Adding additional fuel capacity...

[worldfoto]

I have a 2003 C-Dory 22 Cruiser, and I'm trying to find ways to add fuel capacity and running range for some remote trips in Alaska and Canada.

I've run from Kodiak to the Alaska Peninsula carrying as much as 104 gallons, using rows of plastic cans in the stern. It works, but it's not pretty, and the boat sits very low in the stern.

Would it be possible to place two tanks (with the required venting and fueling hardware) into the sealed bow flotation cells?

I saw that a German owner once took a jigsaw to his boat and created two storage lockers in the V-berth. There should be a below deck fuel tank that could it up there.

Thanks for any shared wisdom.

[starcrafttom]

Yes you could use the void in the bow as a fuel storage if you vented it correctly. I'm not sure that much weight up front would be a good thing. I would calculate the weight and place that amount in lead or what ever in the bow and see how it runs. I fear that it would run bow down too much and cause bow steer in a following sea.

Take a look at Dave's 16 / 19 with the side tanks. When he stretched his 16 to a 19 he installed side tanks. In fact there was a set of saddle tanks for sale here on the c-brats last week. I also think a set of tanks / seats just out side the cabin would be a good idea. Two 30 gallon tanks attached to the floor of the cockpit against the bulkhead with seat cushions would be great project.

[CougarMtn]

You will need to verify that the tank(s) are certified for bow placement if you go that route. Not all tanks are. The bow is subject to more pounding then the rest of the boat, hence the extra rating.

[Aurelia]

I like Tom's idea but that is a bit more permanent or at least it could be.

I also really like these units although they are really a bit pricy to buy in quantity.

http://www.rotopax.com/Gasoline/

I use have one that I have abused to no end and I cannot even imagine it leaking or failing. They are uniquely shaped so you could get clever with location and they are really sturdy and should last the life of the boat. Simply in a different ballpark compared to normal portable containers.

[hardee]

Tom, I like your idea, and it could have a step built into it to make clearing the gunnel a bit easier too. Wonder if it could be out of stainless. Beautiful and functional.

Harvey
SleepyC

[texasair]

A lot of offshore fishermen here on the gulf coast use collapsable fuel bladders for long runs to the prime fishing areas.