Failing PCSC, 26S stern compartment (1991 model)

[361099682]

Hello, 26S-ers

I own a 1991 26S, a Canadian boat moored in U.S., which got two portable fuel tanks stored in the stern compartment to power a 9.9 outboard. My boat recently went through a courtesy Pleasure Craft Safety Check (PCSC) and failed against the Canadian regulations. The inspector emailed me the message below. Can someone give me some suggestions as to how I can get Blessed compliant?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi Kenneth

It was my error in not fully addressing the matter of your fuel tank storage compartment. As far as I can tell, your boat is not in compliance and PCSC decal should not have been issued.
Note: All of the following should be reviewed with a recognized specialist or builder.)
There are 2 issues Ventilation & Ignition protection

1. I have attached a copy of the ABYC standard (H-25) for portable fuel tank storage. As you can see from part 25.4.3 and 25.5.1, your boat comes up a bit deficient. I have no idea of what your compartment’s ‘net’ (total volume less the volume of contents [tanks, etc.]) volume is but a 15 sq.in. vent is about 4.5” in dia. As a Canadian boat you would have to comply with TP 1332 (6.3.1-6.3.2 - p. 64,65)and in this matter, Transport Canada has adopted the ABYC criteria for what is called an ‘open space’.
2. The master switch in the compartment should be ignition protected. If you can get the make/model the manufacturer (dealer) should be able to tell you. If not, it should be replaced/upgraded or re-located.

The ventilation matter is a bit of a dilemma since in sailing vessels, generous ventilation could pose a downflooding issue if heavy weather was encountered. [ example: If your net volume was 6 cu.ft. you would need 90 sq.in. or 2 vents at 7.5” dia. – quite large on a 26’ sailboat.] Even though the compartment is small, if any water was ‘shipped’ during heavy weather it could pose a real inconvenience if not a risk.
How this happened is anybody’s guess. Perhaps the tanks originally sat in the cockpit (open space) and the previous owner, tired of tripping over them, just decided make changes to fit them inside the hull. Or, the boat pre-dated the standard, or the builder ignored the standards- both unlikely.

Possible fixes (to be reviewed with a recognized specialist or builder.)
1. Fit the appropriate size vents.
2. Re-locate tanks to exterior of boat. (open space)
3. Fit a permanent tank – this would permit smaller compartment vents. ( 2 at 3” dia.)

In the meantime some suggestions (to be reviewed with a recognized specialist or builder.)
the tank compt. be well ventilated before departure and during vessel use. Fitting an exhaust fan would be advantageous.
1. Fit a fume detector sensor (with alarm) in the compartment AND in the boat (outside the compartment).
2. Check the battery switch and any other possible source of ignition in this compartment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Owner of Blessed

[vizwhiz]

I know that we've had that discussion on this forum many times already, and I have had it a few times just for my S as well...
There doesn't seem to be a very good solution to carrying a significant quantity of fuel without either installing a permanent tank (like Sumner did) or carrying it somewhere out on the deck. I have not actually reached that point yet with my boat, but I'm not far from having to address it.

[361099682]

thank you for your response, vizwhiz. i was surprised by the email and should have search this topic before posting my concern.

I know that we've had that discussion on this forum many times already, and I have had it a few times just for my S as well...
There doesn't seem to be a very good solution to carrying a significant quantity of fuel without either installing a permanent tank (like Sumner did) or carrying it somewhere out on the deck. I have not actually reached that point yet with my boat, but I'm not far from having to address it.

[361099682]

i've found the answer: http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-35.html

[madguy]

i've found the answer: http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-35.html

For any questions on the 26S always refer to Sumner, if he hasn't done it to his boat it aint worth doin and i don't think there is an inch of a 26S that he doesn't know.

Madguy

[Hamin' X]

In the manual for the 26s, you are warned to not store gasoline inside the boat and keep it on the deck.

DON’T STORE FUEL CANS INSIDE THE BOAT.
Gas fumes are explosive. Keep all gasoline containers out
of the boat and on deck.

~Rich

[Catigale]

The 26 S stands for 26 Sumner, after all.....

[Russ]

You are lucky to have an inspector go to such lengths to explain this to you.

Gas containers have vents and portable ones vent directly. The fumes will ultimately vent inside the hull and are lighter than air and will find their was to the lowest part of the boat. So that's why storing them inside the boat is dangerous.

When electrical switches make contact, they create a spark. Generally it's tiny and is not visible, but it can ignite fumes.

[vizwhiz]

Please don't forget to post what you choose to do for a solution...we all would like the benefit of that knowledge!