12 Gallon tank

[ChuckieTodd]

I lifted the port side cockpit seat and found to my suprise that the neck where the fuel outlet is attached to the tank has broken off. The outlet has been rubbing on the bottom of the seat and apparently could take no more. Upon inspection, the other tank shows signs of wear as well. After a quick google search, I've concluded that Moeller is currently the only manufacturer of 12 gallon low profile tanks. Does anyone else have any experience with this issue?

[seahouse]

My brand new M has 2 Canadian-made, dealer-supplied, 12-gallon tanks (made by Scepter Plastics I believe). When the vent is closed they swell and raise the seats, as you might expect. When new and empty, one tank just touched and exerted slight pressure on the seat, the other raised it slightly, and it would "click" when you sat on it.

But I'm sorry to report that the quality standards for the construction of these tanks are pretty much the same as the quality standards on a Mac overall ( ie. embarrassing).
Buy them, but be prepared to test and repair them before use.

When I filled them (well below the "full" line) I tested them by standing them on their sides, and one of them leaked in 2 different places! I tightened the flange screws on it, and also found that the pipe dope used to hold the brass fittings was gasoline-soluble! DOHHHH! I cleaned the threads off (with gas, of course, almost no wiping) and resealed them in a jiffy with teflon tape (carefully). That one hasn't leaked again and has withstood the built up pressures so far.

To my horror, the other one leaked raw gas from the quick-connector (while I was away), which, to be fair, might have a shaving or debris from its manufacture stuck in it, stopping it from sealing. I left the vent open on that tank (which is in itself a bad practice from not just an environmental standpoint) to temporarily stop the leak until I can spend time repairing my brand new tank in the off-season.

[raycarlson]

moeller also makes a low profile gas cap for their 12 gallon tank.

[u12fly]

I believe Blue Water Yatchs carries the 12 Gallon tanks if your needing to replace them.

[raycarlson]

yes they do if you don't mind paying their premium prices. i think bwy wants something to the tune of 75 dollars for a 55 dollar tank.

[ChuckieTodd]

I found photos of the old style Moeller tank online that appears to have a lower profile. I emailed Bluewater today as well. We shall see...

[seahouse]

yes they do if you don't mind paying their premium prices. i think bwy wants something to the tune of 75 dollars for a 55 dollar tank.

Hi Ray!

You guys in the 'States don't know when you've got it good. My leaky tanks were $119 each at the dealers!

And I don't think that the standards are that much different.

- B.

[ChuckieTodd]

I'll gladly pay 75 for them. Six gallon tanks at Walmart are 50 bucks!

[mastreb]

I have the 12 gallon Moellers tanks on both side, and I'm just not seeing this issue. There's no rub on either of my tanks between the right-angle adapter and the laserette lid. I've been full to the brim on my starboard side since new (six months) as i've yet to use a tank. In fact, my port tank is compressed in due to vacuum. San Diego is not hot generally however, so perhaps I'm not seeing the expansion?

[ChuckieTodd]

I left the vent closed once and the tanks swelled enough to lift the seat 4 inches. I don't close them anymore. The tanks are just too tall. Do you have the screw on fittings for the outlet and gauge?

[raycarlson]

my fuel line fitting(90 degree) just barely touchs, ground out 1/4" from bottom side of seat for clearence. eastern marine sells the low profile moeller 12 gallon for 56.00,plus another 4-5 for the low profile gas cap.

[Russ]

Lot of places that sell them. BWY isn't out line for $75 bucks.

I have the older 12 gal Tempo tanks. Are these the same mold? Mine fit perfectly with nothing rubbing at all. I have room on top between tank and cover to store a dock line or two.

[dlandersson]

Can you post a hyperlink?

my fuel line fitting(90 degree) just barely touchs, ground out 1/4" from bottom side of seat for clearence. eastern marine sells the low profile moeller 12 gallon for 56.00,plus another 4-5 for the low profile gas cap.

[FLembo18]

I'll gladly pay 75 for them. Six gallon tanks at Walmart are 50 bucks!

I have (2) MINT (never used) Moeller 12 Gal. Low Profile tanks sitting in my basement, I'll sell them to anyone for $40.00 ea. + shipping. (fuel line connectors NOT included). PM me if interested.

Frank L.

PS: They do not have the optional low gas cap, but you can get them easily from eastern marine for a few bucks.

[FLembo18]

I have the 12 gallon Moellers tanks on both side, and I'm just not seeing this issue. There's no rub on either of my tanks between the right-angle adapter and the laserette lid. I've been full to the brim on my starboard side since new (six months) as i've yet to use a tank. In fact, my port tank is compressed in due to vacuum. San Diego is not hot generally however, so perhaps I'm not seeing the expansion?

Your tank compressed because you didn't keep your valve open 1/4 to 1/2 turn, compression will destroy your FUEL Gauge. The heat from the Sun (even under your seat) will compress the tanks depending on how much fuel remains in the tanks... the less fuel the tank has the more compression & the more damage to your fuel gauge.


Frank L.