Fuel Storage

[greg123]

Hi Raiders,

I thought I'd put this to you guys as I know theres a lot of people out there with really great ideas on this sort of thing,

I've just started heading offshore a decent distance and am having troubles with fuel storage. I'm running a 200hp yammy 2 stroke V Pro on a 5.7m Vickers easyrider. The outboard uses just under 1L per Km (in offshore conditions) but I would like to assume 1L per km to be on the safe side. I have a 100L (or thereabouts) under floor tank but I think I would use about 150-170L for a full day offshore (about 30-40kms offshore) plus 20kms to boat ramp and finding bait etc = 120-140kms. I would also like to carry about 50L as spare if conditions demand higher rpm.

My question is... How would you recommend I store the extra 100L? At the moment I'm using Jerry cans sitting near the transom but I'm hoping there is a more space efficient way of storing fuel.

[tuffy]

Do you have room under floor for another custom built tank - either fore or aft of the original? That'd be the safest solution.

Tuffy

[greg123]

The current tank runs as far back towards the transom as possible all the way to the bulkhead where the cabin begins, I'm not sure how deep the two underfloor sections are either side of the main tank though. That could be an option but I don't think there would be that much depth in those areas.

I was thinking of somehow getting a tank for the front storage area under the seat in the cabin (right at the bow). It could probably hold about 50-60L but I'm worried that it may be a bit too much weight at the bow.

Has anyone made up some kind of jerry can rack either side of the deck?

[tuffy]

Only problem I see with that, Greg, is that jerry cans can be dangerous trying to empty into your main tank in a swell etc - spillage does occur and trust me, you don't EVER run out of fuel in a flat sea - it's always in shitty conditions. What about 2 x 25 ltr outboard tanks with a long fuel hose from the front to the engine - just for emergencies. 50ltrs = 50 kgs so that shouldn't affect your up-front weight too much. You could run the fuel line under the floor and attach to either up front tank when necessary.

Tuffy

[greg123]

Thanks thats a good point. I was considering one of those fuel bladders, but I have heard some negatives about them.

[Bleeding Green]

Haven't got much to add re your problem except fuel weighs less than water. I think it's about 3/4's. So 50 litre will weigh under 40kg. I would think you could store upto 100L up the front without to much hassles if you don't have much else up there.

[fisherdad]

If you don't have a snap fitting on your engine you can add one on the intake of most fuel filters. Then you can simply detach your main line and connect the outboard tank.

No mess and safe

[BWV]

ULP has a SG .72 to .76 so 100L would weigh between 72-76kgs depending on what type it was and what additives etc are in it. Bladders are ok but if not looked after or stored correctly they can burst.

[greg123]

ULP has a SG .72 to .76 so 100L would weigh between 72-76kgs depending on what type it was and what additives etc are in it. Bladders are ok but if not looked after or stored correctly they can burst.

I was considering putting them in triangular shaped storage areas under the port and starboard seats up the front.

What do you think about getting some custom made tanks to go at the bottom of those under helm seat boxes? Taking up about half of each box so about 35L each.

Tuffy in reply to your outboard tank suggestion, the bow storage locker doesn't have room for two of those tanks as it's triangular in shape. However It has a decent volume of more than 70L which is why I was considering either a bladder or custom made alloy/SS tank.