Refuelling A Trailerboat On The Trailer

[myocard]

For boats without a built-in tank, are there concerns or issues with filling tanks from a bowser while the tanks are still in the boat and the boat is on the trailer?

How about siphoning from a jerry can to the boat while the removable tank is still in the boat?

[Anroco]

I cant see the problem, but i have noticed on my fuel tank (removeable) it states to remove the tank from the boat prior to filling, so this is what i do.

I guess it might have something to do with filling in a confined space (as most of these tanks are situated in a small area towards the back of the boat and ventilation may be a concern) or might even have something to do with the battery not being earthed to boat itself (aluminium), and raise the static electricity factor. (Getting a spark between boat and nozzle)

Its the only things i can think of. Hope it helps.

CHeeRS

Ant

Edited January 5, 2010 by Anroco

[Mik]

I think you'll find the issues are static electricity. Placing the container on the ground reduces the risk of a static build up as any charge disperses into the ground. As rare as it is, static can ignite fuel. Most servos have earth leads on the high flow pumps (Usually diesel as they are more likley to cause static due to the fast flow)

Don't take my word for it though. Search any fuel retailer for a link to "Static Electricity" to see what risks you face.

[myocard]

Here is a document from the Aus Federal Govt dated 2005 http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/saf...static_fire.pdf

I am aware of the risks of filling containers in the car - always safer to take them out and fill them on the ground.

Same risks apply in boats? Tanks can be harder, if not impossible to remove in a boat. Also, tanks can be much harder to lift back into place when full.

I see plenty of trailer boats filled at the servo - and plenty with the plastic removable tanks.

Fuelling my boat is a huge pain in the arse with jerry cans & siphons - and I am not even sure that this is safer than just using the bowser at the servo. The tank is installed under some woodwork, although it is not attached to the hull in any way - just sits in a bracket.

[BFB]

Another problem with refueling a portable tank in the boat is the presence of vapours whilst the refueling is occurring. On an inbuilt tank these vapours are sent to the outside of the boat via a breather. A portable tank will only breath the vapours into the boat. As the vapours are heavier than air they can remain in the boat. You only need one spark from a piece of electrical equipment and you could have a very big explosion.

This is why a number of inboard boat are now fitted with purging fans and gas detection units so to ensure all vapours are removed prior to starting any motors.

My advice always fill a portable tank outside the boat.

[Day's Fishin]

I've seen 2 boats catch fire after refueling both being ski boats. The fuel vapors that are around under the gunnels after refuelling will stay there for some time & the starting of the motor sometimes produce a spark because of badly fitting battery terminals etc. Make sure you have a breather fitted if you can't easily remove the tank for refueling.

Regards Jeff

[Geoff-]

I think you'll find the issues are static electricity. Placing the container on the ground reduces the risk of a static build up as any charge disperses into the ground. As rare as it is, static can ignite fuel.

certainly can!

and there was a guy in NSW recently (bobbin head?) that almost killed himself when he started his boat about 30 mins after refuelling. fuel vapour exploded and gave him severe burns. anywhere enclosed where vapour could build up needs proper ventilating.

[myocard]

certainly can!

and there was a guy in NSW recently (bobbin head?) that almost killed himself when he started his boat about 30 mins after refuelling. fuel vapour exploded and gave him severe burns. anywhere enclosed where vapour could build up needs proper ventilating.

Anyone know if the static electricity risks overcome by using a jerry can & siphon with the tank still in the boat?

[BFB]

It might overcome the static electricity factor but it will not overcome the problem with the vapours staying in the boat and they are what explodes. The static electricity only supplies the spark to make the vapours explode.