I bought an ODay 25 last fall, the portable fuel tank is located in the locker under the cockpit. The surveyer(who evaluated the boat) told me this was a hazzard (gas vapours sinking into the bilge) and needed to be changed. What have other owners done with their fuel tanks? I'm looking for solutions.I would prefere to find a solution keeping it in the locker rather than moving it to the cockpit. Thanks, TDC
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25 ODay Gas Tank Location
I owned a 27 ODay with the fuel tank in the cocpit lock. My locker had a forward and rear clamshell vents, and worked well for 10 years.
I owned a 27 ODay with the fuel tank in the cocpit lock. My locker had a forward and rear clamshell vents, and worked well for 10 years.
Suggestions
Your surveyor is correct. I had heard the "theory" of the gas fumes sinking, and the possible consequences, but basically ignored them on my O'Day 25. I kept the gas tank in the same place as you described. Then, my wife and I took a trip down the Texas ICW, and needed to bring extra gas. I stored them under the cockpit as well. About halfway through the first day, I went to get an extra tank of gas, and couldn't believe how strong the fumes were. That's where the battery is as well, so out came everything. I strapped the extra tanks on to the bow, and put the regular tank in the cockpit, and it's been there since. Part of the problem with trying to keep it under the cockpit is that you'll have to figure out some way to get it high, and enclosed, with a through-hull venting the fumes overboard. The link below shows an elegant solution, still keeping the tank in the cockpit. I'm going to do this on my boat, but with starboard instead of wood.
Your surveyor is correct. I had heard the "theory" of the gas fumes sinking, and the possible consequences, but basically ignored them on my O'Day 25. I kept the gas tank in the same place as you described. Then, my wife and I took a trip down the Texas ICW, and needed to bring extra gas. I stored them under the cockpit as well. About halfway through the first day, I went to get an extra tank of gas, and couldn't believe how strong the fumes were. That's where the battery is as well, so out came everything. I strapped the extra tanks on to the bow, and put the regular tank in the cockpit, and it's been there since. Part of the problem with trying to keep it under the cockpit is that you'll have to figure out some way to get it high, and enclosed, with a through-hull venting the fumes overboard. The link below shows an elegant solution, still keeping the tank in the cockpit. I'm going to do this on my boat, but with starboard instead of wood.
vent the tank
My old o'day 22 had a dedicated fuel tank locker under the port cockpit seat, and I got spoiled having the tank out of the way. When I got my 23, I ran into the same problem you have, the lazarette is open to the bilge and cabin area. My solution was to rig a vent hose on my fuel tank, and run it out through the transom with the fuel line. It works fine, and I never smell gas since I did that.
My old o'day 22 had a dedicated fuel tank locker under the port cockpit seat, and I got spoiled having the tank out of the way. When I got my 23, I ran into the same problem you have, the lazarette is open to the bilge and cabin area. My solution was to rig a vent hose on my fuel tank, and run it out through the transom with the fuel line. It works fine, and I never smell gas since I did that.
Isn't it great
internet and this site in particular. Thanks for the potential solutions, I appreciate it. TDC
internet and this site in particular. Thanks for the potential solutions, I appreciate it. TDC
I also have fumes
This is a timely topic. I also purchased a 1976 O'Day 25 last fall and the previous owner mounted a permanent tank under the cockpit, centered next to the transom. It has a vent hose that is supposed to take fumes out through the transon. However, as others have mentioned, that space is open to the bilge and the cabin and the smell is pretty bad. I was going to try to replace the fittings, to see if I could stop the smell, but now I'm having doubts about the wisdom of keeping it there.
This is a timely topic. I also purchased a 1976 O'Day 25 last fall and the previous owner mounted a permanent tank under the cockpit, centered next to the transom. It has a vent hose that is supposed to take fumes out through the transon. However, as others have mentioned, that space is open to the bilge and the cabin and the smell is pretty bad. I was going to try to replace the fittings, to see if I could stop the smell, but now I'm having doubts about the wisdom of keeping it there.
