Outboard Fuel line through hull

[AlanJeans]

I have a fuel line that passes through an open locker hatch from my fuel tank to my outboard - can anyone help me find a fitting that will allow the fuel line to pass through the GRP of the hull\deck - The line can be split if necessary, attatched at both sides of the GRP to the fitting, or the fuel line can pass through a gland type fitting.

 

[claudio]

Hi and welcome,
Is this the sort of thing that you're looking for ?

 

[AlanJeans]

yes, probably - does the fuel line plug in to both side s and is secured with a jubilee clip? Also, I need a UK supplier.

 

[claudio]

Your local marine store should have one. Just ask for a bulkhead fuel fitting

 

[VicS]

There is a big snag with running your fuel line through a bulkhead fitting like those suggested. You will not be able to (easily) remove your tank for filling!

I have often thought about putting my fuel tank in a locker but that and providing a safe means of safely venting it have put me off the idea. But for the safe venting issue I would the run fuel line out via a small ventilator cowl (the fuel line can be rigged so that the bulb stays inside) or via an inspection hatch with just a small notch cut in it for the fuel pipe. That can be opened to pass the end fitting and even the bulb through when necessary to remove the tank.

The ultimate solution is a proper fixed fuel tank with a deck filler and an overboard vent then you can use a bulkhead fitting as suggested. Maye you've already done that! The only snag then is you have to leave the end of the fuel line dangling when the engine is removed.

I have seen it done with a small ventilator cowl. I dont know where I got the idea of an inspection hatch from, must have seen that somewhere I suppose.

 

[kirielad]

This is just the arrangement on my 25 footer. I have a plastic 25 litre tank sat on a levelling base at the inboard forward corner of the cockpit locker. This connects to a standard outboard fuel line (with priming bulb) which runs inside the locker and then through a gland into the cockpit and then direct to the motor (in my case mounted in a well rather than on the transom, but same situation really).

As for venting, the tank has a large plastic filler, with a small plastic screw button inset to allow air in.

Having worked in the garage trade and seen the results of horrendous petrol 'incidents', I have a lot of respect for all fuels, especially petrol, but have never had even a whiff of petrol in or around the cockpit locker. It goes without saying that I am always very careful when refuelling, and careful not to cause spills, etc.

Obviously the vent button is only opened when the engine is actually in use, and as the tank itself is effectively at or just below waterline it's always kept cool which helps prevent fumes.

 

[kirielad]

Sorry - just a couple of extra points. My tank is easily removable using quick fuel disconnects on the tank. These are standard Tohatsu fittings which act like miniature hydraulic couplings, in that they make an external seal when disconnecting to prevent fluid loss. These connectors are easily adaptable to suit any tank / engine manufacturer combination.

Also at 25 litres the tank is small enough to be easily removed and any fuel left over at the end of the 'summer' finds it's way into the tank of SWMBO's car - hence I can claim that MY boat is subsidising HER motoring costs !! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif The tank is then checked for cleanliness, before storage in the garage over the winter.

 

[graham]

On our boat the outboard fuel pipe passes through the transom through one of these. Plastic rimmed ones are cheaper,

web page

They are designed for cables but also work on fuel hoses.

I dont like the idea of cutting the hose to use a conventional bulkhead fitting as this introduces two new joints .If you do use a bulkhead fitting you should use a fuel hose clamp not an ordinary jublilee clip.

 

[William_H]

I use a 10l plastic tank in the locker. If I fill the tank it often expands in the heat and overflows so spillage is relatively common. (as seen by the stain of o/b oil.) I just cut a slot in the side of the lid of the locker so the loid can close on the hose. This way it is easy to remove the tank and hose for testing the engine at home.
In reality the motor stays home as I can usually judge weather etc to not need a motor. olewill

 

[AlanJeans]

Thanks for all the replies. at the risk of a bad pun, much fuel for thought. We got caught out last year in a gale and had to motorsail all day, and filling the O\B was a nightmare every hour. We then fitted a 15 Litre tank with a hose to the O\B, but we have to wedge the hatch cover open and this could lead to water ingress. I am loath to cut the cover or the lip, so I was hoping to fit a permanent through hull fitting, but a gland may be better under the circumstances - Filling the tank in situ has not been a problem, and we vent the hatch for a while after refuelling.