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Ken O
Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 112 City/Region: West Yellowstone
State or Province: MT
C-Dory Year: 1990
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Ravens' Roost
Photos: Ravens’ Roost
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 5:19 pm Post subject: Below-deck fuel tanks above deck? |
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I'm looking for options to add 10-15 gallons of fuel capacity to my C-22 Cruiser. I've read a lot of forums, articles and tests, and, being experienced with the wonderful new jerry can pouring spouts on land, I would really rather not deal with them on the water. That leaves 2 options as far as I can see: red tanks and tan tanks. The problem for me is that the shapes that would work best for me (getting in the way the least) are all tan tanks ("below-deck"). Is UV resistance the only issue here? Can I paint or cover one of these tanks and strap it in place in the cockpit? Does the Coast Guard care if I do so?
Some food for thought on portable cans: https://www.boatus.org/findings/43/ _________________ "If it were easy, everyone would be doing it." --Circumnavigator and author Larry Pardey. |
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SnowTexan
Joined: 08 Aug 2019 Posts: 185 City/Region: Carlton
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Miss Maria
Photos: Miss Maria
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 5:27 pm Post subject: Re: Below-deck fuel tanks above deck? |
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Ken O wrote: | I'm looking for options to add 10-15 gallons of fuel capacity to my C-22 Cruiser. I've read a lot of forums, articles and tests, and, being experienced with the wonderful new jerry can pouring spouts on land, I would really rather not deal with them on the water. That leaves 2 options as far as I can see: red tanks and tan tanks. The problem for me is that the shapes that would work best for me (getting in the way the least) are all tan tanks ("below-deck"). Is UV resistance the only issue here? Can I paint or cover one of these tanks and strap it in place in the cockpit? Does the Coast Guard care if I do so?
Some food for thought on portable cans: https://www.boatus.org/findings/43/ |
You could save a lot of money by using a 20$ 5 gallon can, taking that safety spout off and dumping into a large 10$ funnel. This is how I fill tractor, c dory, well..everything. The EPA spout is for looks. |
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colbysmith
Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 4558 City/Region: Madison
State or Province: WI
C-Dory Year: 2009
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Traveler
Photos: C-Traveler and Midnight-Flyer
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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Look at these photos from Robert Meyer's boat, Brazo. He found these special tanks that worked well on the back of his boat. I forget what size they are.
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Peter & Judy
Joined: 03 Dec 2014 Posts: 552 City/Region: Olds
State or Province: AB
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Mistaya
Photos: Mistaya
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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I wanted to do the same and found a $100 solution that adds 45 litres (12 gallons) of fuel. I bought a 45 litre portable marine gas tank and it fits perfectly between my two built in tanks. I added a t - valve to my fuel line and attached it to the tank. It works perfectly and I can now carry 215 litres of of fuel with me. If I think I need more then I carry some jerry cans with me. _________________ Peter & Judy Haase
Buffalo Horn Ranch
HMCB Mistaya
"Mistaya" (Grizzly Bear in Cree)
HMCB (Her Majesties Cute Boat) |
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Ken O
Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 112 City/Region: West Yellowstone
State or Province: MT
C-Dory Year: 1990
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Ravens' Roost
Photos: Ravens’ Roost
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:34 pm Post subject: |
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I looked at several 12 gallon tanks, but they are all 14" (36 cm) wide, which just misses fitting between the 2 tanks in my 2000 C-22. I could make this work if I re-mounted these tanks slightly higher and nudged them outwards about 1/2" each. This is an option. The jerry cans and the funnel are also in the running.
Does anyone know anything about using "below-deck" tanks? |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20829 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: | ? Can I paint or cover one of these tanks and strap it in place in the cockpit? Does the Coast Guard care if I do so? |
The coast guard does not "care"--but the challenge will be a fill and venting of the Tank--the venting still needs to be overboard. Filling there is certainly going to be more fumes in the cockpit and possibly into the cabin--so that may be a safety issue.
Most paints will not stick well to the HDPE of the "below deck" tanks. I would make a canvas cover (could be Sunbrella, ShelterRite, or real Canvas..
You will want a fill extension which will not allow fuel to slosh out into the cockpit.
Another option is saddle tanks. _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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Ken O
Joined: 05 Mar 2014 Posts: 112 City/Region: West Yellowstone
State or Province: MT
C-Dory Year: 1990
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Ravens' Roost
Photos: Ravens’ Roost
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Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2021 2:33 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the thoughts everyone. It looks like I can get a Moeller 12 gallon tank to fit between the main tanks if I move them a bit. We can lift it onto the dock to fill, and patch it in to the fuel filter/water separator when we need to use it. We can then also easily remove it when we won't need the extra fuel.
Bob, thanks for the details on the "below-deck" tank. I always appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. |
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hardee
Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 12633 City/Region: Sequim
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Sleepy-C
Photos: SleepyC
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Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2021 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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Ah the Saddle tanks get another mention. Would it be great if NMI would convert to Saddle Tanks with steps for egress. Would get the weight forward make egress easier and then with the aft tanks as an option, increase our range.
Harvey
SleepyC
_________________ Though in our sleep we are not conscious of our activity or surroundings, we should not, in our wakefulness, be unconscious of our sleep. |
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Safetythird
Joined: 23 Aug 2021 Posts: 45 City/Region: Hopkinton
State or Province: MA
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Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 11:36 am Post subject: |
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colbysmith wrote: | Look at these photos from Robert Meyer's boat, Brazo. He found these special tanks that worked well on the back of his boat. I forget what size they are.
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I checked his album and couldn't find the info so I PM'd him.
Those are rotopax tanks for those not in the know.
They have a bunch of sizes and a decent looking mounting system.
I'm still trying to figure out where I can store everything in my '16 Cruiser, but I like the thought of tanks that will stay put. |
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T.R. Bauer
Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 1735 City/Region: Wasilla
State or Province: AK
C-Dory Year: 1993
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Whisperer
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Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:48 pm Post subject: |
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Ken O wrote: | Thanks for the thoughts everyone. It looks like I can get a Moeller 12 gallon tank to fit between the main tanks if I move them a bit. We can lift it onto the dock to fill, and patch it in to the fuel filter/water separator when we need to use it. We can then also easily remove it when we won't need the extra fuel.
Bob, thanks for the details on the "below-deck" tank. I always appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. |
I have 2 of them and they have worked out great. I really like being able to not have them on the boat as well. |
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