Transporting a gas can

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Frank O

Seaman
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
62
On an upcoming trip we're thinking about bringing along a full 5-gallon gas can on my 21-foot center console. The container is designed for gas, and was bought at an auto supply store 3-4 years ago. Is there anything in Coast Guard regs we need to know?
 
Texasmark

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: Transporting a gas can

If it is a container designed for gasoline, is sealed, and in the open, not down in a compartment, don't know what they could find wrong with it. Example is an outboard motor in an open boat, like a 10 hp engine on a 14' semi/v fishing boat. Container designed for the product, open vent in this case as you are using fuel from it, and in the open. Apples and apples. Have done it numerous times.

I would cover it with a tarp or something to keep it out of the sun; reduce the vapor pressure.

HTH,
Mark
 
arks

arks

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 7, 2002
Messages
1,936
Re: Transporting a gas can

During a vacation to Lake Powell a few years ago, I saw lots of plastic jerry cans strapped to boat swim platforms.
IMO that's the only safe way to do it- outside the hull. We all know where gas fumes go inside a boat.
Also, the can shouldn't be full- maybe 4.5 gallons instead of 5 to minimize spillage and allow for expansion.
 
C

cyclops2

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Apr 19, 2011
Messages
1,237
Re: Transporting a gas can

Whenever you are ready to use the spare or any other tank that has a SPILL PROOF sealing cap. Make sure the tank is level. Then SLOWLY unscrew the cap.....JUST ENOUGH .....to start that HISSING sound. Let it HISSSS right down to silence. Turn a little more. Let that hissing stop. O K to do what you want.

If you just unscrew the cap quickly at a tank angle ? You could EASILY get gasoline spraying all over you and the boat.

NO Cigarettes or open flames when ready to open that spare tank.

Leaving the fuel level 2 " low in the spare tank will go a long way to stopping the gasoline spraying around in a pitching boat.

As arks said....The fumes after opening the tank can stay low for a long time in still winds.
Your open boat style will help get rid of the fumes very quickly.

I carry a spare tank on a 16' Aluminum fishing boat. It is in the very bow area. It is metal. I had a red plastic one until I saw what dangerous shape it stretched into in a hot sunny day. I could not look at that thing any longer.
It distorted so badly I could see & smell gasoline from the out of shape gas cap threads. It actually got so rounded it rolled around. I did not give it away. a Moller
 
C

cyclops2

Banned
Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Messages
1,237
Re: Transporting a gas can

Thanks Roscoe

Good hardwhare store.

They do not sell those brand new.... leaking.... Moeller plastic gas cans WITH USCG approval.
I tried 3 Moellers. All leaked around the openings & fuel guages stopped working in a rough boat ride. Full money back including shipping charges. They said. " You are the first person to have those problems. "
 
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cyclops2

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Apr 19, 2011
Messages
1,237
Re: Transporting a gas can

I just realized I am hijacking this thread, :)

I need full metal & USCG approved. With threaded fittings. May have a lead to a couple of hundred.
 
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