I just got a new motor with a new gas tank and will be getting a new battery soon. In examining the cockpit space for the water tank and gas tank, I find there is little space for a full size battery. I do see there is space below the "shelf", which is actually the hull bottom. I need to easily access all three items in this cockpit space for re-filling and re-charging. (taking the battery out to recharge at home) Here are my questions: 1. Can I put a full size battery below the "shelf" ? 2. Should I get a battery holder to make sure the battery doesn't move around? 3. Has anyone fit all three items in the cockpit space? How did you do it? 4. Are there any dangers I should be aware of with the battery, wiring and gas tank in the same area? Thanks in advance for your sage advice.
Cockpit space for tank, water and battery
- Thread starter Cate
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Storage
In my 20, I have the water tank and a full size battery strapped down in that space. I have a milk crate that holds line, fenders, etc plus my anchor. I would assume that if I pulled the crate out, my ten gallon honda tank would fit in there. The only problems I can see would be the venting of the gas fumes from that area. Not that there should be a spark but if there was, it may cause a problem. The other problem might be the gas fumes permeating the water tank and flavoring your water, expecially if the boat sits a long time.
In my 20, I have the water tank and a full size battery strapped down in that space. I have a milk crate that holds line, fenders, etc plus my anchor. I would assume that if I pulled the crate out, my ten gallon honda tank would fit in there. The only problems I can see would be the venting of the gas fumes from that area. Not that there should be a spark but if there was, it may cause a problem. The other problem might be the gas fumes permeating the water tank and flavoring your water, expecially if the boat sits a long time.
Dangers
Let's see - Gas tank, battery, enclosed area. Does anyone else see any "dangers" here? Your gas tank should not vent into an area where there's a danger of a spark. The battery is definitely a spark danger. I'd put the gas tank someplace else. I used to keep the gas tank for my O'Day 25 in the lazerette with the battery. One time, sailing down the TX ICW, I put 3 more gas tanks down there, to be sure I'd have enough. When the fumes hit me that afternoon, I was surprised I hadn't already turned my boat into a rocket. The gas tanks stays in the cockpit now (where the fumes run out the cockpit scupper), and extra tanks (when I need them) are strapped on deck. Even the thought of a rogue wave washing one or two of them overboard is more appealing than the fumes, enclosed area, battery scenario.
Let's see - Gas tank, battery, enclosed area. Does anyone else see any "dangers" here? Your gas tank should not vent into an area where there's a danger of a spark. The battery is definitely a spark danger. I'd put the gas tank someplace else. I used to keep the gas tank for my O'Day 25 in the lazerette with the battery. One time, sailing down the TX ICW, I put 3 more gas tanks down there, to be sure I'd have enough. When the fumes hit me that afternoon, I was surprised I hadn't already turned my boat into a rocket. The gas tanks stays in the cockpit now (where the fumes run out the cockpit scupper), and extra tanks (when I need them) are strapped on deck. Even the thought of a rogue wave washing one or two of them overboard is more appealing than the fumes, enclosed area, battery scenario.
Listen to Herb
On my 20 I placed the gas tank in the cockpit against the stern, under the tiller. Its space you can't use anyway. A six gallon tank fits nicely in this spot and only moved when the typical inconsiderate stinkpotter came flying by too close creating the usual giant wake. I would not, under any condition or for any reason, put the gas tank and the battery together in any confined space. My 25 has a dedicated gas tank locker that is vented and drained.
On my 20 I placed the gas tank in the cockpit against the stern, under the tiller. Its space you can't use anyway. A six gallon tank fits nicely in this spot and only moved when the typical inconsiderate stinkpotter came flying by too close creating the usual giant wake. I would not, under any condition or for any reason, put the gas tank and the battery together in any confined space. My 25 has a dedicated gas tank locker that is vented and drained.
Gas tank on 20
Well I guess the PO were very lucky because when I bought the boat they had a small battery, gas tank and water in that cockpit storage area. Someone even drilled a hole for the gas line to go out to the motor and put a security strap inside too. Clearly the battery and gas tank have to remain far apart. I'll see how the tank fits under the tiller in the cockpit and also look at placing the battery inside the cabin near the fuse panel.
Well I guess the PO were very lucky because when I bought the boat they had a small battery, gas tank and water in that cockpit storage area. Someone even drilled a hole for the gas line to go out to the motor and put a security strap inside too. Clearly the battery and gas tank have to remain far apart. I'll see how the tank fits under the tiller in the cockpit and also look at placing the battery inside the cabin near the fuse panel.
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