External Fuel Tanks

[oakleyb]

I Have a westerly 22 with 6hp outboard, fuel tank is situated in cockpit locker.I'm thinking locating tank inside plastic box to prevent vapour / bilges etc and then vent it to atmosphere. Is this needed ?

Tentative smoker

 

[Evadne]

Petrol vapour, as you know, is heavier than air so: Yes it should definitely be contained and prevented from getting into the bilge. There should also be an overboard drain, as with gas i.e. a straight/downward sloping pipe from the bottom of the casing. A drain to a self-draining cockpit ought to be adequate. This would apply especially if you re-fill the tank in-situ, with the danger of spills etc., but then I'm paranoid when it comes to petrol.

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

Petrol fumes are extremely lethal as you know. I would have thought the cockpit is already drained so the fumes if any should drain anyway.

I would refrain from smoking if the fuel tank is open or even if the breather is open.