Relocating SAN Fuel Tank Vent

[h2ohangtime]

Has anyone relocated the fuel tank vent from the area near the gas filler on the port side to another location, say up near the helm on the starboard side?

I'm trying to get our SAN set up for surfing, but since we'll be surfing port side, I'm worried about getting water in the fuel tank. No bueno. I figured I could disconnect the vent line and lengthen it/run it around to the other side, then drill another through-hull vent for it. Just not sure what all is entailed in the job.

Ideas/thoughts are much appreciated...

[h2ohangtime]

Really? Nobody's had to do this? How do you who have the vent in that location surf without getting water in your gas tank?

[gride]

could you just put it along the port side wall, above the cup holders. as in behind the vinyl, pointing down.

[ers906]

I did exactly that, I ran the fuel vent line up the port side to just forward of the tower footing. I used the hole for the original vent line for the vent line of the ballast system. Easy to do, access is a bit of a pain, but other than that easy

[h2ohangtime]

Thanks guys...Eric, I figured you'd have this same dilemma on your SS. I have a vent line for my bags, so that's not an issue. I guess the only concern is that the gas fumes could come into the boat, but they quickly disperse, right? You just don't want them in the engine compartment?

Sorry for the ignorance...I want to find a solution to this that (most importantly) is safe and also takes care of the "water in the gas tank" problem that could come from surfing.

[xrichard]

You shouldn't vent to any position inside the boat. The fumes don't disperse as easily as you might think--they're heavier than air, so they will work their way down from the vent and can easily move from there into your engine compartment, bilge, underseat areas, etc--or just collect on the floor of your boat. Any space that may have an ignition source (e.g. any space with electrical components or people) is a problem.

I've thought about relocating my vent, too. I think the only realistic place to put it to avoid water from surfing is either on the transom well above the swim platform or forward several feet from it's current location--I think forward makes more sense.