[grommett]

Hi Jim

Fuel is not getting into the water, after a day on the water, the bilge was dry. I can only think that if there is a leak, it would have to be a slow leak into the ski locker and subsequent evaporation over a 2 week period in very warm weather (we do occaisionally get some in England).

I normally keep the ski hatch propped open so that any water can dry out and the boat is stored in my driveway with a full breathable cover and the plug removed, on this occaision I hadn't propped it open and noticed the smell when I opened it so maybe Paul has a point that there is always a background smell? As you say Jim, if it is a leak, we are talking gallons so I would have thought the whole boat inside the cover would have stank of fumes.

[Paul F]

Google "fuel smell in bilge" and you'll find a lot of postings.

We also had a thread on the Trailer Boats forum a couple of years ago that is still there.

Everyone with this problem has plastic fuel tanks. The Coast Guard is aware of the issue.

[grommett]

Just to update everyone who replied to this thread (thanks to all of you)

I didnt use the boat for 4 weeks (waiting for good weather). So I had plenty of time to investigate he smell and engine stalling.

The fuel tank is good - no leaks. I had plenty of fuel left in the tank and on Saturday the engine ran great all day so I now believe the stalling was caused by vapour lock.

As for the smell, I removed the Jerry cans from the boat and the smell went. I have since discovered that one of them had a slightly leaky seal in the lid - a very cheap fix.

Still cant get the fuel guage working properly but everything else is good again!