Gasoline Smell - 1700 Fisherman

MT Bob

Cadet
Joined
Jul 15, 2007
Messages
17
As a Lund newbie, I'm still figger'in out how it all works. It's been an interesting summer of successes, embarrassments, and "oh, ****s"... the beauty of learning by doing.

So, here's my next question - we were out the other day on a big lake with high winds. The Lund 1700 performed great in 3 - 4 waves. But at one point I distinctly smelled raw gas... not too comforting. It only lasted a short time and seemed to be during those times when were taking the waves directly into the bow which gave the boat a heavy roll up and down. Neither the gas cap or the vent holes had gas on them, nor did any of the gas line fittings connecting to the motors (115 & 9.9 Merc's).

I got to thinking later that perhaps the cause of the smell was a sloshing motion in the gas tank pushing fumes out the vent caps on the side of the boat, and the wind then swirling the fumes back into the boat.

Any thoughts?

Bob
 

bassboy1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
1,884
Re: Gasoline Smell - 1700 Fisherman

That sounds possible, but I would check everything, and make sure it isn't leaking. Launch the boat, start the outboards, and start sniffing around. A leak is the last thing you want. Also, smelling it out the vent cap in rough water is bad, cause if you can smell it, it can ignite.

Good Luck!!
 

Captain Paul

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
143
Re: Gasoline Smell - 1700 Fisherman

I too have a 17 Fish. I on occasion smell fuel from the vent, but not underway, only when it's on the trailer. It is a vent, vapors will vent through it I would think.

I would still check all connections. I have been wanting to pull the floor access and just have a look see at the tank and brackets.
 

MT Bob

Cadet
Joined
Jul 15, 2007
Messages
17
Re: Gasoline Smell - 1700 Fisherman

Yesterday I took the boat out for a few hours, no gasoline smells. I then pulled the floor board over the tank, lifted the trailer hitch (with our tractor) to make sure the fuel connections were flooded with gas at the top of the tank - no apparent leaks at the tank connections - and. no apparent hose connection leaks from the tank to the motors.

Also, with the cover on, and after traveling with the boat - and lifting the cover - I don't smell any fumes. So, now I'm thinking that what happened was a brief event that occurred when the boat was rocking due to the 4 foot waves that the fuel in the tank sloshed around enough to discharge fumes.



Bob
 
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