How Big is Your Tank?

[micah719]

A workmate back in Aus had a great setup...he had a contact that could regularly acquire used transformer oil. He also had a rather high-end filter system, and was chuffed with his ability to fill his ute at an average price per litre that I will not quote here to avoid causing spasms of bilious envy. Perfectly legal too, and the cleanest exhaust I've ever seen on a diesel. Not aromatic enough to use as a component of cruiser's aftershave, though. There's always a downside.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Iskoteo

... Just wondering..does having large freshwater tanks create a stigma as well?

Fair winds, (and if not consider motoring)

Or better yet, a water maker. In my case, I've always found water to be the limiting factor not fuel. So I have a Spectra Catalina system aboard.

Now...just need a fuel generator.

[NCSailor]

35 Gal for 37 ft sailboat, 50hp diesel.

[onestepcsy37]

50 gals on a 37 foot heavy cutter with a perkins 4-108. could probably go 300 - 400 miles between fuel stops. for our kind of cruising that's plenty. but i carry two full jerry jugs anyway. i like to keep the tank full as often as possible, i think it cuts down on condensation and critter problems.

the engine is used only for motive power - no engine drive fridge, water heater, or generator.

[Roy M]

In 1989 I crewed on the special purpose multihull YANMAR ENDEAVOR, which established the world's record for a transpacific passage under outboard diesel power. 2400 miles for about 400 gallons of fuel, in eight days at about 12-15 knots. We ended up with spare fuel.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by micah719

Range is one thing....I wonder about time, efficiency and reliability.......
What is the expected shelf life of diesel with such a system?

I think that is a great question that needs more discussion.

We know from our outboards that gasoline has a shelf life, but what about low Sulfur automotive Diesel?

My own unscientific management plan is that I keep the tanks full (2400 liters) and top up whenever practical, reliable and economical. (Fuel costs only get higher).

I figure, keeping the condensate out by having full steel tanks is the biggest issue, since I understand that diesel bacteria begins in the condensate.

Cruising reality is that we burn more using the Gen at anchor for long stays, than in propulsion. I am fine with that since the effort taken to arrive in paradise, should not be shortened or tempered because you need fuel.


I will be emptying the remainder of my diesel tanks for inspection purposes…. (about 1000 litres) that is 5 years old).

Will test and let you know

[heintje23]

5400 liters for a 62 footer. The previous owner did NZ to Panama non-stop...

[Tayana42]

42 foot with Yanmar JHE 44 hp, with 2 tanks totaling 120 US gallons.


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