186 question

[Mattitude]

I got a question for the other 186 owners out there. When I open the hatch in front of the helm, should I be smelling gas? I can just about get stoned when I open mine up...I don't know if that is normal or not since the gas tank is right there...but if everything is sealed up properly the vapors shouldn't be escaping. Please let me know. Thanks, Matt

[so_cal_island_fisher]

Roplene has a smell like that when it is hot and humid and has benn closed for I while. Try smelling your bilge and see if it smells the same. Mine smells the same. You could always stick a match in there also and see if it's gas or not. No Just joking, please don't!

[Cincinnati]

Fiberglass boat owners with polly tanks also have this concern. The polly tanks are known to permiate fumes but not at a dangerous level. If you're unsure or believe that the fumes are stronger than they should be, then you can have them measured by the fire department.

[Mattitude]

Thanks for the replies. I just want to be sure...I would hate for my helm to blow up and my boat melt around me to turn into a plastic casket.

[tomford429]

I bought an '01 186 Cool Bay new (this is my 5th summer). Yes, there is a gas smell, always has been. I have a canvas cover for my CC and leave that front hatch behind the front seat open under the canvas. Besides allowing the fumes to escape, it keeps my gauges from fogging (condensation). If you keep it closed, you will have trouble with the gauges rusting. I had to replace my tach and speedometer after the first winter. No problems since I started leaving that hatch open.

[AstroDiver]

Yea, I have a 2001 186 too. I get the gas smell too. Nothing at the back when I open up that hatch.
I started keeping the front hatch open because I have a boat cover . Thanks for the suggestion.
The spill drain hose has a loop in it above the fuel tank and I have to push it down to get the overflow fuel to drain properly.