Gas Tank and Bilge Cover

Devilfish55 · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 8:09 pm Post subject: Gas Tank and Bilge Cover

I am looking for advice on what material to use to cover the gas tanks and bilge. I have a 1987 22 cruiser. I know the newer boats have this already. How are they attached? Pictures would be helpful. It would be great to keep that area drier when diving.

srbaum · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:19 pm Post subject:

Devilfish55,
My canvas maker used this fabric in my 22 and later on my 26 for the purpose of covering the fuel tanks. My buddy that has a 22 at my dock, has traditional Sunbrella fabric back there, but I choose a mesh, to improve ventilation and aid in prevention of mold/mildew.

https://www.sailrite.com/Phifertex-Mesh-Sand-X00-54

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album2932&id=fullsizeoutput_ac0&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album2932&id=fullsizeoutput_abe&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

thataway · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:24 pm Post subject:

I assume that you have the current style hull with a splash well, and one polypropylene tank on each side under the splash well.

There is a piece of fiberglass which is screwed into a strip, glassed (or heaven forbid, screwed into the floor). You can use anything from a piece of Sunbrella snapped in place hanging over the entire area under the splash well, to pieces of plastic bolted in place, to a piece of fiberglass laminate that you make or buy on line. Also cutting a piece of King Starboard, or other high density polypropylene material to cover the area.

Karl Konecny · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:38 pm Post subject:

My boat had two fiberglass plates that were screwed into the lip of the splash well and screwed into the step in the cockpit shoe. This leaked water into the bilge. I patched the screw holes and have just left the gas tank covers off. Is there a reason to cover the tanks other than looks?

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:21 pm Post subject:

Not all boats came with them and they really don't do anything.

Devilfish55 · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 12:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the insights. I wasn't sure if they served a purpose other than looks. Saltwater does splash on the gas tanks and fuel lines when I am diving. I rinse with fresh water after every outing but I worry the extra water from diving will cause corrosion.

Devilfish55 · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:54 pm Post subject:

Here is an image of my setup.

http://www.c-brats.com/albums/album3295/IMG_6299.sized.jpg

WeekiTiki · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:34 pm Post subject:

I like mine open so I can see fuel level

But then I'm more for function than esthetic

Baxter · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2021 6:42 pm Post subject: Covering gas tanks

I may be odd but I like that on my Venture 23 I see tanks and well vented.

Otherwise I would not have noticed gasket on sensor leaking one day.

When those gaskets get old they dry out. You can buy a kit as most all the same.
My boat was 10 years old when I replaced both of them. Only one leaking.

I had a boat once with tanks below the deck. Smelled gas one day and found that
screw on sensor and worked loose and every wave it was spouting gas.

Now if you cover I would put on your check list to inspect occasionally.

just saying.