wkrp Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 A friend who had bought a new boat had the dealer install his kicker motor. The gas tank for the kicker was installed in a unventilated compartment in between two batteries. I mentioned to my friend that this was not a safe install and should talk to the dealer which he did and he was told that it was perfectly safe. I totally disagreed and at my coaxing and help he found a new location in the boat for the gas. Am I being over cautious or is this dealer correct. I believe that he has been driving around with a bomb, and the dealer should be investigated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 I guess it depends how "unventilated" or sealed we're talking about. Even the batteries should be vented to open air to allow the escape of hydrogen gas while charging. Placing a gas tank in there that has to have a vent open to function, that might be getting a "little" tacky. One good spark and he'll be doing the backstroke if he's lucky. We had one on Simcoe this spring that didn't follow the 5 minute bilge fan rule...boom! I'd be looking for a new dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 It depends. Does the tank have an externally plumbed vent? If it does then there is no issue. If it doesn't there is a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 If the batteries are their then it is vented. The hydrogen gas released from the batteries as they charge and discharge would build up and then you have the bomb. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 If the batteries are their then it is vented. The hydrogen gas released from the batteries as they charge and discharge would build up and then you have the bomb. Art Hey Art.....are there not batteries that don't need venting like the Optima or AGM Batteries... Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted August 9, 2011 Report Share Posted August 9, 2011 Hey Art.....are there not batteries that don't need venting like the Optima or AGM Batteries... Bob Still, if there's a vented gas tank and fumes lay low, a spark from a loose connection could make for a pretty good launch. Why temp an unscheduled lift off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinnimon Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 If the dealer says its okay, in which I dont agree with. Have the insurance company and fire department make an assesment on the set up. The insurance comp will be the ones forking up the cash, and the fire assessing why it went BABOOM! Just my 1.93 american cents worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Still, if there's a vented gas tank and fumes lay low, a spark from a loose connection could make for a pretty good launch. Why temp an unscheduled lift off. That's my point.....IF those batteries are Optima or AGM that area might not be vented....but I don't know for sure if those batteries require venting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 dads old boat went boom one time... his boat had a bench seat going across the boat... red gas tank in one side and starter battery in the other side... filled up the boat with gas to go perch fishing... went to start the motor and BOOM!!! blew the seat off the boat... luckily his partner that day was grabbing the water bottles when it happened... then after checking out what happened... one of the wing nuts had loosened and he figures that caused a spark... check your gear on a regular basis... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnsled Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 dads old boat went boom one time... his boat had a bench seat going across the boat... red gas tank in one side and starter battery in the other side... filled up the boat with gas to go perch fishing... went to start the motor and BOOM!!! blew the seat off the boat... luckily his partner that day was grabbing the water bottles when it happened... then after checking out what happened... one of the wing nuts had loosened and he figures that caused a spark... check your gear on a regular basis... I was reading recently that you shouldn't use the wing nuts on a battery as you don't get a proper connection and they can work loose. If using them, use pliers to tighten them it said in the article. I guess it might have some merit after reading your story Musky Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Lund forbids "wing nuts" in their dealer prep documents. I'm just hoping they fired the wing nut that originally wired my boat.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiel Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Lund forbids "wing nuts" in their dealer prep documents. I'm just hoping they fired the wing nut that originally wired my boat.... Really, mine came with wing nuts on both batteries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 http://www.tc.gc.ca/publications/en/tp1332/pdf/hr/tp1332e.pdf This is the Canadian builders code for small crafts look at page 69 or 6.5 it has the regulation for all small crafts manufactured or custom built on battery ventilation. Quoted "6.5 Battery Spaces 6.5.1 Spaces containing batteries shall provide for the overboard ventilation of hydrogen gas released by the battery. Information Note: “Sealed”, “maintenance-free” batteries, or batteries with immobilized electrolyte (gel batteries) also need to be vented outboard." Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Good find Art.. For BillyBob, My concern would be more with the fact of the gas vapours being ignited by a loose battery connection than the fumes from a gell(AGM) battery, although I suppose either one would give you grief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted August 10, 2011 Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 Really, mine came with wing nuts on both batteries. Glad I didn't buy from Clarence! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tybo Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Dealer can't send them out with wing nuts. Something to do with transporting hazardous materials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Dealer can't send them out with wing nuts. Something to do with transporting hazardous materials. Yeah They save the all wing nuts to answer the phones just saying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisher Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 I recently bought an interstate battery and they now come with regular nuts...as opposed to the wing nuts they came with about 5 years ago when I last bought one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 Now you just gotta keep a ratchet in the boat and your good to go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 That's my point.....IF those batteries are Optima or AGM that area might not be vented....but I don't know for sure if those batteries require venting. They do require venting...before I got my CTEK charger and was using a junk charger on the Optima it was actually cooking out gas...they have release valves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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