Hi Beneteau Owners, I've been sailing a Hunter 23 for a few years, and am contemplating a step up for mostly bay cruising, but with the option to go out the inlet and spend a day at a time offshore once in awhile (I never did this with a 23 foot outboard). I'm trying to gather whatever research I can from specs and listings. Obviously every sailor has his/her own experience, bias and perspective, so I'd like to ask as objectively as possible - the fuel tank seems very small relative to a few other manufacturer's 28s. What is the practical use you might expect from an 8 gallon diesel tank?
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tanks
I have a OC 400, with a fuel capacity of only 40 gals, not nearly enough for any long-range cruising. Benes are designed primarily for chartering, where you go from island to island and don't need much fuel. 8 gallons is not very much.
I have a OC 400, with a fuel capacity of only 40 gals, not nearly enough for any long-range cruising. Benes are designed primarily for chartering, where you go from island to island and don't need much fuel. 8 gallons is not very much.
What does it burn per hour?
While 8 gals seems a bit small you'll want to know what she burns per hour. I would believe it would be in the 1/2GPH range. I base that on my 3/4 to 1GPH with a 27HP engine in a Benny 361. If you figure 1/3 tank to get out, 1/3 to return and 1/3 reserve you could run apx 5 hrs out. Re-calculate if you have more accurate GPH numbers and see if that will meet your needs. Running out of Barnegat shouldn't take you anywhere near 5hrs but figure that into it and go from there. Good luck with your decision. Mike
While 8 gals seems a bit small you'll want to know what she burns per hour. I would believe it would be in the 1/2GPH range. I base that on my 3/4 to 1GPH with a 27HP engine in a Benny 361. If you figure 1/3 tank to get out, 1/3 to return and 1/3 reserve you could run apx 5 hrs out. Re-calculate if you have more accurate GPH numbers and see if that will meet your needs. Running out of Barnegat shouldn't take you anywhere near 5hrs but figure that into it and go from there. Good luck with your decision. Mike
281
I have a 281, and I agree that an 8 gallon tank is small, it is still enough for 15-20hrs of motoring.. I have a 5 gallon can of diesel in the lazarette to top the tank off with also.. If youre going offshore, then obviously 8 gallons is not enough, but for most coastal or bay sailing, its quite adequate.. Not my pet hate on my 281, it does not have a fuel gauge, so theres a certain amount of guesswork involved in knowing how much fuel is in the tank.. Its on my to do list, but to add a sender involves draining the tank I think.. Any thoughts ? Thanks, Sven svenusa@excite.com svenusa at excite dot com
I have a 281, and I agree that an 8 gallon tank is small, it is still enough for 15-20hrs of motoring.. I have a 5 gallon can of diesel in the lazarette to top the tank off with also.. If youre going offshore, then obviously 8 gallons is not enough, but for most coastal or bay sailing, its quite adequate.. Not my pet hate on my 281, it does not have a fuel gauge, so theres a certain amount of guesswork involved in knowing how much fuel is in the tank.. Its on my to do list, but to add a sender involves draining the tank I think.. Any thoughts ? Thanks, Sven svenusa@excite.com svenusa at excite dot com
this season
I lake sail and mostly use the engine to get in and out of the slip and set sails. Occasionally I'll motor for longer periods if the wind stops or I need to get someplace by a certain time. As part of my winterization, I top off the tank. I used about 5 gal for the season. That includes sailing at least twice a week from May to ? (went sailing yesterday-- 20-25 mph sustained winds, what a blast). If I were going coastal, I'd probably want a bigger tank but Svens extra 5 gallons in the lazarette is a very good idea. Sven is also correct about the no fuel gage problem. It's not a big deal for me but it would be if I motored more. A fuel gage can be added but first you need to install an inspection port in top of the tank. I've been told you can do this with fuel in the tank. Bill
I lake sail and mostly use the engine to get in and out of the slip and set sails. Occasionally I'll motor for longer periods if the wind stops or I need to get someplace by a certain time. As part of my winterization, I top off the tank. I used about 5 gal for the season. That includes sailing at least twice a week from May to ? (went sailing yesterday-- 20-25 mph sustained winds, what a blast). If I were going coastal, I'd probably want a bigger tank but Svens extra 5 gallons in the lazarette is a very good idea. Sven is also correct about the no fuel gage problem. It's not a big deal for me but it would be if I motored more. A fuel gage can be added but first you need to install an inspection port in top of the tank. I've been told you can do this with fuel in the tank. Bill
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