Fuel tank question

I purchased a used 18′ lund with bench seats. It has a 50hp tiller, which came with a 6 gallon tank. I want to purchase a larger fuel tank 12/18 gallons and put it in the middle of the boat… between the middle two benches. These tanks have a low profile (10 – 13″). I’m considering enclosing that whole middle area (tank included) for storage purposes and also, for creating a casting/fishin deck. I’m a little leery of gas fume problems… any suggestions about the pros or cons of this adventure would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. MIKE

Unless you are going to make it “air-tight”, I wouldn’t give it a thought of worry……

Chances are that the “deck” you make is going to have all kinds of room to breath on the sides, so you will be just fine.

Note: I would be hesitant to put your batteries in the same spot, unless you have the batteries enclosed in a battery box.

Your probably going to want the fuel tank behind you. Its easier to play around with where you are going to put batteries than it is the fuel tank. If you do put it in the center of the boat, I would go with a permanent low profile type tank you can put under the floor. If you have it in front of you, you are going to smell gas fumes if its not air tight which can be a little annoying, and get a person paranoid along with a buzz if the fumes are strong enough.

If you make the area relatively air tight, you can use clamshell type vents in the chamber with the air intake in front of you, and the exhaust vent behind you which will circulate the air every time you move and release the fumes behind you.

Keeping your batteries in a box is a must if you plan to have them in the same area.. its better to find somewhere else to put them. One poor connection and heavy gas fumes trapped on a hot day is asking for trouble.