We have a 15' center console, we are going to put an 18 gallon tank in it, and put a vent in the top of the console for the tank, as well as a fill. <br /><br />Problem is there is an electrical panel and of course wires going to various electronics on the boat.<br /><br />If we vent the gas tank out of the top of the console is there anything to worry about? We think everything will be fine, but would like everyones thoughts, thank you!

 

[ob]

Re: Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

Any time that there is a fuel tank in an enclosed area there is cause for conern.In general your plan sounds feasible,however there is always the probability of fuel/fume leakage into the enclosed console due to the simple fact that there is fuel tank in it.That coupled with a potential ignition source with the console under wiring present ,leads me to advise against it.Just my 2 cents.

 

[Link]

Re: Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

I agree with OB as it would only take one screw to work loose on any gauge to create a spart. However if say it's a fiberglass center console and you could fiberglass in a piece of plywood above the tank seperating it from the gauges etc with vent holes and the fill and gas tank vent under it also. Would be safer. Just my thoughts<br /><br />Link

 

[richg99]

Re: Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

The last four boats I have purchased all have been rigged with the tank in the CC. That arrangement is pretty common on smaller CCs. The wiring also goes in there. <br /><br />If it concerns you, then don't do it.. or put a couple of screened vents in the sides of the console to keep air circulating. Of couse, if you can smell gasoline, don't be doing any electrical work!!! RichG TX

 

[Terry H]

Re: Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

This is quite common and stated by richg99...just do the smell test before turning anything on...and as always with built-in fuel tanks ventilation is a must...just a Thought

 

[jim phillips]

Re: Danger of Fuel Tank in console with electrical panels?

my cc also has the tank and the wireing under it but the back side (facing the drivers seat)is open with a shelf under it