Fuel lines and battery cables

[Joseph Washburn]

I have a 1988 C-22. It is equipped with a fuel locker on the port side of the cockpit. The battery compartment is opposite in the starboard side locker. The battery cable runs beneath the cockpit and into the fuel locker. From there, the battery cable and fuel line run out the bottom of the fuel locker lid, over the stern and connect to the outboard. Has anyone ever installed a vent on the stern, near the outboard, that goes into the fuel locker? It seems that a two or three inch hole with a clam shell shell or scoop vent would allow you to run the battery cable and fuel line to the outboard without running through the cockpit and over the stern. The idea of cleaning up the cockpit sounds appealing but I do hate to put holes in the boat. (Not to mention my daughter things putting a hole in the boat sounds absolutely crazy!) Has anyone done this or similar modification?Joseph Washburn"Disciple Ship"1988 C-22 14408Wilmington, NC

 

[Randy Kolb]

Transom Deck Connector

I have a 1986 C22 with the same configuration. I have an electrical connection from the motor to the battery for recharging the battery off the outboard. I ran the wire from the battery compartment back to the transom and then under the cockpit and then up "inside" the transom to a waterproof deck connector mounted on the transom right next to the outboard. I used a Perko Chromed Brass connector from West Marine. It did require a small hole in the transom but the installation is very clean. When I am not using the motor to generate a recharge then I just unplug the cable from the motor and the connector. There is a rubber cap that then cover the connector.It may be irrational on my part but I don't think I'd want to run electrical cable through the fuel compartment. Also, one of the benefits of the "new" fuel locker is that it has no holes and therefore no way for fuel or fumes to get into the cabin. I run my fuel hose out the aft bottom corner of the fuel locker cover (there is a notch for the hose) and then out the cockpit/transom drain hole right next to the motor.

 

[Herb]

your fuel locker should be vented

Hi Joseph the first things is that you fuel locker should be vented to allow fumes out. It should have two cross vents one to allow fresh air in and one to allow the foul air out. Second I do not think that a power line in the fuel locker would be best eiher. I probably would run two separate line throught the transom with water tight conectors. I also would not use a two inch hole something along the lines of 3/8 or 1/2 just enough to get the fuel line through. I would not use the disconectable that Randy was talking about as I used the same thing on my solar panel and It is always getting disconected. Very touchy. There are several through the deck type conector that are removalable and water tight. I woulod make sure that I sealed the inside of the hole with epoxy to make sure that no water ever leaked into the transom. Just my thoughts, It will be interesting to hear everyones opinions. Herb

 

[Joseph Washburn]

Inherited from PO

I don't think I would have run the battery cable through the fuel locker, but it seems the previous owner did not mind. I had to cut cut the battery cable terminals so I could remove it so I can get the motor to the shop. Trying to think what would be best when I reinstall it. The plug idea seems like it could work but unsure which plug would be best. I have now run the fuel line through the transom drain and the cockpit seems a little less cluttered. Joseph Washburn"Disciple Ship"1988 C-22Wilmington, NC