Gas fume safety question

I was working on installing a fuse on a new trolling motor in the forward hatch of my boat which is located right in front of my gas tank. I can see the gas fill tube and the vent tube through the hatch if I turn my head under the opening. I’d expect to smell some amount of gas down there but seeing as most of the time the hatch is closed and I have a marine battery hooked to my trolling motor, I want to make sure there is no ignition risk.

I’m probably being paranoid with a sensitive nose but I take my kid on the boat so I’m not worried about being too safe. Is there any way I can know for sure the setup is okay? If not, what could be done?

boat brand, model, and size? …and, age?


17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott

Usually if there’s a significant problem it will be obvious. When you open that hatch it will be overpowering. If it’s just a slight wiff I wouldn’t get too worked up about it. That being said if there is a leak it is very, very dangerous.

'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki