Fuel tank

[RonniePH26]

So does anyone have a fuel tank for their h26 that is larger than 6 gal? I've been trying to find something larger but the next size is a 12 gallon and the ones I've found so far are just a little too big for the fuel locker. I've searched the threads but haven't come up with much there either.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

sorry but the 6 gallon is it. you may want to get another 6 gallon tank but storage will be an issue due to venting and other issues. Why do you need another or larger tank to begin with? Larger will require a tank or enclosed tank behind the berth> Not sure if anyone will respond on this one so why a larger tank?

 

[woodster]

why not use a 6 gal and a 3gal tank if you must have more fuel...let the three gallon one act as a reserve tank

 

[Capt jgw]

Anything larger than 6 gallons is considered a permanent rather than portable tank. Must be secured, properly vented, grounded, etc etc etc. You can have as many portables as you want, they just can't be more than 6 gallons each. Installing a larger one will get complicated.

 

[Benny17441]

Trying to find something larger? What's your need? If your engine is around 10HP it is likely burning around 1 gallon per hour. With a 6 gallon tank you have around 5.5 hours of motoring time in calm lake waters that should provide a range of around 30 statute miles. Consider the length of the lake and your normal refueling opportunities to gauge your needs.

 

[John23883]

This is my solution to the extra gas problem. We have a 6.6 gallon tank we use most of the time and you are right, it would be nice to have one a bit larger. We just returned from our last 2 week trip and also had a 5 gallon tank lashed to a stanchion . On Friday we crossed Lake Michigan (89.7 miles). We sailed quite a bit and then we had to motor for hours and used about 7 to 8 gallons. The total trip was about 17-18 hours. The tank shown is a Nissan 3 gallon tank. I would buy a 3 gallon tank, see if it fits and if not, try another brand until you find one that fits. The rollers we were in on Friday were quite large and if anything the tank just dropped down a little bit and got tighter in the well. When we are on shorter trips I just leave the 3 gallon tank at home.

 

[RonniePH26]

Just wanted more capacity without lashing a tank to a stanchion. Wasn't aware of the >6 gallon tank issue. Putting a small reserve tank in front of the motor looks like as good of a solution as there is I guess.

 

[Ron20324]

Permanently mounted and plumbed, i can understand, but i've never heard the 6-gllon limit rule. Do you have a source for that info?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As a dealer I was asked to install a 20 gallon gas tank where the holding tank on a 260 would go. I said no. First you would have to permanently seal off the rear compartment so any fumes could not come into the cabin. That alone could be dangerous to health. Secondly I have seen in the past where this was done all types of objects and other chemicals were stored that could be a potential fire or explosive situation. I actually saw the remanents once where someone lit up a cigarette on board a sailboat that extra fuel had been stored in an unventilated locker on a hot summer day that exploded. No one was seriously hurt.

I have and always erred on the side of safety which is why I do not recommend a permanent large tank storage for gas on a smaller boat not designed for it unless the specified gas locker will hold one in that space

 

[dewhunter]

I can relate to your dilemma, how to get the motoring range without being a floating gas can. I built a 88 liter fuel tank that fits in the fuel locker. Construction is all aluminum with internal baffels and atmosphere venting. Epoxy seal coat was added internally as a preventative leak seal on welds after passing a pressure test. Best of all=== no more gas cans in the cockpit. G

 

[jeffclown]

Dewhunter,
That Is impressive. I don't think most of us have your skill or would be comfortable with NFPA or EPA code, but that must be great.

 

[Karyon]

Dewhunter that does look good, But do you motor around that much on a small lake like Ghost lake?
I thought that they had some pretty good breezes and gusts there.

 

[dewhunter]

Karon ; I use only 2-3 liters of fuel a season on ghost. The need for all the fuel and other upgrades is for the time I spend on the west coast. After leaving Gibsons in Howe Sound it's a 30 mile run up the straight of Georgia to get to the next safe anchorage. Crossing the straight to the island is 25 miles, getting to desolation sound takes 3, 8 hour days on the motor. The winds are fickle in the summer months so you end up motoring more than you would like. Until you have sailed the area everything looks like a close day sail on the chart. It isn't. Good adventure tho. G

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

great job dewhunter conforming that tank to the gas locker only. Are you an engineer?

 

[Fred]

1 gallon / hour? That seems like a lot for a modern 9.9 hp motor. I'm pretty sure mine uses less than half that.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Fred, a lot has to depend on the throttle setting and water conditions.

 

[dewhunter]

I run a 15hp pro-kicker and use 2 to 3 litres per hour at 5 to 6 knots. 3 litres against current, 2 in neutral current/wind conditions. You do have to beef up your transom to run this heavier more powerful unite. CDC: that is only one part of my extensive skill set. G

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Just be careful not to use full throttle on a 15 hp as engineers designed sailboat transoms for a 10 hp max.