Fuel Tanks, Batteries etc in same compartment

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Mat-C, Dec 5, 2012.

  1. Mat-C
    Joined: May 2007
    Posts: 255
    Likes: 12, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 141
    Location: Australia

    Mat-C Senior Member

    I was just wondering if there are any regulations or ABYC guidelines regarding the location of fuel (petrol) tanks in the same compartment as batteries or electrical devices (in this case a bow thruster)?
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member

    probably,--- although I don't know why.

    Its just easier to say probably because there usually is.

    Infact im probably breaking the law now for not knowing the answer or something else.
     
  3. tunnels

    tunnels Previous Member

    Why a fuel tank in the front of the hull where the bow thruster is ?? Regulations or no regulations let common sense prevale, its potentually a bomb you do realise that !!:confused:
     
  4. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member


    Please walk us thru a scenario of your choice where a fuel tank stored near a bow thruster would be a bomb.

    Ide realy like to know.
     
  5. watchkeeper

    watchkeeper Previous Member

    Agreed, aside from the effects on safety, add gasoline fumes to stray spark = don't wait up for me tonite! the boats trim/hull attitude is cactus, being bow heavy with fuel that should be bunkered amidships or slightly aft of mid fuel would most likely prevent a hull getting up on the plane.

    Maybe not such a big deal in a displacment hull but full bow tanks will on most any hull designs probably affect trim/speed/fuel burn/endurance.

    The real point is why locate tanks in the bow???
     
  6. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member

    He didnt say it was a power boat , he didnt say it was tankage . He did say he has a battery and bow thruster in the bow which you dont think works.

    So where does he store fuel under the dash? or maybe at the back by engine start battery's and trim motor or auto pilot pump infact where is there you can stow fuel not near electrical equipment and or even a bilge pump?

    Man these boats are so dangerous its a wonder we are allowed to sit in them!!!
     
  7. watchkeeper

    watchkeeper Previous Member

    Maybe he mistakingly brought a boat with PVC exhaust system and wants to move his fuel from hi risk area!!
     
  8. watchkeeper

    watchkeeper Previous Member

    Like most things in life Boats aren't dangerous its what some fools do in and too boats that is the danger
     
  9. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member

    Your a experienced boat builder and you think there will be an exhaust in the bow ---

    Why do you post?
     
  10. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member

    Maybe some one could explain to me and the OP what is going to explode.

    Why is it that people think everything will explode like a bullet through a petrol tank (rubbish) and a car having a puncture turns over and bursts into flames --this is Holly wood crap .

    Get a tray of petrol and thow a cigarrette in it and tell me what happens,--you wont need an extinguisher.

    What happens when hot engine has petrol run out onto the exhaust manifold ---nothing.

    How the hell is petrol going to explode near a 12 battery?. Ohh I think some cars have batteries near the fuel tank in the boot --- they should be banned eh?

    come on --- guys think before typing---
     
  11. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
    Posts: 4,862
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    You should ask boatdesign net contributor IKE for small craft rules.

    The book states...

    8.4.1 Isolation of an electrical component from a fuel source shall be provided by:
    (a) a bulkhead that meets the requirements of paragraph 8.4.2 and that is located between the
    electrical component and the fuel source;
    (b) the installation of the electrical component with provision of a means to prevent fuel and fuel
    vapours from becoming exposed to the electrical component; or
    (c) a space that is open to the atmosphere and that provides at least 600 mm (24 in) between the
    fuel source and the electrical component.
     
  12. watchkeeper

    watchkeeper Previous Member

    Frosty, you may choose to ignore the rules that have been established in response to accidents, improved design and technology, plain good sense and practical engineering but please don't try to encourage others who come to Boat Design forum for advise to follow your examples putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk.

    Your advise may even this site liable to costs if an accident accured as a result of someone taking your direction seriously, a liability that you would probably avoid.
     
  13. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
    Posts: 4,862
    Likes: 116, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 1180
    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

  14. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member

    Please allow us access to your expensive knowledge and explain why it would be a bomb and or set of fire. This should be simple to a man of your skills.
     

  15. tunnels

    tunnels Previous Member

    Petrol !! Petrol any where in any boat is a danger !! the possabilities of petrol leaks and fumes mixed with air entrapped in a compartment with an electric motor that has high current draw , cables and terminals etc etc !!
    just takes one freak situation of the right air to fuel ratio and a spark and boooom
    Petrol fumes are heavyer then air and sit in the bottom of sealled compartmens or the lowest places under floors and bilges etc etc .
    Its why petrol engines in compartments usually have big bilge blowers that run and blow air on and around starter motor for a predetermined time before the starter will work .
    Seems a strange place to have a fuel tank in the bow ?? still without seeing or knowing the reasoning we'll never know why !
    Please be carefull !!
    PS how much fuel and where is the filler?? and what about the tank breather where is it located ???
     
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