Gas fumes in the hatches

I purchased a 2000 1650 Lund Explorer late last fall and have noticed a pronounced smell of gas in each of the dry storage hatches and rod lockers. The boat has an internal gas tank. I’ve checked and rechecked and there is no gas leaking into the boat – at least none that is getting back to the “hell hole” where the bilge/livewell pumps are. I tried removing the floor decking that covers the tank, only to discover that that panel runs all the way under the rear bench-like area that houses the cranking batteries. I was able to pry it up enough to peek under with a flashlight and varify that there is no wetness on or around the fill hose, the vent hose or the fuel level sending unit.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Some smell has got to be normal becasue so many have it including my 98 Lund from day 1. Since you checked it all out and no leaks then I would consider it normal operation.

A friend of mine has an 04 Explorer and they had the same gas smell. There was a recall on the boat for a fuel sender gasket. After the gasket was replaced there is no more smell.

Pretty common deal. Mine smells all the time too. 01 Pro-V

On my 04 explorer, had the gas smell from day one . Three weeks later received the recall for possible leaks. Took boat back to the factory for the check out. They found a punctured fuel and vent hose. A factory worker drilled too deep and poked a hole in the lines. No smell since the recall.

I would like to add the smell under my boat is not like sniffing and open can of gas. Its just fume smelling.

I have an 02 1750 Fishhawk, it too, has plenty of a gassy smell in the rear compartments, and also is real noticeable when I un-snap the cover. A friend has an identical boat, his has it also. We haven’t been able to find any leaks either, just going to have to put up with it.

I wish someone could really come up with a good answer why this happens. Every boat I have owned with a built in gas tank has done this and that has been 9 boats.

Thanks for all the replies – guess it looks like it will just be something to deal with. Hmph.