VIDEO: Is your dinghy's portable fuel tank a danger?

VIDEO: Is your dinghy's portable fuel tank a danger?

Date Posted: July 1, 2015

Source: BoatUS

Portable fuel tanks must be designed to not normally vent fumes to the air – that's why they seem to "balloon" up a bit when they are sitting in the warm sun. But there's another way that fuel can escape the system – through the fuel line and the engine – and that's not only bad for the environment, it could be creating a dangerous situation.

BoatUS and the American Boat & Yacht Council recommend installing a simple, hassle-free fuel demand valve – and they show you how to do it in this video. A fuel demand valve will run you about $30; however, many new fuel line hose hits now include the valve.

Comment Submitted by Brian McMahon - July 3, 2015

Thank you very much for the video. I purchased a portable tank in 2013 and couldn't figure out why it wasn't venting when warm and expanded...now I know. I am a little confused as there still appears to be a vent that can be screwed open located on the tank cap. Is it just for letting air in when running? Have there been any reported incidents of these tanks blowing apart? Its a little scary seeing how much the tank puffs up in the sun.

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