Slight fuel smell sometimes when on deck, normal or problem?

[importfan82]

Hello,

I have a 2003 Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee. Sometimes when I am topside I get an occasional waft of fuel odor. There is a fuel vent on the starboard side of the boat next to the captains seat and bar area. I was wondering if an occasional smell of fuel is normal or something that I need to be concerned about? I purchased a propane grill and that is the best side to mount it, is this something that is dangerous? Is this a normal for all boats, or is something wrong? Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[lakegeorge]

Well it could be normal but I would check everything out with your fuel system. Do you smell anything in the bilge? if so then it's not normal.

 

[smokeonthewater]

I definately wouldn't put an open flame near a fuel vent.

 

[Stumpalump]

Big problem until you prove it's not. Are you getting a whiff of the fuel vent?

 

[moosehead]

It could be normal fuel venting from your starboard side, though as others state above, make sure that is the case. +2, do not mount your grill near the fuel vent for obvious reasons, mine is mounted aft on the upper swim deck so it can be pivoted over the water and dumped overboard in case of a flare up. I'm sure there are other members who would never grill on board, which I understand, but it is kinda special if you can figure it out properly.

 

[JimS123]

Mounting a grill is the last thing you should be doing. The vent should allow air to come in the tank to replace the gas that the engine takes out. If you smell gas then the vent is not working right. Any time you can physically smell gas you have the potential for an explosion.

When you resolve the problem, don't put the grill near the vent.

 

[crabby captain john]

NOT normal. You have a problem that needs fixed.

 

[OllieC]

Probably a fuel vent but never assume. Check all of your fuel connections. Look for leaks as others have mentioned.

My vent is on the starboard side. Whenever I get a whiff of fuel it is usually when I take the cover off after the boat sits for a while. It is not overwhelming and I like the smell (makes me think of the great time I'm going to have in the boat). However, once it's aired out and the engine bay has been blown out/open, the smell is gone.

As far as flame - yes, keep that away from the vent. Especially if you heat-shrink in the fall. The port is usually masked off.

 

[Texasmark]

The kicker is smelling in the bilge as mentioned. Fuel fumes are heavier than air and seek the lowest level. If you notice, the location of your blower/ventilator hoses, the outlet is/should be at/near the lowest point in the boat for that reason. That is also why you should have your boat buttoned up when refueling and the vent should vent over the side.

Mark

 

[importfan82]

Thank you everyone, I will certainly have it looked at by a professional. There is no fuel smell in the Bilge.

 

[Texasmark]

Well you ought to be good to go but having a look is a great idea too just for the peace of mind.