Fuel bladder vs 55 gallon barrels

[RonNP]

In prepping for a long trip I'm trying to decide between storing diesel in a fuel bladder in my aft cockpit or by using ten 55 gallon plastic drums for holding fuel. I want to hold an extra 500 gallons. I'm assuming the cockpit can handle the extra 3500 pounds of weight if I spread the barrels around.
Any one have thoughts either way?

 

[Scarlett]

Ron, where are you going, John

 

[RonNP]

Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta. I don't feel like adding fuel in Turtle Bay at $8 gallon and just want to have extra fuel on board before hitting Cabo San Lucas.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I use a 300 gal bladder for offshore fishing. I have a sporty, so I strap it down on the bow and can either gravity feed or pump it into the tanks. I imagine you'll have to pump it to transfer. Biggest downside of the barrels has to be disposal afterwards and having them take up space for the trip. You can roll up and store the bladder, and it retains its value afterwards.

 

[Scarlett]

If you need any advice on Puerto Vallarta let me know, we lived there for 2 years. John

 

[rustybucket]

Def the storage of the 55gal drums is an issue after dumping them. Either way you go be cautious of what hatches you cover up with them. Once everything gets full the barrels are tough to move and the bladder is impossible to move.

I'd probably lean toward 2x 250gal bladders. You can even get creative with locations of the bladders. In our old ocean we carried a bladder under the forward berth. A bladder will fit through a small hole as long as the cavity inside is big enough to handle it.

Not sure which pump you plan on using but we've had FAR greater success with the gear pumps rather than impeller pumps, especially when running large volumes like you are doing.

Be sure you lash/secure whatever you choose, it's amazing how quickly/violently something that heavy can move in shifting seas.

 

[RonNP]

Thanks for all the advice. I will give you a call John. I was thinking barrells simply because the cost is less. I can get used refurbished ones for $10 a piece. The bladders are going to run around $1500 per bladder. I was going to buy an electric pump but guess I will now hold on to my old hand gear pump. Thanks again!

 

[Scarlett]

Ron, don’t know if you know the fuel situation in Mexico but we like San Jose Del Cabo better than San Lucas. Fuel price is controlled by Government except in Turtle Bay. Difference in prices is due to charges for use of fuel docks which is really high in San Lucas and less in San Jose besides the town of San Jose is much more laid back with less people trying to scam you out of your money, however the party scene in San Lucas is much better for you young guys.

 

[Cricket]

Make sure you have 2 electric pumps, 1 for backup.
I prefer DC over AC pumps for 2 reasons, Getting shocked and also if the genset goes out.
Back in the late 80's helped take a boat to Cancun from Key West, they had everything set up with quick connects to make it easy and clean.
They even had quick connects plumbed into the fill lines so the deck fill on the cover board didn't have to open.

 

[12V71]

Thanks for all the advice. I will give you a call John. I was thinking barrells simply because the cost is less. I can get used refurbished ones for $10 a piece. The bladders are going to run around $1500 per bladder. I was going to buy an electric pump but guess I will now hold on to my old hand gear pump. Thanks again!

2 bladders x $1500 to store 500 Gal $6 per gallon storage cost plus pumps and extreme aggravation before, during, and after the trip.

 

[rustybucket]

Thanks for all the advice. I will give you a call John. I was thinking barrells simply because the cost is less. I can get used refurbished ones for $10 a piece. The bladders are going to run around $1500 per bladder. I was going to buy an electric pump but guess I will now hold on to my old hand gear pump. Thanks again!

Lord no, get an electric, just get a gear pump rather than an impeller.