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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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fuel transfer

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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/15/2008 : 09:06:07

I found this at west marine works pretty good after a couple of mods

you have to keep the handle squized to keep the siphin going .
www.scepter.ca

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 14:40:56

I like it. No matter how hard I try, I always seem to spill a bit which frustrates me. Especially since we're already in a "recovering" SuperFund site. I don't like to add to the problem. On the good side, I see lots & lots of little fish swimming around our pilings, and the occasional salmon jumping in our fairway. Still don't think I'd eat any fish I caught out of the river though.

What kind of modifications did you need to make Sean?

Edited by - delliottg on 09/15/2008 14:41:22

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 15:38:28

there was a post awhile back about transferring fuel under way . I seen this and its pretty easy to use , squeeze the handle a couple of times to get it started .and hold down to keep the siphon working
I taped the safety thing that keeps you from squeezing the handle .
and left out the yellow part that goes to the can .

and the hose is a little thin you can see the kink next to it .
but all in all not bad for $39 , it could be cheaper or better hose would be nice

Edited by - SEAN on 09/15/2008 17:38:17

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 20:55:47

Sorry Sean! But I bought a gasoline syphon from Harbor Freight for under $5.00. A couple of squeezes of the bulb and the fuel flows until you pull the tube out or the supply runs out.

I used it last week to empty my old engines gas tank when I sold my Tohatsu 9.8hp after reviving it.

Sweet! (both the syphon and selling the engine, the guy got a heck of a deal!)

Paul

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 21:47:14

I don't advocate siphoning, especially on boats, but here is the siphoning link to [url="http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=siphon"]Harbor Freight[/url]. They have one similar to WM for under $17.
Although I do recommend Harbor Freight, I personally prefer a quick attachment on my tanks. Much safer and better for the environment.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 09/15/2008 21:49:51

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/15/2008 : 22:01:31

I have a similar siphon, which is how I usually end up spilling fuel.

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 04:40:56

Im not selling this these things lol
I had one of those ball pumps from walmart $5 , this thing is better than that .
I also have half that page on harbor lol

Edited by - SEAN on 09/16/2008 04:42:09

piseas
Former Treasurer

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Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 15:28:43

Sean, sorry, I didn't mean to imply you were selling anything. I apologize. I know many do not have the quick connect fitting on their tanks so thats why I followed up with the link to my much loved Harbor Freight link.
Again sorry for that mis-implication.

Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 09/20/2008 19:17:49

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 15:51:08

no biggie ,
it was something I havent seen and thought Id post it .
I love harbor freight too !!

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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1913 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 19:03:49

Thats a neat find Sean. I could have used that several times last year.

I recently got a metal 6 gallon tank off e-bay for my main tank and now use my other 6 gallon tempo tank as a spare. Now all I need to do is unplug the fuel hose from one tank and plug it into the other tank. No more pouring or siphoning.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 09/16/2008 19:04:31

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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3704 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 19:52:25

Nice finds - Sean and Paul. Like Tom we use two tanks, both with quick connectors for the fuel line. We, however, have moved to 3 gallon tanks and have given up on the Tempo. It was just too tight a fit and for most of our season 6 gallons is way too much. For the cruise having the two 3 gallon tanks was perfect.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3467 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2008 : 22:51:50

When I purchased my 2006 Honda 9.9hp, it came with a 3 gallon tank. I wanted to consider a longer sail down the river (overnighters) and be adequately prepared if I had to motor back. So, I recently bought a 6 gallon Honda tank which comes with same quick disconnect plug. Bought it thru www.defender.com. (It fits in the '89 fuel locker.)

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2008 : 08:26:24

I have the six for the main supply , and a three gallon for a back up with a quick connect , the generator is a pain to fill it doesnt take the gas at the docks pressure theres a filter thats slows the the filling down .

sometimes when the 6 runs low Ill fill it with the 3 gallon back up so I can keep it in the locker .the 3 gallon is a boat tank its not easy to pore from one to another .
mostly I got the pump for the generator

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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2015 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2008 : 14:19:17

Something I don't understand about the 250 ........ the 3 gal tank. I don't think my 6 gal is big enough

I just don't want to be concerned with fuel while I'm out. Of course I'm 9 1/2 miles away from my inlet to the Atlantic. At the moment I only keep a 2 1/2 and a 6 gal can but will go with another 6 gal tank and quick connect before I take any more extended cuises.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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Response Posted - 09/18/2008 : 22:25:20

Larry, etal, I too have a 3 gallon as my primary and keep it in the locker. When needed, I take to gas station to fill it up. Not very often so No biggie.
I also have a Tempo 6 gallon with quick connect I got from Defender. Its the back up for overniters. That does the trick for me. I also have another 3 gallon with a quick connect for my dinghy but that wont fit on my Honda outboard as its a Tohatsu. That may have been a dumb decision not going with another Honda, but Tohtasu was cheaper and lighter.
Guess no really long distance for me Dave. Catalina is 30 miles and thats my limit, so far!
So for me, 3 tanks are plenty. Note I keep the extra tanks in my garage and empty. My wife would shoot me if I keep spare gas there. She is smarter than me.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 09/18/2008 22:27:25

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 02:11:42

We've actually got three tanks now. One metal 6 gallon that came with the boat, a second 6 gallon Tempo I picked up on Craigslist for $20, and then the 3 gallon that came with the new Tohatsu. I've got quick disconnects on all three so I can plug in the fuel line and keep going.

