(another) Fuel/Water Separator Thread - Help me choose!

[max_sailing]

Hi 310 Folks,

My 310 with an M25-XPB came with no Fuel/Water separator. I have only the spin-on filtered mounted on the engine. I'm about to take my first coastal voyage, and want to right this wrong and get some extra protection.

From my research, I know that since I will be installing in the engine compartment I need one with a metal bowl or at the very least a heat shield. Racor seems to be the clear brand choice. I see a 3 main options to pick from:

Catalina Direct seems to like this solution based on the modestly-sized 8" tall Racor 215RMAM filter: Fuel Filter / Water Separator Kit, Aluminum Bowl

Current price of $293 with fittings and clamps.


I've found plenty of articles from hardcore cruisers recommending the very serious looking Racor 500 series, such as the 500 MA:

I'm seeing these for about $330, plus fittings. The spec sheet says 11" total height. It's practically the size of the engine.

Just look how big the 500 is in this photo from Jesse's blog (Upgrades & Repairs)

At the other end of the spectrum, the tiny Racor 110a seems to be factory equipment on many similar sized boat. It's much smaller at 6" tall, all metal, and can be had for $160.

It's time to decide and get one ordered. I think they all could be make to work. I'm not sailing around the world so I can easily stock up on spare elements for any of them. I'm unlikely to burn more than a couple tanks of diesel a year, if that.

Any thoughts as to the most logical choice?

Max

 

[dlochner]

The Racor 500 would be my choice. One of the big reasons is filter changes, it is easy and relatively less messy. The spin on type of filters leave you with a filter fuel of fuel just waiting to be spilled in the bilge. The 500 also does not require any tools to change the filter and the clear bowl allows for visual inspection of the fuel.

 

[colemj]

I agree with @dlochner . We had one of the opaque spin on types once and I hated changing filters so much that I put it off until the engine started laboring.

A bit of perspective - the 500 is just 3" taller than the 215. Most of that 3" is in the T handle on the top. Is that really much difference?

But that does point out one thing. In mounting either of them, the 215 can be mounted with something close to its top, since its filter removes from the bottom, while the 500 needs enough room above it to remove the filter from its top.

I've often found gently used ones on ebay at good prices. Just a very quick look found this: Racor 500ma, 30 micron Fuel Filter/Water Separator Marine | eBay

Mark

 

[Tom J]

You wouldn't necessarily have to mount the Racor in the engine compartment. My C310 had it mounted under the aft bunk, aft of the muffler. It had good access and freed up the area in the engine compartment. You could even leave the existing filter in place for additional protection.

 

[Rich 35.5]

I upgraded to a Racor 500 knockoff, Turbine Marine Boat Superior 500FG 500FH,
$37.00 on Amazon. It uses the same filters and appears identical. That replaced the Racor 110 that came with the boat. I still have the 110 in the garage, for postage and $10 its yours.

 

[max_sailing]

Am I the only one who didn't get a separator with my boat? Do we know what Catalina was using, and when they stopped?

 

[jssailem]

Perhaps sharing the age of your Catalina could help address this mystery.

First Built: 1978

Last Built: 1994

# Built: 5866

When Catalina started building the 25, they were experimenting with the market. With tight money for new line building and budgets trimmed to meet the price point, a new-to-the-market Racor filter was not a likely addition to the boat.

Parker Hannifin's Racor division started in 1968. Their target market was not sailboats but the trucking industry. The RACOR 500 was developed in 1972. Not a likely candidate for a small diesel engine sailboat.

Steve D'Antonio wrote an article in Passage Maker about the Racor filter.

https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Racor-Very-Fine-Filtration-CORRECTED.pdf

 

[Stu Jackson]

When Catalina started building the 25

John, he has a C310. Most Catalina 25 boats did NOT have inboard diesels.

 

[max_sailing]

2003 Catalina 310, hull 238.

 

[jssailem]

My bad. I looked at his profile.

 

[jssailem]

Still a fun article on the Racor fuel filter.

 

[max_sailing]

My bad. I looked at his profile.

I’ve gotta fix that now that I’m a dual Catalina owner!

 

[dlochner]

Am I the only one who didn't get a separator with my boat? Do we know what Catalina was using, and when they stopped?

Boat equipment often changes over time based on the builder's experience with the boat and economics. Older boats often have modifications and upgrades made by their prior owners.

 

[Tally Ho]

I upgraded to a Racor 500 knockoff, Turbine Marine Boat Superior 500FG 500FH,
$37.00 on Amazon. It uses the same filters and appears identical. That replaced the Racor 110 that came with the boat. I still have the 110 in the garage, for postage and $10 its yours.

I saw that yesterday on eBay (or something similar). I am tempted to try one since the old Groco fuel filter on my O’Day 322 uses $40 filters. Filters for the 500FG appear to be a lot cheaper.

But then again, I replaced the Groco filter 1 time (maybe 2x) in the 10 years I have owned Tally Ho

How long have you used the Racor knock-off?

Greg

 

[max_sailing]

That was a nice article @jssailem. I’m convinced on Racor. The ability to change filters without a mess is a nice selling point for the 500.

 

[Rich 35.5]

How long have you used the Racor knock-off?

Greg

Only about a year. So far no problems.

 

[SJN]

The Racor 500 provides ease of filter replacement with no tools needed. Filters often clog as the worst time: rough seas and need for an engine. In my opinion, you want a filter that can be checked and replaced as fast as possible. A Racor 500 fits the bill. Yes they cost more. How much is safety worth?

I have no vested interest in the company, just vested interest in the safety of all souls aboard.