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 Gas Fumes and Electronicals		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Bortiquai
1st Mate

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88 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/18/2008 :  07:56:26  Show Profile
Underneath the port side cockpit is the big locker, for sails, life vests, beer kegs, etc.... All the way aft, is a shelf with an "outline" that looks like it is where a gas can would sit for the outboard motor that is also mounted on the port side. I even have a through hole in the transom to lead the fuel line (through hole used to be for throttle controls). This would be great, because right now I sail with the gas can on the floor of the cock pit. If i put it in that locker on that shelf, it would free up some room in the cockpit.

But my concern is, on the forward end of that locker is the back side of my electrical panel (above the kitchen sink), as well as where the shore power comes in. Of course there is the cowling vents, and I even had the thought of putting in a blower. But still, I keep thinking about one day flipping on my nav lights and a spark igniting any gas fumes that might have collected. A combustible situation indeed.

Am I over-reacting? Does anyone else stow their gas can in this area?

Thanks
Matt
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 07/18/2008 :  08:28:00  Show Profile
The fuel tank has been stored on that shelf in the cockpit locker on my boat for 28 years.
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Bortiquai
1st Mate

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88 Posts
Response Posted - 07/18/2008 :  09:43:33  Show Profile
Do you use a blower? or are the vents enough to exhaust any fumes?

I am in the process of completely re-doing all my electronics (I've only had the boat for a few months), so currently, I don't have any electronics in place except for a Bilge pump connected directly to a battery. I tore out the old electronic panel and have a new one that will go in along with all new wiring. Hopefully I'll be done that project in the next month or so.

Right now, when the boat is in the marina, I stow the tank in the locker just so no one decides they want to take it. But when I go out, I take the tank out. When I first open the locker, I get a waft of gas smell.

I guess if you've had it in there for all those years, i should stop worrying about it.
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 07/18/2008 :  10:15:18  Show Profile
The switch contacts in a marine panel are sealed from the elements to prevent corrosion. Just be careful with your arc-welder in there...
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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts
Response Posted - 07/18/2008 :  10:46:52  Show Profile
If you use that shelf to store your fuel you have three possibilities:
1. Gas fumes and good electrical system - some risk.
2. No fumes and poor electrical system - some risk.
3. Gas fumes and poor electrical system - BOOM!

My 78 has the shelf and I have a 6 gallon tank supported by a fold-able leaf attached to the shelf. I am very cognizant of both fuel and electrical systems. I have not heard of anyone having a fire or explosion caused by the arrangement but you should have all the vent hoses attached properly to minimize fumes.

That being said it is a poor design that Catalina rectified in the newer models.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.