I'm interested in hearing the downside to using an outboard style fuel tank instead of my 40 year old original tank. Here is my situation:
I have a 40 year old tank that's been missing the o-ring for at least three years (I just bought it and have little prior history).
I've already pumped out green water and lots of nasty varnish and sediment. I believe the tank needs to be boiled, etc. to be truly problem free.
The pickup tube is currently clogged.
I would need to pull the engine to remove the tank. I have no other reason as of now to pull the engine.
I sail on the Columbia River, mostly within 20 miles of my slip. I use the engine mostly for in and out of the marina. There are some trips that would involve an hour or two of motoring.
I have a ventilated compartment in the rear of the boat. It has a large lid for direct access from above. There is a 4 inch vent with a scoop in it.
I'm thinking of using an outboard tank resting in the ventilated compartment. If I used a 6 gallon tank and a couple 2 gallon reserve tanks, I'd have 10-15 hours of motoring time. I could use the 2 gallons as easy to carry refill tanks (we have limited refill at the dock).
I could plumb the vent from the outboard tank directly to the outside if needed. Or just open it during use and close it afterwards.
It seems the danger to gas on boats is leakage from the tank and buildup of fumes. Simple strapping would keep the tank from rubbing and developing a leak. The venting seems easier and more reliable than the original tank down in the engine compartment.
Am I missing something here or overlooking a safety issue? Would this violate a coast guard regulation?
thanks,
mark
I have a 40 year old tank that's been missing the o-ring for at least three years (I just bought it and have little prior history).
I've already pumped out green water and lots of nasty varnish and sediment. I believe the tank needs to be boiled, etc. to be truly problem free.
The pickup tube is currently clogged.
I would need to pull the engine to remove the tank. I have no other reason as of now to pull the engine.
I sail on the Columbia River, mostly within 20 miles of my slip. I use the engine mostly for in and out of the marina. There are some trips that would involve an hour or two of motoring.
I have a ventilated compartment in the rear of the boat. It has a large lid for direct access from above. There is a 4 inch vent with a scoop in it.
I'm thinking of using an outboard tank resting in the ventilated compartment. If I used a 6 gallon tank and a couple 2 gallon reserve tanks, I'd have 10-15 hours of motoring time. I could use the 2 gallons as easy to carry refill tanks (we have limited refill at the dock).
I could plumb the vent from the outboard tank directly to the outside if needed. Or just open it during use and close it afterwards.
It seems the danger to gas on boats is leakage from the tank and buildup of fumes. Simple strapping would keep the tank from rubbing and developing a leak. The venting seems easier and more reliable than the original tank down in the engine compartment.
Am I missing something here or overlooking a safety issue? Would this violate a coast guard regulation?
thanks,
mark
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