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So I removed my shiny new 12 gallon fuel tanks from the cockpit yesterday completely oblivious as to how I'd get them back in there once I've filled them with 72 lbs of fuel. Should I have violated the "rules" and just filled them on the boat?

What rules?

Jim

The rule is, fill them on the boat or snap your spine!

I assume the rules you are referring to are about not filling your tanks at a slip in a marina? There must be a place where other boat owners take their toys to be gassed up? You can always surreptitiously fill the tanks at night, or under a blanket Don't remove them

Ray

i think your first clue was that there are no handles on 12 gallon tanks. never heard of a rule about filling a tank ??

I have the 8 gallon (US) tansk and almost always remove them to fill them at fuel docks. But that's usually a fairly easy lift. At the very least i have to pull them out and slide them forward to be able to access the filler caps.

I used to remove them from the boat when filling at gas stations but that lift was brutal so now I just pull up to the pumps and drag the hose on board.

what about a smaller tank - and a fuel transfer pump between???

It's not just 72 pounds... it's also about funny angles, holding it out at full extension and all of the resulting safety issues.....

--jr

I have the 12 gal tank as well. Most marinas where I am at in Canada let me fill
it in the boat as they say it has no handles and is not really portable.
I was thinking a about putting access holes with flush covers right
above the gas tanks ease filling. With your covers on the fuel lazarette
compartment it woul look like an internal tank.

I cut a porthole with plate for my 12 gallon tank starboard side.

You cant carry a 12 gallon tank, realistically.

I agree that they would be too heavy. I just installed a Moeller 12 gallon fuel tank, and have no intention of lifting it. I had trouble with the six gallon one.
You have two 12 gallon tanks? Both installed in the cockpit? If so, where do you put your fenders and docklines?
You must plan to do a lot of motoring.

Phil M

Hello,
I have had 2 LPT-12 tanks in the lockers on my X for 15 years. Have filled them in place at gas stations and marina fuel docks with no problem. I'm not about to lift those puppies when they are full.

I have a dedicated locker below (under forward dinette settee) for PFD's and Fenders.

I never liked the possibility of spilling fuel in the boat, so I got rid of my 9ga tank, and use 2 6ga and 2 3ga tanks. They sure are a lot easier to lift!

Though I have carried as much as 30 gallons on board.. I only have 1 - 12 gallon and 3 - 6 gallon.. I think you now regret having only 2 - `12's
As per Marina rules..... about no filling in slips? Its Very Common and if your not aware of your marina having this rule its more than likely you not them..
HUGE risk to maybe hundreds of boats and millions of dollars if one Knucklehead screws up .. and Every Marina has numerous clumsy knuckleheads..
Fuel docks? Well legal and compliant fuel docks , have several items ready in event of a spill..
Have I done just that.. filled in the marina? yep.. Quietly saying nothing to anyone with a plug in my transom drain.... lots rags and using a funnel!!! etc etc etc ..
Come on guys.... I am 60 years old and a 6 gallon fuel tank is a one hand operation.. heck then... just put 5 gallons in them ! Gas weights 6.25 lbs per gallon. Less than 40 lbs gas and tank.. OK take the hose off hahahahah weenies!!!

RULES We don't need no stinking rules

Rick

I agree that at age 60 years young one can lift a 5.5 gal. jug in one hand of gas up the stearn ladder while on trailer.
I only have 2- 6 gal. gas tanks and that gives me a 90 plus range at 5.5 knots with full ballest.
It's the 60 lb 52 quart cooler loaded with block Ice and beer that needs the extra will power to set on top of engine and balance while climbing aboard. A must will and any means to haul it aboard.
The survival food goes into a 63 quart frig. running on DC current /or AC. (also pre temps warm beer before Ice box)
Like my beer at 32-34 degree's when temps. are 93 degrees like today.
Dave

Divecoz wrote:Though I have carried as much as 30 gallons on board.. I only have 1 - 12 gallon and 3 - 6 gallon.. I think you now regret having only 2 - `12's
As per Marina rules..... about no filling in slips? Its Very Common and if your not aware of your marina having this rule its more than likely you not them..
HUGE risk to maybe hundreds of boats and millions of dollars if one Knucklehead screws up .. and Every Marina has numerous clumsy knuckleheads..
Fuel docks? Well legal and compliant fuel docks , have several items ready in event of a spill..
Have I done just that.. filled in the marina? yep.. Quietly saying nothing to anyone with a plug in my transom drain.... lots rags and using a funnel!!! etc etc etc ..
Come on guys.... I am 60 years old and a 6 gallon fuel tank is a one hand operation.. heck then... just put 5 gallons in them ! Gas weights 6.25 lbs per gallon. Less than 40 lbs gas and tank.. OK take the hose off hahahahah weenies!!!