Is there anything I can do?.......

[Steve]

Here is the problem I have experienced on my Mariner: I have a motor hangin" off the back, the gas tank is located under the hatch door in the cockpit. That door must be kept open, otherwise it will pinch the gasline. I would like to have it closed as crew are scurrying about and it makes it ackward for approaching piers etc. I have set the gas tank on the stern but it slides around and the sails have the possiblity of getting gas on them when they are lowered. Any ideas on how to overcome this problem?

 

[Rod Johnson]

a few tips

First, if you have the tank in a closed compartment, IT NEEDS VENTILATION! gas fumes are explosive. To lead the fuel line from tank to motor without pinching the hose, one idea is to run the hose out through the vent that vents the compartment, another is to install a small inspection port in addition to the vents...run the fuel hose out that port, or install a thru-hull fitting in the deck or transom that allows the fuel hose to reach the motor with the compartment lid closed.

 

[Scott Gurney]

gas tank in Mariner

Steve:I have a 1966 Mariner with a 9 h.p. outboard. The motor is mounted on a molded well on the port side. It has an integral hole that allows the gas line to pass through to a portable 6 gallon tank below the rear deck on the starboard side. The plastic tank fits under the deck snugly and does not slide around. The rear deck is about two feet deep from the transom to the cockpit, and is open on the side that faces forward. Because the compartment under the deck is open I do not worry about fumes, but I do make sure that the cap on the tank is tight when the motor is not in use.Perhaps you have a different hull model than I do that does not have the rear deck compartment. I understand that later models have bunk space under the cockpit (mine has the "V" only), where I have floatation and two top loading compartments (one a cooler!) under the cockpit benches. Maybe your model has the bunks with the floatation moved aft under the rear deck, occupying the open space where I keep the gas tank.If I did not have a compartment to keep the gas tank in the rear of the boat I would probobly use a small portable tank and disconnect it when not in use and stow it in one of the cockpit bench compartments (or sealed below). I rarely use the motor for more than 30 minutes or so, and only use a few ounces of gas each time. I have a friend with a Cape Dory Typhoon that keeps both outboard and gas tank below until needed. But he is rather odd.Good luck and happy sailing.-Scott Gurney Dulcinea