I saw that the local WM has this same siphon as well.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 08:00:14

David, how many tanks do you keep on the boat when not making overniters? And with that much gas, you must visit some far away places. How far do you normally sail on those trips?
Steve A

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delliottg
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Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 12:13:10

Well Steve, that's the irony, we've never been further than about 10 miles from our marina thus far. One of the reasons I bought the second 6 gallon tank was one of our experiences last year. We burned nearly a whole 6 gallon tank trying to get back to the ramp against a 20 knot wind and incoming tide in the North/South shipping lanes between Seattle & Tacoma. And that was a sobering thought, what do I do in this situation if I don't have fuel for the engine? Rita was terrified already, the last thing I needed was to run out of gas. We had maybe 1 gallon left after a less than 10 mile trip, and we'd started with a full tank (and a really nice sail on the way over). Of course I know more about the boat now, and a repeat of the conditions wouldn't be so frightening. I probably had the engine wound nearly all the way towards the red line.

The 3 gallon tank just came with the Tohatsu, but with it's extra thrust and apparent fuel economy (1400 RPM gets me 4.5 knots), I think I'll be good with 9 gallons on board for an overnight or weekend trip.

Before the season's over I'd like to try to make a trip to Penrose Park, about 30 miles south of our marina, through the Tacoma Narrows. On that trip I'll probably bring all three tanks. It's probably overkill, but the 3 gallon fits nicely in the starboard transom, and the 6 gallon fits wedged into the boarding ladder area reasonably well, so there's room.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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3444 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 18:40:40

I was thinking about this thread as I simply poured gas from my 2 gallon gas can into my 3 gallon boat gas tank. I don't see the problem that requires all the machinations. I took the tank out of its resting place. I stuck the spout from the can into the opening for the tank. Then, I opened the air vent at the other side of the filling can and waited. No spills, no mess, nothing additional to store on an already crowded boat. We won't discuss my garage.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 19:15:27

David, I totally understand. You know your situation and you have to be prepared. Sounds like you keep all 3 cans on board and always filled for emergencies. Peace of mind is important, especially when you are fortunate enough to have your wife sail with you. Have you considered looking into getting one large tank. I have seen a thread on this forum as several members have completed that upgrade/mod. Just a thought.

John, I felt the same way you do re sticking the spout of one tank and filling the other. That's fine while anchored, or at you slip, etc but I tried to do this when at sea with rather large seas and a challenging chop and then I ran out of gas and need to fill my tank. All I can tell you is that even with a spout, the transfer did not go well. Gas spilled and it was a mess. Now, as I said above, I have quick connects.
Don't know if you have such an experience but its not fun. And I would rather not have to worry about gas spilling when I have to be concerned about controlling the boat.
Steve A

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3467 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2008 : 23:24:32

At my marina, the contract had a clause in it regarding not filling up your gas tank on your finger slip. I questioned them about it. They feel it is a fire hazard to the marina to allow gas tank fillups on your boat while in your finger slip or done on your finger slip. They allow the carry-on of a portable gas tank as long as it is not going to be used to pour contents from one to another. If it is to be poured, then they allow that at the gas dock only.

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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2008 : 05:49:31

I think our town dock doesnt let you barbecue either , because of a fire hazard

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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1484 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2008 : 07:18:19

John, we do the same, it works fine until you need to refill the main tank, while underway and in challenging conditions.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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Response Posted - 09/21/2008 : 08:21:57

Larry, I have the same clause at my marina. When I need gas, usually at the end of the weekend, I take my 3 gallon home and fill it up on either on a Friday, when I fill up my car tank or Saturday on the way down to the boat. But don't remember seeing anything about no BBQing, which I have done at the slip. I know we cant keep gas in our dock boxes.
Steve A

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2008 : 11:32:53

I've found that when extended cruising (a week or more) on Lake Superior, that I'm motoring more often then not. I now have a 12 gallon primary strapped between the seats against the transom and a 6 gallon in tha gas locker. With this amount of fuel I can motor I for 8 to 10 hours with my Evinrude 9.9. I use the quick disconnect technique discussed to change tanks as needed.

I also have a siphon which I only use at the dock or on my mooring. it consists of an old gas can fuel hose. Two or three pumps on the bulb gets the fuel going. I can transfer a 6 gallon can in about 15 minutes.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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Response Posted - 09/23/2008 : 14:22:56

Al, as I said, I have a 3 and a 6 gallon tanks. I can motor 5 or 6 hours just using my 6 gallon and still have a little left over. But I have a Honda 8 and use about 3/4 throttle or less. Are you at full throttle? I would think with 18 gallons total, you could go longer than that unless there are other factors.
Steve A

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