gas tank issues

[bsh21wash]

I have been reading that you have to ground metal gas tanks, I was unaware of this. Is this true?

 

[JB]

Re: gas tank issues

Yes. Run a wire from the tank to the negative side of the battery which is "earth ground" for almost all boats.

 

[bsh21wash]

Re: gas tank issues

Is that for the gas gauge? because I dont have one installed yet

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: gas tank issues

JB, is that for permantly installed tanks or for the removable 6 gal ones also?

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas tank issues

That is for permanantly mounted metal tanks only.

I believe it is because filling can cause the buildup of static electricity and a spark at the pump nozzle to filler neck can cause an explosion.

Also a good idea not to fill the portables while they are in the boat because the gas vapors exit the tank as it is filled and just lie trapped in the boat where a spark can ignite them.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: gas tank issues

Don't forget to run a wire from the fill hole to the tank, and then from the tank to the neg. battery side

 

[bsh21wash]

Re: gas tank issues

Interesting, Thanks guys would have never known.

 

[Mark42]

Re: gas tank issues

The coast guard has a whole bunch of information on boat building. They are the first and last word on what you need to do to be safe and legal.

This page is specific to gas tanks, and worth saving in your favorites:

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/fuel/fuel.htm