6 gallon gas tank in cockpit lazarette

Benny17441 · Mar 14, 2016

Gasoline fumes are heavier than air and will pool at the bottom of an enclosed space rather than dissipate in the air. In high concentrations a collection of these fumes are explosive. Not familiar with your boat and the configuration of the cockpit lazarette but if there is any access to the interior of the hull and not a low vent to the outside I would not store a gasoline tank in there. We run a Starwind 223 with a 9.8 2 stroke Nissan and we use a 3.5 gallon tank in the open cockpit (the side of our lazarette is made up of wood slats which act as vents) Any additional fuel when needed we carry in a jerry can tied to the stanchions. We have to mix the oil and gas so the smaller 3.5 Gallon tank is easier to handle when refueling on the go. Be safe.

Benny17441 · Mar 14, 2016

Yes, that is similar to what we have so you may be good to go. We usually sail more than we motor so the 3.5 gallon tank is more than adequate and easier to handle. Our motor is a 2 stroke so we have to mix the gas with oil and prefer not to have too much mixed fuel left over at the end of the day. If a 6 gallon tanks works better for you go for it but first give the 3 gallon tank a try.

Sunbird22358 · Mar 15, 2016

I believe that gas tank locker on the 26 was originally designed to hold a standard 6-gallon tank. (The old OMC metal tank seems to have been the standard at the time). I am not sure how any of the aftermarket brand plastic tanks (Attwood, Tempo, etc) would fit, but the OMC/Bombardier "Dura-Tank" should fit. Tempo did make a near copy of the old metal OMC tank, but the plastic tanks from most aftermarket companies have a larger footprint. I found a pic that looks to show a Tempo 9 gallon tank?

Ward H · Mar 15, 2016

Wind,
I use this 6 Gal tank bought in 2014 and it has room to spare.
http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|311|2349059|2349063&id=2296649

You ask why not use a 6 gallon tank? I think the answer to that would depend on how long it takes to use a tank of fuel and does it contain ethanol. If it does contain ethanol you want to refresh your fuel every month or two. If a 6 gallon tank is going to last you all season, gas with ethanol could absorb a lot of water over the season causing you some headaches with the OB.

If you use ethanol free gas, like I do, it has a shelf life of a year or more so no problem if you keep it all season.

I had a 3 gallon tank but I can burn through 3 or 4 gallons when I do a week vacation at a rental house with a dock. Having a enough gas is one less thing to pack or worry about.

GregL564 · Mar 16, 2016

FWIW I could not find a new 6-gallon gas tank for my Tohatsu that would fit in the fuel locker of my 240.

Ward H · Mar 16, 2016

At the suggestion of the marina owner who sold me my outboard, I use aviation gas which is ethanol free. The aviation center at the local airport sells it. They say they do a lot of business with local fire companies for their power tools that don't get much use, boaters and race car drivers.
The bonus is there is no gas smell to it. Before I couldn't take a can of gas to the boat with the wife in the SUV due to the gas smell. Now she doesn't even know it is there.

John Stevens · Mar 16, 2016

You can use this site to find gas in your area:
http://www.pure-gas.org/

I have a 6 gallon tank in my gas locker but try to only buy a small amount so that it doesn't sit for a long time. I use Sta-Bil in my gas. If I'm going cruising it's nice to have the 6 gallon take for less stops.

John

Brian S · Mar 16, 2016

I went by a local private airport, and they said they wouldn't sell me AV fuel because there were no taxes paid on it. Personally, I think the guy didn't know anything, was making up BS. I have to drive about an hour, but I can get 87 ethanol free from a racing mechanic. Last season, I didn't even use a full 3 gallon tank. Not enough sailing overall due to buying a house/packing/moving, and a couple sail out-sail in to the docks

All U Get · Mar 17, 2016

6 gallons might heel the boat over a little more than you'd like. On our old C30 I would carry an extra 12 gallon tank on deck when I traveled between summer and winter locations. I just used it to top off when the on-board tank got low. It was easier to siphon than using a funnel.

All U Get

Hydro Therapy · Mar 18, 2016

I put a 6 gallon in my previous boat, O 22 and my current O 240. Tight fit in both but fit.

Greg, you mentioned you had problems fitting one in your 240. I purchased my tank from West Marine. It fits snugly. I had to angle the tank but once in it straitened and sat level.

GregL564 · Mar 19, 2016

Hey Mark... the WM tank fits? I'll have to try that one. I bought a Moeller tank, thinking it would fit, but it didn't... not even snug.

Hydro Therapy · Mar 19, 2016

The WM 6 gallon tank does fit. Angle to slightly to get it in and it will lay flat once in.

RichBone · Mar 30, 2016

I found two 3 gal tanks that just fit. I think they were Merc brand tanks. Check around online for the size.

6 gallon gas tank in cockpit lazarette

Windtherapy

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Benny17441

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Windtherapy

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Benny17441

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Sunbird22358

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Windtherapy

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Ward H

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GregL564

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Windtherapy

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Ward H

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Windtherapy

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John Stevens

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Brian S

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All U Get

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Hydro Therapy

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GregL564

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Hydro Therapy

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RichBone

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