Below-deck fuel tanks above deck?

[Ken O]

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/

 

[SnowTexan]

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.

 

[colbysmith]

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.

 

[Peter & Judy]

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.

 

[Ken O]

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?

 

[thataway]

? 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.

 

[Ken O]

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.

 

[hardee]

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 :moon

 

[Safetythird]

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.

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.

 

[T.R. Bauer]

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.