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kmacdonald · 25-07-2018, 18:30

If you had two ways to increase fuel capacity, which one would you chose?

A) Remove engine to allow a single larger tank be installed then reinstall engine.
B) Install two smaller tanks that could be installed thru locker opening.

The total capacity would be the same either way.

Would you chose the single tank option if the engine was already out of the boat?

Mediator · 25-07-2018, 19:50

I think it depends on a lot of other factors since there is no real advantage or disadvantage of two small tanks vs one big one.

Factors that might be important include cost, loss of locker space, distance between tank and engine, etc.

I might err on the side of one big tank since it sounds like that's in an area not normally accessible. Especially if the engine is already removed.

chuckr · 26-07-2018, 00:39

We have a Jeanneau DS40 and had a small fuel tank. Jeanneau left space under our rear berth for another water tank or simply storage. We opted to have a custom designed fuel tank installed that was designed by Deltaville Boat Yard in Md. In the end it looked like a piece of modern with so many curves and angles but fit perfectly. We added 50 gal capacity.
Now for one vs two tanks. Someplace in the Carib, and we think we know where, we got some bad fuel and it contaminated one of our tanks and we were going thru fuel filters like crazy, We switched to our other tank and ran on it until we could get the one clean.
One thing with 2 tanks you will need to do some replumbing. We added a fuel filter with lines into it and we can switch from one tank to the other and of course you need both a in and return line with valves on each.
good luck

sailorboy1 · 26-07-2018, 04:06

I would do the option that was easier to do

Tillsbury · 26-07-2018, 04:13

If you can get a tank in through the locker, then you can get it out again when it needs work. That's a good thing in my book. And the twin tanks reason above makes sense too.

AKA-None · 26-07-2018, 09:22

You can also use fuel cells which come in some odd shapes

**Adelie** · 26-07-2018, 10:57

2 tanks; as previously mentioned to limit the possibility of contamination.

kmacdonald · 26-07-2018, 11:16

I like the idea of two tanks that can be replaced without removing the engine but I don't like the additional plumbing and having to turn valves to change tanks. Single tank has less plumbing and no turning valves. I guess a tank should last at least 10 years so removing the engine that often wouldn't be too much problem. I'm not sure of the contamination issue. Seems to me you would fill up when one tank is empty and the other low so both would get contaminated. I might have to flip a coin on this one.

**hpeer** · 26-07-2018, 11:22

Well even with one additional tank you end up with two tanks. So the question is 2 tanks or 3?

Which ever way you go I would suggest working it so one tank ends up a “Day tank”. That is you only ever draw out of one tank, and fuel is transferred into that tank via filters. So let’s say you have the Main, Port, and Stb configuration.

Fill main, then port. Transfer fuel to stb from port, then refill port.

When running run on stb, when it gets low refill from port or main via filters.

This way all fuel is dual filtered and you can replace the transfer filters while running. Makes running return line easier also, just goes to stb.

Have spare transfer pumps. Have ways to easily refit the system should something go bad. I.e. draw from port or Jerry cans.

kmacdonald · 26-07-2018, 11:54

hpeer, I'm sure that's a good idea but I don't want to hurt myself with complexity. That's why I'm starting to favor the single tank idea. I know redundancy is good but so is simple. I think I will look at the space again and see if that favors one way or the other.

Mediator · 26-07-2018, 12:03

I think simpler is better. One tank means less piping and valves to leak, less pumps to break, less wiring for fuel level indication and electrical grounding, etc. If you’re really worried about contamination install an additional fuel filter.

The idea of transferring fuel around is cool but then it becomes too easy to forget which tank you’re drawing from. Running out of fuel and having to bleed the engine is an inconvenience and could be dangerous depending on the situation.

**hpeer** · 26-07-2018, 15:21

OK, just remember you have to switch the fuel return as well.

sailorboy1 · 26-07-2018, 16:13

Btw - what do you need these fuel tanks for anyway, aren’t you a sailboat?

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Stu Jackson · 26-07-2018, 16:13

I met a skipper of a nie Nordic Tug 32 the other day. He has a 200 gallon tank. He told me he wished they'd installed two side saddle tanks for better boat trim. His stern elevates when the tank gets half full!

Don't know your tankage, but something to consider. I think the quantity of fuel AND your boat's size should BOTH have A LOT to do with your decision.