Fuel smell in starboard berth

[dralyagmas]

Since I have owned the boat there is a noticeable fuel smell in the starboard berth of my SF37. This is the berth with the fuel tank under the bed. I have gone through all of the accessible sections of the berth and cannot see any fuel spilt, leaking hose or anything like that. There does not seem to be any stains on the mattresses to suggest spillage either.

I don't have any fuel in the lockers behind the berth and there is no oil or coolant in the bilge of the motor.

Any ideas on how to locate the source?

[Don Reaves]

Take a paper towel and rub it on the hoses. If it picks up the odor of fuel, the hose should probably be replaced.

The paper towel test is also useful for detecting small leaks in the seals of filters and such. It doesn't take much. You certainly don't need a puddle to cause a problem. 

Don

[optimystic]

If you have diesel heat it could be the vent.

[dralyagmas]

Thanks Don I will try that.

No diesel heat

[zofiasailing]

Fabric conditioner can be wiped over surfaces that might have traces of fuel left on them to remove the smell. I read it somewhere in a magazine and keep a small container on board for just that reason. Seems to work to get rid of the smell after sorting out the source of the leak.
Eva

[tedp]

If nothing else helps, put a saucer with some ground coffee in the space where the smell comes from. It will render the diesel smell unnoticeable. An old mechanic's trick.

[Don Reaves]

zofiasailing,

Thanks for reminding me why I have a bottle of water softener aboard. It really does help.

Don