Ed Lindsey wrote:


I'm building a Whitefin 20, an outboard powered, 20' mod-V skiff w/ center
console. There will be 2 fuel tanks in the bilge, end to end, mounted along
the centerline. The forward tank will be installed under the console. A
filler tube can be routed forward of the console and up through a thwart in
front of the console. A flusher filler would be mounted to the top of the
thwart.

An alternative installation is along the bottom of the thwart, from
centerline to hull, and then up through the side deck. The downside of this
installation is much longer tubes, read $'s, and fabrication of a cover
where the tube goes from the thwart at the side deck. Intuition tells me
that the alternative is a safer opinion, fueling and venting occur outboard.

My plan for the second tank is to route the filler hose under and along the
side of the engine box exiting through the deck which encloses the transom
area. Tank venting would be through the side wall of the engine box. All
three locations allow the use of one of the fuel containment cannisters with
suction cups that cover the vent during fueling and vents lower then the
filler.

I don't think either of those plans would meet legal requirements.


In a nutshell...

All permanently installed fuel tanks (which include any tank that holds
more than 7 gallons) must be vented overboard. Fuel fill must also be
located to prevent fuel from spilling in the boat.

Any enclosed space in which a fuel tank is located must be ventilated,
passively and forced ventilation (blower)...there are strict guidelines
for installing it.


2. Can anyone point me to material on the web describing proper installation
locations for tanks, filler and vents? Particularly as they relate to my
situation. I'm trying to determine whether the inboard installation is
safe/unsafe, or in violation of Coast Guard requirements.

CFR Title 33 part 183 spells out the legal requirements for fuel tank
installations. Google "Coast Guard fuel system regulations" to get to it
and other information...there's quite a bit.

--
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://69.20.93.241/store/customer/p...40&cat=&page=1