Fuel capacity and range ability

[IndyR1]

The great Caernarfon to Wicklow in Ireland post got me thinking, as mentioned by some others, range can be an issue and I for one don't have the advantage of inboard fuel tanks so was wondering.

What solutions have any of you come up with for increasing your fuel capacity?

I could just increase the size of the onboard tank/tanks or get something fabricated?

Let me know what you've come up with and if you have any pics of your solution to this prblem which impacts of your range ability and it's something that I certainly would have to address before I could think about attempting something over about 45NM's

Si

[Starovich]

I carry up to 4- 20ltr jerry cans strapped to what was a bottle rack , now a seat. that and a 90 ltr inboard give a reasonable range for a 5m tornado circa 200nm depending on load and how heavy i am with the throttle.

[willk]

Back in the day when I did longer trips, I carried 100L of petrol in portable tanks. People on here talk about "refilling" at sea - I wouldn't entertain the idea. The most you might consider at sea is swapping a fuel line to a new tank. For transferring fuel between tanks I used a fuel siphon (anti-static) to reduce the possibility of fuel spills.

Bear in mind that you may need to resupply in the visited port, so a supply of handportable tanks is going to be useful. In your case, I would consider a couple of extra 30L plastic tanks. I fitted some eyes so I could secure extra tanks. An advantage of several small tanks is that you can see where you stand, fuel wise, very easily. You can also donate a tank to someone in trouble.

A note of caution: Check your fire extinguisher, make sure it is stowed in an easy to reach location, ensure your crew know where it is...

[treerat]

I carry 55l on the 4.5 as a standard load in 2 underseat containers. This gives me around 55 miles. Should I need more I carry a spare 25l (or two) and swop onto these as required. Normally carried in front of the consol or against the transon as loading dictates.

I prefer to swop tanks than try and decant at sea.

[9D280]

Another vote for multiple tanks. my standard setup is two 30Ls wedged in between the A- frame struts, and a further 22l under the console. If extra is required there is space for another 30L ahead of the console & another 2 22ls under the seat. I could put a further 3 30L tanks across between the jockey & the normal tanks, but that is starting to get silly and means I have absolutely no deck space!

I also have short (like 3") hoses on the tanks and a short (about 18") "jump hose" with the primer bulb. I also have a line with a tail that terminates at the engine (lives in a short piece of pipe fixed to the A- frame when using the stern tanks) and has an engine connector at the front of the console. The idea being all I need to move is the "jump hose", so no lugging 30 KG of fuel around, and the bulb is always at the tank end of the hose. The reason for the short hoses was after a sneaky wave unbalanced me whilst changing tanks many moons ago, and as I fell over I hit the solid connector & sheared the fitting clrean off the top of the tank..... thankfully on the one I had just emptied! By using a short hose on the tank fitting it not only makes it easier to connect with gloves on, but vastly reduces the amount of fixed breakable stuff to get caught.

[redthunder]

Strap one of these to the deck. 102 litres. If you have room

[willk]

Originally Posted by redthunder

Strap one of these to the deck. 102 litres. If you have room

Attachment 63842

I had thought about these. Tricky to carry up to the Shell garage...

Of course, with that much gas, you mightn't need to

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by willk

I had thought about these. Tricky to carry up to the Shell garage...

Trickier to carry back.

jky

[Pikey Dave]

These are the mutts nuts. Combined with the flexible pouring spout they offer a good solution. I've got a couple already & I'll probably get a couple more for the Ireland trip. Combined with the 2x90l inboards I should have enough to at least get me there, ish

[IndyR1]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

These are the mutts nuts. Combined with the flexible pouring spout they offer a good solution. I've got a couple already & I'll probably get a couple more for the Ireland trip. Combined with the 2x90l inboards I should have enough to at least get me there, ish

They cracking heavy duty plastic ones, just the ticket it you have somewhere to mount them.
Boy, just must eat juice with twin 115's.
I'll be measuring up this weekend to see what fits best.
Notice searching the net there are some designed to stand up rather than just lay down which would be better for me as they would take up less floor space.

Si.

[IndyR1]

Certainly must be nice if you can afford a new rib so you can have a nice large inboard tank and maybe a console with an inbuilt tank to so there is not need to carry loads of fuel cans on deck.

Si

[kerny]

I carry these two 20 ltr containers and this orange funnel which is ribbed (not for extra pleasure) but creates a vortex so it pours through a lot easier.

But I still wouldn't fancy having to top up my main tanks in the middle of a rough Irish sea. so like yourself I am hoping someone on here can come up with a better solution for peeps like us who don't have large under floor tanks

[tony t]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

These are the mutts nuts. Combined with the flexible pouring spout they offer a good solution. I've got a couple already & I'll probably get a couple more for the Ireland trip. Combined with the 2x90l inboards I should have enough to at least get me there, ish

you going the long way round then

[kerny]

As soon as ribbed!! was mentioned,,, as sure as eggs are eggs, in comes the Black Shadow. Right on cue Mr t

[tony t]

Originally Posted by kerny

As soon as ribbed!! was mentioned,,, as sure as eggs are eggs, in comes the Black Shadow. Right on cue Mr t

Best thing i ever brought steve have you noticed all the ladies wanting to sit on my rib when i wear it mrs kerny is soon aboard lol

[kerny]

Originally Posted by tony t

Best thing i ever brought steve have you noticed all the ladies wanting to sit on my rib when i wear it mrs kerny is soon aboard lol

Ye but you soon send her back

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by tony t

you going the long way round then

I'd rather be looking at it than for it The inboard tanks give me about 120nm range. Another 80l in cans & a top up when I get there will get me back nice & comfy.

[wavelength]

in-consol built in 90 litre tank plus a changeover valve ito a fuel line pigtail that grows outa the side of the consol thru the same 'ole as the control cables from the throttle/gearshift box. If ya dont need it its not in the way, on a longer trip two 30 litre tanks that fit the pigtail connector. One tank fits snugly between the consol and the anchor locker ( the boat was specced up with that measurement) and the other can go right up the bow or behind the back pod depending on where I want the ballast. Simple matter to change from one tank to the other. Use the deck tanks first then on arrival at a distant venue there is not usually an issue with carrying or at the filling station with purpose made fuel tanks as opposed to jerrycans.

[IndyR1]

Could do to place two in the corners of the transom but hard to find tanks that sit vertically rather than flat and horizontal.

Any one seen any, my corner space is about 23cm which is great for a lot of the tanks but that is there hight when in the horizontal position.

I suppose I could just re-tube the tank so it hangs down and reaches the bottom when stood upright?

Si

[wavelength]

Could do to place two in the corners of the transom

puttin a lot of weight right back in the tail end then....not good for trim esp with a head sea, any room for one flat for'ard?