what is this? ( see photo )

[SteelCruiser]

Mate showed me over his just purchased center cockpit Roberts 38.
asked me "what is this"
I did not know.
See photo

Situated outboard, just aft of amidships, starboard side, in the tunnel leading to aft cabin.

Suggestions, questions / comments?

[CharlzO]

It appears to be a light.

Oh, the tank thing? Not entirely sure, can't really make out anything on the gauge. Reserve tank, pressure tank for water? I dunno (I just wanted to make the "light" joke)

[jongleur]

Some light humor if you please.

[savoir]

Looks like an expansion chamber for the fresh water system. It holds the water under pressure between cycles of the pressure pump then the pump activates at a set psi.

[HopCar]

Looks like a fuel tank for a pressurized alcohol or kerosene stove.

[bletso]

Yep, pressure tank for pressurised kerosene stove. I have one just like that.

[Salty Mike]

Originally Posted by bletso

Yep, pressure tank for pressurised kerosene stove. I have one just like that.

A stove that you cook with or a stove that you heat with?

[hpeer]

Could be either, or both, same tank.

Except I didn't see a fill or pick up.

Are there any hoses or tubes? What kind of stove does he have?

[Joyful Noise]

If your friend has access to the area under the tank, he/she should be able to identify whether there is copper tubing in and out or rubber or pvc tubing connected to the bottom of the pressure tank. That should define the tank's use in a plumbing or a fuel system

[Xthewater]

Definitely a light either not working or not on, have one just like it. The other appears to be a pressure tank agree either fuel or water. Possibly a hydraulic accumulator if you have a hydraulic steering system.

[Xthewater]

Scratch that hydraulic accumulator, pressure too low so my vote is tank for diesel or kero stove.

[Steve O]

If it is a pressure tank for a heater fuel for then it would seem to be an impractical for you to pressurize it (usually with a bicycle pump). It would seem to be more likely a pressure accumulator tank for water. The plumbing to it will tell you for sure.

[Sailmonkey]

I'll wager it's an accumulator tank for the hydraulic steering


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[Sailing55]

Well, you might follow the lines/hoses to see what it is connected to. Then you will know what it is.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I'll wager it's an accumulator tank for the hydraulic steering


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I agree it may be. Xthewater doesn't do to pressure. A manual hydraulic system does not have that much pressure ie. Hynautic. I'm looking at one made by Hynautic, leave at 25-30 PSI with reservoir half full.