12 gal Moeller inboard tank

marco422 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 1:04 am Post subject: 12 gal Moeller inboard tank

I installed a 12 gal Moeller topside tank, which is not actually approved in Canada, under the splash well. It fit perfectly and gives some additional range (along with a 6 gal reserve) for long cruises up the Inside Passage. BC Ferries will only allow two tanks totaling 75 litres onboard.

I was planning to fill the tank onboard (carefully) although technically you are supposed to remove the tanks to dockside for filling. Am I crazy? I have been reading scary stories about explosions... should I install a bilge blower? The previous owner installed passive vents on the rear "fins" which I could modify with a West Marine bilge blower. My fuel well has a partial Sunbrella curtain over it.

Should I even consider a small catalytic heater onboard or curtail my boating season.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Larry H · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 2:04 am Post subject:

If we are talking US gallons, 75 liters divided by 3.785= 19.8 US gallons.

If Imperial gallons, 75 liters divided by 4.55 = 16.4 Imperial gallons.

So a 12 gallon and a 6 gallon tank add up to 18 gallons. If the tanks are in US gallons, you are inside the 75 liter limit.

Since those tanks are venting into the cockpit area, I would be very careful about an open flame heater.

Doryman · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:45 am Post subject:

Larry, I think he is asking about the precaution posted at gas pumps regarding removing containers from the vehicle before refilling.

Warren

lloyds · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 10:49 am Post subject:

I have been using the same tank for several years on the same hull with no problem. And the gas docks never blink an eye either. I do remember Oldgrowths' pictures of his mounting of his catalytic heater and I was curious about that. He had it mounted above the tank on the gunwhale. I keep my Buddy up front just in case but in back would certainly spread the heat out better.

thataway · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

Many 12 to 18 foot skiffs use the "portable" tanks. I have used them on inflatables and skiffs, as well as runabouts since the 50's and never had a problem. With an open cockpit--there is enough ventillation, that if you are careful, that there should not be a problem. Be sure that there are no strong gas fumes, and that all passangers are out of the boat when you are fueling. You might keep some fumes out of the cabin area, if you have a canvas which you can drop from the aft cabin top straight down to the cockpit floor.

I am not a big fan of the catalytic propane heaters, but if there are not fumes, it should be OK. You can close the vent, when you are not using the tank (conventional tanks are vented overboard).