Storage fuel smell under the cover???

[jos]

Dear Friends,
Since november we own a SAN2003. Winterized and stored outside under a roof, original cover used. Temps just above freeze last 3 months.

Didnt fill the fuel tank due to practical issue. Filled up to 3/4 this weekend. Think the empty tank breaths more heavy then a filled, larger vapour volume.

Untill know every time i opened the cover, once a month. I could not ignore the fuel smell. Al hoses seem tight, no leak.

The cover also has those plastic vent caps.

In my opinoin the fuel vent causes the problem. The fuel vent is just under the cover. It seems an original cover to me.

Is it a known problem. Should the be an opening in the cover above the fuel vent opening, so this breaths in open air?

Thanks for your help.

[KPNautique]

RE: Storage fuel smell under the cover???

I use to get a slight fuel smell when covered with original cover. Now I don't with a new rankin cover which doesn't go over the vent.

[Sinkoumn]

RE: Storage fuel smell under the cover???

We do have some vapor smell, but I agree with KPN in that the cover does make a difference. I usually put dryer sheets throughout the boat along with Peppermint dabbed cotton balls (to keep the mice out), that usually combats any gas vapor that can stink up the boat during winter storage.

If the smell is too much, I would just modify the cover to allow the vent to breathe out into the open air and not the cabin of the boat.

[OldFart]

RE: Storage fuel smell under the cover???

Sink has an idea; a canvas shop (or thread or glue) can make a velcro flap that u can keep pulled up to vent. then, if needed, just keep the garage door up a couple inches to keep from stinkin' up.

[Prairiedawg]

Same problem, my boat is tarped and sitting in the driveway for now. All winter in the garage there wasn't any fuel smell. Tank was almost full. We took the boat out a couple times and burned maybe a 1/4 tank. My wife called one day saying that it smelled like gas around the boat, then later she thought that there was gas leaking out the tarp? I was In disbelief, but sure enough, gas was running out of the vent, and because it is covered by the tarp, it was kinda contained and running down the rub rail to the back of the boat and dribbling out the ratchet strap holder. I think that the heat from the tight fitting black tarp was enough to heat up the interior of the boat including the fuel tank and cause it to come out the vent. My question, how much fuel to store the boat with when tarped?

[Prairiedawg]

I think that if I store the boat in the driveway with less than 1/2 tank it seems to be okay. Had it out a few times now, and the only time the fuel seemed to vent out was when the tank was 3/4 full. Can't wait to finish my boat rail system and get the boat in where it is supposed to be!

[Paxdad]

I posted a similar thread a few months ago. I realized that I had filled the tank and then drove to the ramp to launch the boat and fuel had sloshed around and caused excessive venting out of the vent and permeated the cover in the area where the vent was covered by the cover. I have also learned that it is easier to remove both fuel caps while fueling as it vents much faster and does not cause fuel to burp out as easy when nearing full.

[Prairiedawg]

Yeah, my driveway is pretty steep so the boat sits with the bow elevated, I also noticed a bit of fuel slop out of the vent when I hooked on to it and started towing it down the road.

[Prairiedawg]

Hey Paxdad, did you get the tarp guys to cut a vent in your cover? If so do you have a picture? I just had my tarp repaired because there was a small tear in it where it rubs on the windshield hinge, I suppose I will take it back and modify it for the fuel vent.

[Paxdad]

Not yet but will post a photo when I have it done. I need to have all my Velcro tower flaps replaced as well. I just need to find the time to get with someone to have it all done.....

[Prairiedawg]

I suppose if I get the upholsterer to modify the tarp with a flap for exposing the fuel vent, he should make it so that the fuel filler is exposed too? This would make it easier to fuel on the trailer, wouldn't have to loosen the tarp. Get some of that wide Velcro to keep the flap closed while driving, these tarps work really great for travelling.