96 Key West Explorer 15' - serious fuel smell in bilge

[beniop]

Well, third trip out on this new (to me) boat, and the bilge pump is going non-stop. Get back to dock, pull the aft deck plate bc I hear that delightful sound of running water, and sure enough the aerator nipple cracked and was filling the bilge.

It took me a second to believe it was seawater though, as the smell of gas in the bilge is **STRONG**

Got me a little worried. I have no manual for this boat, nor do I know what the gas tank is made of. Maybe replacing all fuel system hoses is in order; I'm hearing that non-E10 rated hoses are going to sieve out gas sooner or later.

Any advice? It's been a few days since I spent $3000 to buy the boat, so I'm sure I'm overdue to throw more money at her

 

[beniop]

Re: 96 Key West Explorer 15' - serious fuel smell in bilge

Hoses seem okay. No visible breaches in the fuel tank. WTH???

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 96 Key West Explorer 15' - serious fuel smell in bilge

My 1988 KW tank got a leak and had to be replaced. Another guy here had a leak at his sending unit port. Also your overflow vent may have come loose.

Dry out your bilge with a sponge and rag, then see what happens. If you are on a trailer, drive around or tilt it up and down. then check the bilge for fuel.