Bilge venting on newer 23' CC

[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.

[Miles Offshore]

Sorry i didnt realize it was an outboard, thought it was an i/o- still, i think any boat with a below deck fuel tank should havea blower. I hope you guys figure it out, thats scary.

[Sleeto]

Five boat has a very good point - the tank is baically sealed in its own area on both sides and in the front. However, in my boat I can see the aft end of the tank by looking under the baitwell located just behind the tank.

I think what I will do is to put an electric blower and in/out vents at the stern with an air hose going in a far as I can get it. This will be possible on my boat because the transome has been filled in. But, I would also like to vent the front end by pulling air from the front to the back. Five Boat, do you know if the front of the tank goes all the way to the aft edge of the big forward compartment, or does it end at the front of the console?

[ocuyler]

Paul,

Here's some before and after:






Now that I look at it, there is enough "breathing room" to draw vapors out of there if you were to install a blower. Although it defies convention, I would consider venting to a spot inside as compared to cutting a hole in the hull. I would also consider a smaller vent like a 4" square s/s flush mount.

IMO, I feel the back bulkhead (bottom image) is important to improve hull integrity as there isn't much lateral support in the area.

Let me know what you decide...