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Spare fuel tank

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sue
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/27/2012 : 09:05:16

We have a Tohatsu 9.8hp outboard with the 3.1 gallon inline fuel tank that comes with it. We like to carry a spare tank that can be used to refill the main tank as well as refuel our Honda 2hp that we use on our dingy.

We are looking for about a 2 gallon spare tank that will fit next to the 3.1 gallon tank in the gas locker of our 1985 model. The 3.1 gallon tank is stored with the widest part, front to back as your facing the locker. We have found a few that will fit but not with the spout on, only with the spout in the inverted position that some provide.

I've done some research online as well as in some local stores but can't find one bigger than 1.25 gallons that will fit. The issue is mostly in the height as it can't be more than 10" high with the spout.

Does anyone know of a tank that will fit in this space?

Patience 1985 #4784 TR/FK
Traditional Interior
Westbrook, CT
My Sailing Blog - www.gigasloop.com

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 09:15:54

Sue,

I don't know of anything that will fit, but have you considered changing out the 3.1 gallon main tank for a 6 gallon tank?

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sue
Deckhand

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Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 10:10:35

Hi Don,
We have thought about a 6 gallon tank but that would not give us an easy way to fill the 2HP Honda on our Dingy

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 10:31:08

For filling the dinghy tank, you could use a inexpensive siphon pump from the main tank.

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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 10:52:24

I use the stock Tohatsu 3 gallon tank for normal day sailing. But when we take a trip, I use a six gallon in the fuel locker and bring the three gallon as well. The three gallon stores nicely between the cockpit seats up against the transom. I picked up another quick connect fitting so I can easily change the fuel line from one tank to the other. Very handy should you run the six gallon out of fuel in a very narrow channel.......don't ask me how I know....

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 11:10:57

We do the same thing. A six gallon main tank, plus the three gallon auxiliary tank we got with our Tohatsu that fits nicely in the transom well (we have a C-250). I've got quick connect fittings on both, so all I need to do is switch the line from one tank to the other. I don't keep a siphon on the boat for filling the dinghy tank, but probably should. When I need to fill up the main tank, I use the three gallon Tohatsu tank & bring my kerosene siphon from home. The main tank can come out of the locker, but it's a trick, and I wouldn't want to do it when it was full, since you kind of have to dance with it to get it in or out.

I've never actually used my new OB on our dink yet, so I have no idea how long it it'd last with a full tank of gas in it. Honestly, I kind of like rowing the dinghy to shore & back when we anchor out.

Edited by - delliottg on 06/27/2012 11:12:39

dlucier
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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
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Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 11:37:10

Regarding fuel usage, I usually don't sail out into the lake farther than my fuel supply can bring me back in the event the wind dies or I have equipment failure. If I estimate that I have about four hours of fuel remaining when leaving the marina, I'll only sail four hours out into the lake. I try to keep my six gallon tank topped off as I never know how far the wind will take me on any particular day.

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Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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1218 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 12:32:39

The 3 gallon tank that came with my SailPro sits in the forward part of the fuel locker, handle facing the cockpit floor. I have a small 2 gallon jug that sits next to it, and that is what I tote back and forth. I also have room for 1 qt of oil and 1 bottle of Stabil. All that pretty much fills up the fuel locker.

Edited by - Joe Diver on 06/27/2012 12:34:08

sue
Deckhand

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20 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 12:40:46

Joe, What brand is your 2 gallon jug? Is it actually a fuel tank with a spout?

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 13:17:55

I didn't realize this at first, but you can turn the Tohatsu 3.1 gallon fuel tank sideways in the fuel locker (so that the longest part is abeam in the boat). I've found that most 2 gallon tanks (I've got two different brands) will then fit with plenty of extra room for fuel treatment. The 2 gallon tank that I like better is a Blitz because the spout can be stored inside the tank (it takes less space this way) and the whole thing can be sealed.

