Gas tank fumes inside Catalina 22

[Frank Gloss]

I recently purchased a used Catalina, 1982 model Sail #10446. The design of the fuel tank locker is bugus. The gas tank is open to the entire cockpit. This is smelly, and certainly dangerous. Has anybody figured out a way to isolate the tank. I guesse you can make a plywood box, and then fiberglass it, and then drill some holes for the fuel line. Has anybody out there done something like this?Thanks,Frankfrankgloss@home.com

 

[hp]

If you are having problems with the fuel smell...

replace the tank and the hose to your motor. The vents are plenty for my C-22.

 

[Jim]

I had this problem

I had this problem on my boat so I did the following:1. I cleaned my bildge with a soap and water/ Make sure you get all the liquid out, you may have spilled some gas down there and it is not going to evaporate very quickly.2.I close the vent on my gas tank when I am not using it. 3. I snapped the port side settee cushion in place to block the fumes entry into the cabin.1 & 2 really fixed the problem. step 3 is just in case I forget to do step 2.I have a 6 gallon plastic tank and it is very easy to knock it off the shelf into the bilge when I am racing in heavy air. I am going to make a little keeper for it out of nylon webbing that I attach to the through bolts of the outboard bracket. Then I won't have to worry as much. Jim

 

[Jon Tart]

Boxing

Frank,I have the same problem on my 85, #12767. I have tried the things the other guys suggested and was still not happy. Maybe I just hate the smell of gas... So I am currently building a plywood box of sorts. I am basicly walling off half of the gas locker with 1/2" marine plywood, and then sealing it with petroleum resistant caulking. I have a 3' bilge blower in place and have the wires run to the control panel. If this works like I hope, I will go back and glass it in. Good luck.

 

[Barry P. Broyles]

Should not smell fumes

Frank: If you smell gas fumes something is wrong! The only time you should smell fumes is while filling the tank or just a little sometimes when you first open the tank vent. On my 1973 C22 the fuel tank locker is part of the interior instead of being isolated to the outside like post 1985 C22's. The slightest amount of fumes would be a problem on my boat since it would be an explosion hazard inside the cabin. If the fumes from your open style fuel locker are strong enough to bother you in the cockpit than it is a serious fire hazard. Check your tank and fuel line for both fuel and vapor leaks and replace them if necessary, also check the compartment for signs of a spill. Last but not least NEVER fill your fuel tank while it is in the fuel locker, fill it on land or on the dock if possible, if not than fill it in the cockpit. Closing in the fuel compartment could create an explosion hazard.Barry Broyles C22 # 1909 "Brighteyes"Lieutenant,Baltimore City Fire Department