Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Standards for marine fuel systems changing?
Posted by JohnnyCW on 01/10/10 - 1:58 PM
#1
I few weeks ago I had a brief conversation with a friend about what he claimed are soon to be implemented new standards for marine fuel systems. I don't know the origin of the supposed standards (EPA, USCG...). Anyway, the crux of it all was that supposedly at some point in time, all new model vessels will be mandated to have vent-less fuel systems. In other words, similar to modern automobiles that do not allow anything from the tank to be vented to the atmosphere.
Anyone have any specifics or is any of it even remotely true? I figure since new portable fuel containers now must be vent-less, mandating changes to the marine industry seemed like a reasonable possibility.
Posted by wrangler on 01/10/10 - 3:46 PM
#2
The EPA will require low permeation fuel hoses and fuel tanks. Also a carbon canister will need to be in the fill line vent to capture gas fumes before they go into the atmosphere. See the EPA website. Most manufacturers are aware of it and already have something in the works.
The USCG is against fuel vent line restrictions, similar to what a vehicle has. Even portable fuel tanks would need to have a vent line filter to capture fumes.
Boat engines will need to meet the California emissions standards if the EPA has its way.
Posted by CES on 01/10/10 - 6:06 PM
#3
Just another way for the government to take our hard earned money and redistribute the wealth.
Posted by MW on 01/11/10 - 12:05 AM
#4
How about those new portable "Vent-less" gasoline container's that came out a few years ago, ya know, the container's that used to cost $4.99, now they are $25. The idea is that no fuel vapor's can escape, and the fuel may only leave the container at a controlled rate by pushing down on the spout. Every time you use this container, I promise you that you will spill more fuel all over the place than if you just used a "Bucket". A bad design, that is clearly a fire hazard.
"Government's job is to protect the people, NOT ruin their lives"...Ronald Reagan
Posted by JohnnyCW on 01/11/10 - 9:14 PM
#5
I was in for a rude surprise a few months ago when I went out looking o replace some old portable gasoline containers. The new ones are awful.
Posted by CES on 01/12/10 - 3:58 AM
#6
Johnny, well? Don't leave us hanging, what surprise did you find?
Posted by JohnnyCW on 01/12/10 - 12:47 PM
#7
No mystery, just what MW already covered. The containers are not easy to use. The valve is clumsy and flow is very slow. Holding up a 6 gallon container and trying to dump its contents while taking what seems to be 3-4x longer than an old conventionally vented container is a challenge. The new containers also do not seem to vent at all when the gasoline fumes expand due to rising ambient temperature. At times I swear they're on the verge of bursting and I find myself manually releasing the pressure only to find the containers collapsed on themselves dramatically the next morning. Such flexing and stress cant be good for the polyethylene material and I expect them to fail rapidly.