Portable Fuel Tank Safety

[ocbinva]

I have a new to me 16ft Tracker Guide V16. I am in process of updating it but I am debating what to do with the fuel tank. PO removed the floatation from the rear port and starboard compartments and enclosed the whole thing with ?? PVC board for more storage. The center compartment is where I want the fuel tank. My question is can the lid remained closed. My understanding unless you have a blower installed enclosing it is a no-go with fume build up potential. I see boats where that area is open and they are able to mount the battery and fuel in the same area. So do I uncover the middle section or is a blower worth the effort? All my experience is with bigger bay boat with built in fuel systems. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[shrew]

That portable fuel tank is not designed for use below decks. Below deck fuel tanks are vented overboard. That tank is vented through the cap. A blower alone is not sufficient.

 

[fhhuber]

That portable fuel tank is not designed for use below decks. Below deck fuel tanks are vented overboard. That tank is vented through the cap. A blower alone is not sufficient.

Exactly.

Don't close that portable tank in.

 

[gm280]

My own personal opinion, I would look for the proper sized fuel tank to install below deck AND also install a blower system. You do not want to have any problems out on the water with possible fuel fires or explosions. Just remember this, if your boat ever catches on fire out on the water, there is no place you can run to get away from it. Safety has to be number one. JMHO!

 

[JoLin]

Hmmm... I've owned 2 outboard powered boats (21' Pro-line and 16' Sylvan) with permanently mounted fuel tanks. Both were vented to the outside, but neither had a blower. No harm in mounting one, but It shouldn't be necessary in an outboard powered boat.

Agree 100% that a portable tank is NOT suited for below deck mounting.

My .02

 

[H20Rat]

USCG regulations might be worth reading... JoLin is correct, for an outboard, no blower is required and it probably is a bigger hazard than solution! There is simply no source of ignition for an outboard powered boat. As soon as you put a blower in, you now have an electrical motor (generates sparks) with bearings (could generate heat/sparks) Tanks in sealed compartments must be vented overboard though.

 

[ocbinva]

Thanks Everyone! That's what I thought. I think I will remove the lid on the center compartment just because I want to keep the weight of the tank low in the boat plus it will allow me to see if I am taking on any water.

 

[shrew]

USCG regulations might be worth reading... JoLin is correct, for an outboard, no blower is required and it probably is a bigger hazard than solution! There is simply no source of ignition for an outboard powered boat. As soon as you put a blower in, you now have an electrical motor (generates sparks) with bearings (could generate heat/sparks) Tanks in sealed compartments must be vented overboard though.

Marine blowers are ignition protected. This would be the case for advising to use a marine blower vs a generic fan.

 

[airshot]

If you want to cover the opening with the top or cover then consider opening the sides of the compartment so you keep an air flow thru that compartment. On an older boat from many years back I stored the fuel tank under a seat but the sides were open for air flow. Local CG inspector saw no problem with it at all.