[ocuyler]

Blizzard,

I have the same model and year as you. I am 1/2 way through this restoration and at the point where I have replaced the fuel tank and have yet to replace the panal that covers it. The old tank was foamed in and soaked with gas. The fill hose was cracked and leaking, as was the sending unit, as you indicated. I see no means of venting it, as the tank was in compartment between the stringers with bulkheads on each end and only 1" open space on top.

There are the raceway accesses on either side, but that hardly would be considered a vent.

I installed the new tank via the Pascoe method so there is some air flow under the tank. I addition, I drilled 1" diameter holes in the front and back bulkheads as well as the bottom ply to encourage drainage (water or gas). All that was primarily an excersize to keep the wood dry.

There is still no means of positive air flow. I've never seen an outboard boat with a blower. My 2003 Whaler is basicaly the same design.

You bring up an interesting subject and I'm not sure what I'll do about it. The default, of course, is to do nothing and just be sure that all the fill and vent hoses are well connected, the tank is properly grounded, etc. I'm moving the batteries to the cooler space under the front space to keep weight forward and isolate them from the rest of the boat.

I would not like to cut holes in the boat to add vents, but will be following the thoughts that this thread will inevitably evoke.