Adding New Fuel Tank

[DCMY #92]

Our 41DCMY has two 150 gal fuel tanks (diesel). I have always wished I had a little more fuel capacity, especially when anchoring out. I'm considering adding a new tank in the bilge under the aft stateroom. The tank will have to be only about 8" tall, but if it fills the space between the stringers, transom and forward end of the stateroom I should be able to get a little over 50 gallons in it.

I have several questions:
Is 50 gallons going to be worth the effort?
What material is best for the new tank?
How best to arrange this tank's feed and outlet?

 

[Glory]

I will say no.

Mostly due to the reason even at 9 or 10 knots that is only another 5, maybe 6 hours under way. Also by the time you have the tank made, install it, getting it in to the aft stateroom may be more of a challange than it appears to be, and install lines and valves, gauges, fill and vent lines you will likely spend several thousand $.

Unless you are traveling to destionations that demand 50 more gallons it seems like an expensive project.

You might even coinsider a water maker, and use some current water storage space as fuel storage.

Then you have more water and fuel at the same time, this would come at an even greater expence. but something to think about.

JM

 

[REBrueckner]

Only you can decide if the time,effort and expense is worth it.....check with your insurance company first to see what requirements they may have.

I'm guessing what you mean is that occasionally you'd like a little more fuel??
If that's accurate, why not just bring along a few five gallon portable containers of diesel fuel.....oops, I see you are in FLA so I'm guessing you run your genny a lot for air conditioning...so maybe that's six or eight or so gallons daily....

Sounds like the large flat dimensions of the tank will preclude you even getting it in the aft stateroom unless you fabricate it it place.....or in parts???
how about a flexible tank???....do you need to return fuel to that tank??

 

[yachtsmanbill]

The other consideration on a tank below the sole is that its also below the waterline. The OEM centerline tanks are not in contact with the hull, but are nestled in a bed of foam. Direct contact will induce condensation, especially if a warm returned fuel is used.
My 58 has a 185 gallon water tank PLUS an additional 200 gallon tank against the transom. I never use that and would consider converting it to fuel if I had the need. My regular tanks hold 950 gallons. At displacemnet speed I am running about 16 gallons an hour. I try to stop for fuel at least every other day. ws