Gas Storage While Underway

[Stevens 47]

What are your methods for storing fuel for the outboard while underway.

Will a poly fuel container stand up to the expansion and contraction in the varying temp ranges.

I do not trust my outboards external poly fuel tank to not leak in storage.

I have looked at the propane powered units and feel that they would be restrictive in remote areas.

Jack

[ssmith]

You're right, don't store it below--far too dangerous.
I lash a 3-gallon plastic jug to the pulpit. That way. should it leak, it will quickly flow overboard. Leave a little space in the jug for expansion.
I don't like the practice of lashing any fuel containers amidships where it's not unlikely that green water will come aboard--but people do it . . .

[Annie in WA]

We built a teak platform on the crosspieces of our Monitor windvane to lash the gas can to. Can't take credit for the idea... A cruiser's blog turned us on to it.

[ssmith]

That's a nice idea. I have a Monitor too. Do you have a pic?

[shorebird]

We use propane simply because we already have it onboard, it stores safely in our propane locker, its widely available almost everywhere, at least the disposable canisters, and, if we ever actually run out, and none is to be had, we switch to the armstrong means of propulsion.

[Annie in WA]

Hi Spencer. Here are a couple of pics. I can't seem to attach more than one per post, so here's one that shows the straps holding the platform on. I'll add another post with the overall photo.

[Annie in WA]

Second photo attached.

[ssmith]

Very nice! I may try that on Scarlet.

[Amapola]

We tie our gas containers to the swim platform.

[Stevens 47]

Originally Posted by Annie in WA

We built a teak platform on the crosspieces of our Monitor windvane to lash the gas can to. Can't take credit for the idea... A cruiser's blog turned us on to it.

How does the poly tank handle the heat and expansion in the sun. Are you in a hot climate.

[Stevens 47]

Originally Posted by ssmith

You're right, don't store it below--far too dangerous.
I lash a 3-gallon plastic jug to the pulpit. That way. should it leak, it will quickly flow overboard. Leave a little space in the jug for expansion.
I don't like the practice of lashing any fuel containers amidships where it's not unlikely that green water will come aboard--but people do it . . .

Good idea storing aft. I may modify my push pit to accept a container.

[robert sailor]

For gas cans stored outside its not a bad idea to make sunbrella covers.

[HopCar]

"For gas cans stored outside its not a bad idea to make sunbrella covers."
I second that. The sun will eventually break down the plastic cans.

I hate having gasoline on my boat so I switched to a Lehr propane outboard.
I feel it's safer and I know it's cleaner to handle.

[ssmith]

Propane is difficult to manage in Europe unless you have adapters--you can't fill Amerinca propane tanks there.
(BTW, my US boat is an Ellis 20 outboard fishing boat . . .)

[HopCar]

Spencer, I love that little Ellis 20. What pretty lines!