Successful Installation
We own a 1976 O'Day 25, also with a 10-gallon tank mounted amidships against the transom, under the cockpit sole. It sits on a small wooden platform, and is permanently secured with straps. There are no fumes, no leaks, no problems. It is vented through the transom, the filler cap is mounted facing up on the transom, beneath the stern rail, and the gas line also is lead through the transom.
We own a 1976 O'Day 25, also with a 10-gallon tank mounted amidships against the transom, under the cockpit sole. It sits on a small wooden platform, and is permanently secured with straps. There are no fumes, no leaks, no problems. It is vented through the transom, the filler cap is mounted facing up on the transom, beneath the stern rail, and the gas line also is lead through the transom.
Fuel Tank Compartment
I also have a 1975 O'Day 25 and have constructed a fuel tank compartment by cutting a rectangular opening into side of starboard cockpit wall, under the seat. My outboard is on starboard side. I then constructed a rectangular box out of plywood, sealed it with several coats of epoxy, and then painted this. This box is mounted into the opening and sealed in place. The open side of the box faces into the cockpit, the tank is secured with a strap. The gas hose enters through a hole drilled in the upper back corner of the box. Any fumes should escape into the cockpit and out the drain located there.
I also have a 1975 O'Day 25 and have constructed a fuel tank compartment by cutting a rectangular opening into side of starboard cockpit wall, under the seat. My outboard is on starboard side. I then constructed a rectangular box out of plywood, sealed it with several coats of epoxy, and then painted this. This box is mounted into the opening and sealed in place. The open side of the box faces into the cockpit, the tank is secured with a strap. The gas hose enters through a hole drilled in the upper back corner of the box. Any fumes should escape into the cockpit and out the drain located there.
How about a hatch?
Keith, I have also been thinking about building a fuel locker into the side of the starboard cockpit seat. I am considering enclosing the locker with a hatch, and including a vent hose for fumes out the transom. Do you have any thoughts about this after building your locker?
Keith, I have also been thinking about building a fuel locker into the side of the starboard cockpit seat. I am considering enclosing the locker with a hatch, and including a vent hose for fumes out the transom. Do you have any thoughts about this after building your locker?
No hatch
I thought about a hatch but decided not to at this time. Reasons: 1. I need fairly ready access to open vent if I need to start OB in a hurry. 2. A hatch creates a "Closed Compartment" and obviously needs proper venting. I did some searching but couldn't find any specifics as to how much venting is needed to be compliant with applicable regulations. 3. I didn't want to be limited to available commercial hatches and my woodworking skills are not such that I felt confident making my own hatch. So my tank sits in this space under the seat that is open to the cockpit for venting, and is sealed from the bilge, cabin, etc.
I thought about a hatch but decided not to at this time. Reasons: 1. I need fairly ready access to open vent if I need to start OB in a hurry. 2. A hatch creates a "Closed Compartment" and obviously needs proper venting. I did some searching but couldn't find any specifics as to how much venting is needed to be compliant with applicable regulations. 3. I didn't want to be limited to available commercial hatches and my woodworking skills are not such that I felt confident making my own hatch. So my tank sits in this space under the seat that is open to the cockpit for venting, and is sealed from the bilge, cabin, etc.
thanks Keith
Your fuel tank compartment is a good idea. Have you noticed any structural changes, like flex in the seat. I may try this if I can get by cutting a hole that big in my boat. BTW you have a 1975, do you have a centerboard model? And if so do you have a post in the center of the cabin with a manual winch to raise and lower the centerboard?
Your fuel tank compartment is a good idea. Have you noticed any structural changes, like flex in the seat. I may try this if I can get by cutting a hole that big in my boat. BTW you have a 1975, do you have a centerboard model? And if so do you have a post in the center of the cabin with a manual winch to raise and lower the centerboard?
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