I've thought about getting a 6 gallon tank, but at the moment I tend to agree with you on the benefits of having a 3+2 vs a single 6. It also gives me some "reserve" because if I run the 3 gallon tank dry I can top it off. I'm usually pretty good at monitoring my fuel consumption, but this did happen once.

Edited by - awetmore on 06/27/2012 13:19:16

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 14:26:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">For filling the dinghy tank, you could use a inexpensive siphon pump from the main tank.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Get the 6 gal tank for the main and do as Don said above.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 16:02:22

I use 2 three gallon tanks with quick disconnects to rotate the fuel. Run one down, switch and refill the empty so I'm not mixing new gas with old. No routine use of stabilizer, no problems. Works for me.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 16:12:11

I want to re-emphasize having quick disconnect for ALL tanks. Do not try to pour gas from one tank to the other. This is disastrous and I speak from experience.
Steve A

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 16:14:07

Try the Blitz gas cans at Sears. Two 1-gal. cans might just do the job.

Edited by - dmpilc on 06/27/2012 16:14:26

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 18:33:17

piseas: Do you use a small pump (like the one earlier in this thread) to transfer fuel from the spare tank to your dinghy motor?

Will two 3 gallon tanks the size of the Tohatsu one fit into the 83+ fuel locker? I can also measure this next time I'm on my boat.

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dmpilc
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Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 18:56:24

I could fit two 3-gal Mercury/Tohatsu tanks in the fuel locker on my 84 C-25. It was snug but they did fit.

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Joe Diver
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Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 19:53:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sue
 Joe, What brand is your 2 gallon jug? Is it actually a fuel tank with a spout?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sue...it's a 2 gallon Blitz I got from Walmart....it's mostly square I guess...the spout has a lever on it with a sealing mechanism...you have to slide a little tab then you can depress the lever and pour the gas.

I top off the 3 gallon in the boat when it gets down to less than 1/4 tank...add a half dose of Stabil to the 2 gallon jug and take it home with me to refill next trip out.

My SailPro sips gas...I can motor around the perimeter of my lake twice...maybe even 3 times...on a single 3 gallon tank. So, I've always got enough gas no matter where I am on the lake.

If I were offshore, or on a Great Lake...I'd probably get a 6 gallon tank for the main fuel system, and use the 2 gallon jug as an emergency reserve....cycling it out every month or so.

If you want....[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=1020419&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50366&subdeptNum=50406&classNum=50407"]this tank[/url] is "supposed" to fit in the fuel locker. I'd consider it if I wasn't on an inland lake.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2012 : 20:28:29

I highly recommend one of these -->> http://www.amazon.com/Super-Siphon-Hose-TWO-16-95/dp/B000ZORJ1E
It gives great control of the transfer rate by pinching down on the line. I can drain a 5 gallon plastic tank in 2 or 3 minutes.

Stick the metal ball end down in the tank you want to siphon from and jiggle it back and forth a few times and the gas is flowing.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2012 : 15:53:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by awetmore
 piseas: Do you use a small pump (like the one earlier in this thread) to transfer fuel from the spare tank to your dinghy motor?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Alex, I have a quick disconnect for the tank to my dinghy motor, a Tohatsu, but no extra or spare gas tank for the dinghy motor. For general use, 3.2 gallons is plenty. However you are touching on a a very good point. (My primary outboard is a Honda and the quick disconnects are not interchangeable. Maybe a good reason to have same motors for both. Read on.)
I sail between Newport and Catalina, a 26 -30 mile run. Should Piseas II sink somewhere in between, 3.2 gallons might not not do the trick. The consensus is 1/2 gallon per hour. That would give me 6 hours to do 30 miles. I could be up the creek with out a paddle but I do have 2 on the dinghy should I run out of gas. Hopefully my portable VHF would come in handy should I have time to retrieve it in an emergency.
Hope I answered your question.

Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 06/28/2012 15:58:32

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2012 : 16:55:49

Steve,
I am heading over in three weeks for Two Harbors from Oceanside. That trip is 60 miles and we do it in one long day. (12 hours) Last year I used six gallons for the trip but siphoned an extra couple of gallons into the tank to make sure I wasn't on fumes as I entered the harbor. I usually remove the six gallon tank and set it on the cockpit floor and siphon from a 5 gallon can set on the bench. Spills can then be rinsed out through the floor drains if they occur. Every time I tried to siphon into the tank while it is in the locker, and I am underway, I have managed to spill some so your point is well taken. I'll be over there (Two Harbors, Avalon) for two weeks so if you are there in that period look me up.

p.s. Sorry Sue, I appear to have hijacked your posting.

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 06/28/2012 17:01:03

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2012 : 09:26:00

Joe, When sailing to Catalina, I have a 3 and 6 gallon, all with quick disconnect. I also have a spare 3 gallon for just in case. I also have the 3.2 gall with quick disconnect for dinghy outboard.
One my first trip there with my new C250 way back when, I only had the 3 gal and a 6 gal container(no quick disconnect). I was about 3 miles out from the island and weather and seas getting rough. I may have made it but with the weather decided to pour gas from the 6 gal container to the 3 gallon tank. Needless to say, gas went everywhere. I had a large funnel-no siphon. All turned out OK but I decided never to let that happen again so I got the last Tempo 6 gal in the world, I think!, with a quick disconnect.
I would love to hook up Two Harbors. Not sure about work yet but could do a fast weekend and I need friend to help crew. Did you make reservation for string line? Do you spend all 2 weeks there? Or jump over the the other side? and I don't mean Avalon.
Twelve hours is long haul. Its about 5 or 6 for me. If you want to break up time, I can check if temp slip available in my marina and there are free places to anchor.
Steve A

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2012 : 17:43:18

My dinghy motor is a Honda BF2 that can't integrate with an external tank. That is why I was thinking about ways to refill it. My primary motor is a Tohatsu 9.8.

Getting a second 3 gallon or perhaps a single larger tank seems like it would make sense. I can siphon into the Honda if necessary, or into a small tank to pour into the Honda.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2012 : 22:55:42

I picked up a Harbor Freight siphon assembly today:

I am not sure if the squeeze bulb could be used in an emergency to replace the one inline for the fuel tank, but I would think so. Anyway, now I've got a siphon on the boat permanently. I think it was about $5 on sale for it.

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sue
Deckhand

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Response Posted - 07/06/2012 : 05:47:11

We found an option that will work for us this week. We came up with 2 smaller tanks. One is a Blitz 1.1 gallon tank and the other is a No-Spill 1.25 gallon tank. We would have preferred 2 of the No-Spill tanks but they would not fit due to the wider base of the tanks. For us this option just works better than a siphon to get both gas into the dinghy motor and to use as a spare for the main tank.

We do cruise in Long Island sound but we are very careful to leave with all tanks full so refilling under rough conditions in the middle of the water will be a rare event that I think we can manage with a siphon as others described but without another tank with quick disconnect.

Edited by - sue on 07/06/2012 07:46:51

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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Response Posted - 07/06/2012 : 06:32:10

You can also change the tank end fittings so different engines can use either tank. I changed my tanks and Mercury fuel lines to late model Honda fittings because I think it is a better design.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 07/06/2012 : 08:09:57

I found that the Moeller 6 gallon tank (with the handle on the end) is a nice fit into the fuel locker on my C-25. I have the 3 gallon Nissan/Tohatsu tank at the end of the cockpit under the tiller, giving my 9 gallons if I'm on a longer trip. For most of my day sailing needs I can just keep the 3 gallon tank on board and the 6 in storage. I'll get a fuel siphon (like the one that David has) to transfer fuel from either of those into the dinghy motor.

I have the 2 gallon version of the Blitz tank in your photo in the lower right. I find the filling nozzle on that tank very annoying to use, and I don't like that you can't seal the tank without having the nozzle in place. In general these newer tank designs are very frustrating.

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