Lazeret Safety - Fuel Tank & Battery

[Cbjroms]

My 18ft yacht is set-up to keep both the portable fuel tank and 12V battery in the lazeret.

But I notice, whenever I remove the hatch cover, that there is always a strong smell of fuel vapour in the lazeret and am wondering whether it is safe to have the battery in there. Conscious that, when maintaining the battery terminals for instance, that a small spark could easily ignite the vapour.

I am guessing that this is a common situation and, thus, that the risk must be very low?

Chris

 

[VicS]

Far from ideal.

I take it that the fuel tank is kept in there even when in use?

Ideas in no particular order:

Ensure that the filler cap seals properly and always close the tank vent when not in use.

Vent the tank externally but use a self sealing quick disconnect fitting like those available for lpg so that the tank can easily be removed for filling.

Provide some permanent ventilation of the locker, bearing in mind that gasoline vapour is appreciably more dense than air.

Store the tightly closed tank in the locker but remove it for use.

Relocate the battery. Amidships is a sensible location for a heavy item like a battery.

Create an enclosed locker with overboard drain and separate vent for the fuel tank. Similar to a gas locker.

Ensure all electrical load is switched off before disconnecting or reconnecting the battery to eliminate the risk of sparks

 

[born2sail61]

Don't pretend to know a definitive answer,but personally i would relocate battery pronto.for peace of mind if nothing else! And welcome to the forum,i'm a relatively new member myself and i've gleaned lots of useful info just browsing previous threads.

 

[aquaplane]

My 20' yacht has the fuel in the lazarete but the battery is under the berth in the cabin. I would separate the two pronto.

The First 18 didn't have any electrikery and the 4Hp outboard had an internal tank, still stored petrol in the locker but it never got wiffy.

 

[Andrew G]

I'd not keep petrol in the lazerette, particularly if it drains into the bilge. It is just too dangerous. And not with an ignition source - eg battery. Is there somewhere on deck? Anchor well - drained? Andrew