Where to locate my fuel/water separator?

[PiratePast40]

My boat didn't have a fuel/water separator installed so decided to order one when I ordered the new tank. It's an I/O and the tank will be mounted in the bow. Now wondering where to locate the filter. If it's up by the bow under the gunnels, there will be a chance of spilling fuel on the carpet when changing the filter. If located in the rear near the engine, there would be a greater chance of fire in the event of a leak. Since there wasn't one there to start with, I don't have a reference. Anyone have any compelling arguments or regulations for any specific location?

Thanks

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Where to locate my fuel/water separator?

I dont know what the best way to set yours up would be. On the boats that I have owned they had it pretty close to the engine. They were in the bilge.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Where to locate my fuel/water separator?

You want to try to put your filter as close to the fuel pump as is feasable. The reason you want it in the engine compartment is if it does leak, you don't explode your boat because you ran your blower for at least 4 minutes AFTER sniffing for the telltale raw fuel smell, before you start your engine.
Correctly installed, undamaged filters don't leak. They aren't on the pressure side of the fuel line (well, yours shouldn't be)

 

[deves3000gt]

Re: Where to locate my fuel/water separator?

I agree with the the above. mine is also located right next to the engin.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Where to locate my fuel/water separator?

Sounds fair - thanks. Now for another question: I was reading the Coast Guard regs for backyard boat builders and it said that if the tank was above the engine - which mine is - that it's supposed to either have an inline shutoff or a vacuum breaker. It makes sense but since mine was built in 1977, before the regs were written, it doesn't have that. Any ideas where and how to install a vacuum breaker? Up front near the tank vent? Back aft thru the transom? Am I worrying needlesly about something?

Thanks again for any ideas.