Isolating Gas Tank

[DavidGC]

Even though I was looking for a new style for a while, I just bought a 1983 model (just e-mailed the broker - he's writing it up right now One owner - fresh water boat with Honda 7.5 hp 4 cyl. - beautiful 2007 Load Rite trailer -- I'm psyched!) The only thing I'll really miss with the new style is the isolated compartment for the gas tank. I used to own a 1984 model, and it was the only thing that bugged me about the boat.

Has anyone ever figured out a way to create an isolated gas compartment in an old style boat? I'm considering sectioning off the port aft cockpit locker by fiberglassing in plywood bulkheads (I've done enough fiberglas work to not be afraid of such a project -- yes, I know it will need to be vented).

Has anyone come up with any other ideas for isolating the gas tank?

DavidGC

 

[Stu Jackson]

David, we has an '81. Never could figure that out. Left the tank in the dumpster and one day it leaked. Big mess to clean it up. Left it in the cockpit after that, PITA and in the way. Our '81 C25 had a much better solution: built in open lift up section port side aft big enough for a 6 gallon tank up on deck level.

 

[CloudDiver]

David, I have the same concerns you do with my 1982 C22 model. Taking a look at how the liner is built down below, I decided it is just not worth the effort/time/cost. The shape of the new bulkhead you create might be more complicated that you initially believe it will be. Putting that new divider in my boat will interfere with other functions, like the the discharge line from my manual bilge pump. Your set up is probably different, but you have o look at everything.

Something many others have noted, and that I plan to do as well, is just keep my service tank in the cockpit just below the tiller so it is in open air. The 3 gallon tank that came with my new Tohatsu 6HP is very compact and tucks nicely under the tiller against the transom. Some neatly placed hardware will allow for hold down strap. If you think about it, no one really sits back there and rests their feet under the tiller.

With no fuel tanks below you are removing explosive risk all together. If I do longer trips or over-nighters, I have jerry cans I can store below but put up on deck at night to ensure there are no fumes in the cabin.

 

[DavidGC]

That space in my new (to me) C22 is wide open -- just the gas tank.
It would be a simple enough matter to make up cardboard templates, cut out some plywood, cover the plywood in fiberglas, and tab it into the hull.
Of course, will I ever do it; that is the question.

I've also thought of getting a sealable, Rubbermaid tub, cutting holes and running tubing to the port vents, and placing the gas tank in that. That would at least keep any spills inside a removable container. (I hate the idea of having gas tanks in the cockpit).

 

[piedpiperIII]

I've been kicking this around also. I noticed that a lot of the gas tanks build pressure and seep from the fittings, there for I would not want my tank inside. My 89 was great in that the compartment is totally alone as I know every one knows. There are vents where the tank goes on my 84 but its still open to the cabin.

 

[CaptDon01]

The fuel tank issue was just one of the many positive changes Catalina Yachts made when after ~15 years and thousands of the original design boats were manufactured, that the "new design" boats corrected or improved upon.

Our original C-22,(1980), was caught in the middle of the Great Midwest Flood of 1992 at Portage Des Sioux, MO. on the Mississippi River. My old Johnson's 6 gallon fuel tank had just been topped off when the flood hit. Sometime during the 4 months that she rode out the flood, the metal gas tank rusted and leaked 6 gallons of 2-stroke mix into the bilge. By the time I recovered her, all that was left was an oil mess to clean up. :cussing: But at least I got her back! :dance:

Don

 

[piedpiperIII]

So what might be the correction? I kinda don't want the tank under the tiller either but I am also worried about the tank inside. Even if there is no over nites and there are vents I am sure at some point the fumes will be thru out the cabin. Unless I do what David plans to do?

 

[CloudDiver]

One thought I had was to take a new gas tank and plumb a permanent vent into the gas cap. There are stainless thru hull fitting you can get to vent through the transom, or vertically out of the combing between the two cowl vents. Attach a rubber fuel line to the gas cap and the vent, then your tank will not build pressure, it will always have a relief to vent outside. Just keep a spare gas cap of the same type for your tank so you can remove and fill the tank.

So what might be the correction? I kinda don't want the tank under the tiller either but I am also worried about the tank inside. Even if there is no over nites and there are vents I am sure at some point the fumes will be thru out the cabin. Unless I do what David plans to do?

 

[piedpiperIII]

I understand what you mean Luke, but I am leaning to do what David plans on doing, completely close off the fuel compartment as Catalina did with the "new design" Funny that I don't remember having pressure build up problems with my last fuel tank on my first cat 22.,

 

[CloudDiver]

That only happens when it goes from cool to really warm. California is nuts about that crap, thats why we have stupid gas caps here that actually don't vent to the atmosphere unless you open the screw valve. they actually print warnings on the tank that when you see the tank bulge its normal. I try to order replacement gas caps from amazon or other online sellers so I'm not getting stupid CARB crap.

I understand what you mean Luke, but I am leaning to do what David plans on doing, completely close off the fuel compartment as Catalina did with the "new design" Funny that I don't remember having pressure build up problems with my last fuel tank on my first cat 22.,

 

[CCrane2299]

What about building in a small aluminum tank permanently mounted, and properly vented? It would be a pia to fill, but you really don't fill it that often. I would look at Jegs or Summit racing and find a small fuel cell for a drag car. They may even have some other materials than aluminum. Drag cars only carry enough fuel to make one pass at a time so some small ones are sure to be had.The other alternative would be an engine with a self contained tank.

 

[CCrane2299]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Gallon-RC...uty-Street-Racing-NEW-RCI-2040A-/291432215617

Some have provisions for a fuel gauge and are foam filled to prevent sloshing. With a remote fill cap, this may be the cats meow. They are cheap too, and easy to add filters inline.

 

[CCrane2299]

I'd want the plastic myself, they just seem to stay cleaner, and condensate less...imho. If you choose the right shape, you might free up some valuable storage space.

 

[CCrane2299]

As mentioned above, the cockpit pit with a table over it including a couple of drink holders would work well too...

 

[CloudDiver]

Just to give some perspective, I put the tiller back on my rudder (which I just got remounted) and set my little 3 gallon tack in the back of the cockpit. It takes up so little space and all you need is a small nylon strap to secure it. The second 2 pics I took from a seated position in the corner of each side to show that the tank doesn't make your feet land awkwardly on the cockpit sole. FYI, on the starboard side is the mount for the tiller pilot (right in my lower back as I was taking the pic), so if that was connected no one could sit in that back corner anyway. Overall, I don't see why anyone would want to sit there (on either side) while underway at all with the tiller handle right in your knees.

 

[CloudDiver]

 

[piedpiperIII]

Well for this year any way I will probably put my tank there. It will come off the boat when I bring it home anyway. My tank is 3 gal but is low and long I have to see if it fits there.