Outboard remote tank:- best place to have it??

Even Chance

Even Chance

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Hi folks, I dont want to hijack Dylans thread, so have begun my own.

I have an E-Boat, and currently have the remote tank housed in the aft locker with a through hull fitting exiting through the transom for the feed pipe to the outboard. I used to keep the tank in the cockpit, but moved it into the locker to give me some more leg room.
A few posts in Dylan's thread have got me thinking about the safety of having the tank in the aft locker. Whats the best idea, and where do others keep their tank? My tank is metal, so I dont want to leave it exposed outside all the time. Help please.........Thanks in advance:o

Would a one way valve on the tank vent prevent fumes escaping in use? Ive never smelt vapour in use yet tho??
 
I would say either in a space that vents overboard and does not vent to any areas such as bilge or cabin, or on deck.
If that is not convenient, get a proper built in tank which only vents via a remote vent on the transom. You can get one-way valves for vents, a lot of motorcycles use them.
 
Its the vapour that ignites!

I carry 2 off standard 22 litre O/B tanks in our cockpit locker.

The locker has a vent at low level through to the Transom.

I make sure the tanks are screwed down well and sealed on filler and vents unless required for use or filling.

I never fill them to the top which allows room for thermal expansion.

I prefer to keep them out of the sunshine in the relative cool of a deep cockpit locker

I try to reduce ignition risks by refuelling by syphon which minimises vapour gassing off. We never have our gas stove lit when refuelling. I prefer to be refuelling or opening tank vents away from other boats and smokers.

Yep I would still prefer to store diesel!
 
Even Chance said:
Hi folks, I dont want to hijack Dylans thread, so have begun my own.

I have an E-Boat, and currently have the remote tank housed in the aft locker with a through hull fitting exiting through the transom for the feed pipe to the outboard. I used to keep the tank in the cockpit, but moved it into the locker to give me some more leg room.
A few posts in Dylan's thread have got me thinking about the safety of having the tank in the aft locker. Whats the best idea, and where do others keep their tank? My tank is metal, so I dont want to leave it exposed outside all the time. Help please.........Thanks in advance:o

Would a one way valve on the tank vent prevent fumes escaping in use? Ive never smelt vapour in use yet tho??
Click to expand...

does the locker drain into the bilge
are there electrical connections in the locker
 
Better than that, I'm an Electronic Engineer! Ive just slapped ma heid VERY hard. I think I need a solution before I find out if theres a sailing nirvana in the afterlife........
 
Even Chance said:
Better than that, I'm an Electronic Engineer! Ive just slapped ma heid VERY hard. I think I need a solution before I find out if theres a sailing nirvana in the afterlife........
Click to expand...

smiley_emoticons_doh.gif
:D
 
My Anderson 22 has a locker next to the outboard well, a natural place to put a remote fuel tank.

It is however below waterline level, not ideal but a tannoy ventilator seems to cope well as an 'extractor'; I fitted the type of vent one can close off in heavy weather which I think is important, it's only £1-2.00 extra...

As I mentioned on the other thread, solar powered vents seem a good idea but they're not spark proof ! :eek:
 
All very worrying! I've never even thought about the fact that there is a continuous air connection from where my tank is in the starboard locker to where my battery is in the port one. I'm going to have to put a big warning sign on the battery to remind me to check that there is no vapour about before disconnecting a terminal!
 
CreakyDecks said:
All very worrying! I've never even thought about the fact that there is a continuous air connection from where my tank is in the starboard locker to where my battery is in the port one. I'm going to have to put a big warning sign on the battery to remind me to check that there is no vapour about before disconnecting a terminal!
Click to expand...

Buy and fit a petrol vapour alarm!
 
Fuel tank location

I keep fuel tank in a locker under cockpit seat. Fortunately it has a floor which is level with the cockpit floor. It has a drain hole out into cockpit. I have on occasions when putting in a full fuel tank had the fuel expand with heat and run out the drain hole into the cockpit. (let alone vapours) The fuel evaporates PDQ but leaves oil on the cockpit floor (very slippery).
So I would strongly suggest drainage for the locker that leads overboard and no electrics. olewill
 
William_H said:
I keep fuel tank in a locker under cockpit seat. Fortunately it has a floor which is level with the cockpit floor. It has a drain hole out into cockpit. I have on occasions when putting in a full fuel tank had the fuel expand with heat and run out the drain hole into the cockpit. (let alone vapours) The fuel evaporates PDQ but leaves oil on the cockpit floor (very slippery).
So I would strongly suggest drainage for the locker that leads overboard and no electrics. olewill
Click to expand...

That is exactly what happened to the Oyster i mentioned, then the engine or genny fired-up :eek:
 
Well, after some thought I may just make a GRP box/locker to house the fuel tank, with a drain to the outside world. If I make it big enough, it can also house the gas bottle which is under the sink at the moment also:eek: The battery is at present mounted in a carbon fibre battery box that is left over from my car racing days It has a foam rubber seal round the top, but I still dont trust it in the same locker. I have temporarily moved the fuel tank back onto the cockpit floor, at least it drains overboard!:o
 
All very useful this chaps. Been keeping spare tanks in the cockpit locker for years but........... perhaps time to think again. Cheers.
 
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