adding fuel at sea question

rspecops · Post by **rspecops** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 1:49 am

Any long range cruisers out there?? I measured my sole internal gas tank yesterday and per dimensions its capacity is 77 gallons. This will be ok for most days offshore but I was thinking about mounting an external gas holding tank somewhere up on fore deck. Then have a pump, hose and nozzle to add to the main tank through the gas fill on side of boat when needed/emergency. I have a brand new 20 gallon or better aluminum tank in my barn a friend gave me. Anyone with any similar setup, ideas or precautions dealing with fueling at sea?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:33 am

With boat bouncing around I would think the spill factor would be high . If you think you need to carry more fuel , it would be best to add a permanent marine tank .

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:04 am

+1
What kind of boat do you have? I would think you should be able to fit a 20gal tank somewhere (marine grade) and plumb it into the main with an approved shutoff valve.
Other things to concider : What will the Coast Gaurd think of it? What will it look like, tank and hoses sitting on your bow?

Ron

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:05 am

I agree with the plumbed-in tank. If you have to put it someplace out-of-the-way that makes it impossible to simply valve in-and-out of the supply circuit, you can always purchase a small fuel transfer pump to transfer the fuel back into one of the main tanks. The company I work for makes such pumps.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:19 pm

installed tank...with a transfer pump, I've seen 12v gas pumps used..

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:24 pm

Why a transfer pump ? install a tank right with a valve and be done with it .

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:31 pm

options in case of space...agree if not needed don't put it in...but PUT the thought there to spark ideals on where the tank/tanks can go....you know food for thought....think out of the box.....

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:49 pm

I'm not liking the idea of a tank topsides. How will you vent it so that there is no spillage in bad seas. The lower it sits below decks, the less the liquid will move around, and it still has to go up hill through the vent line before spilling if the vessel is rollong. I wouldn't like that much fuel baking in the sun. If metal tank, for safety, it has to be grounded. Also think you stand a better chance of venting fumes into the boat this way, even with the slightest breeze in the right direction. Strongly advise against it. Find a way to get one down below where it belongs. There are a ton of options out there for tanks.

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:08 pm

i wouldnt do an extra tank unless it was very close, cross over with proper vent just like a motorcycle and be done, anything more would bother me. cant he just get a bigger tank? probly a dumb question but anything is possible i guess

rspecops · Post by **rspecops** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:13 pm

Wow, thanks for the responses. You guys changed my mind on the top side tank. I think I can get this spare tank I have below deck in one area. No room to change out tank that is in there for a bigger tank. That was already done and that area is practically maxed out. I had pondered the venting issue and how to make it look good. Could not come up with a great idea so decided to ask you experts, thanks again..