Additional fuel tank - Beneteau Oceanis 361

[cmedsailor]

Has anyone added an additional fuel tank to a Beneteau Oceanis 361? Any ideas how to do this?
Thanks

 

[Heckler]

Has anyone added an additional fuel tank to a Beneteau Oceanis 361? Any ideas how to do this?
Thanks

The only difficult thing is finding space, if its the same as the 351 and 381 then the original is under the aft cabin(s) bunks mid way. You could put another over the prop shaft (limiting access) or in one of the lockers. Question is why? both my tanks were/are good for a days motoring.
Stu

 

[cmedsailor]

The original is behind the gear box, above prop shaft (between the two cabins) and is only 75 litres. Using around 3lt/hr I could motor (if necessary of course) for only about 15-18 hours and then refuel (I wouldn't like to leave the tank with less than 20lt in it).
Lockers are huge, definately there is space for an extra tank. Question though is how I could connect it to the squeezed original and have a proper and tidy work.
Thanks

 

[Heckler]

The original is behind the gear box, above prop shaft (between the two cabins) and is only 75 litres. Using around 3lt/hr I could motor (if necessary of course) for only about 15-18 hours and then refuel (I wouldn't like to leave the tank with less than 20lt in it).
Lockers are huge, definately there is space for an extra tank. Question though is how I could connect it to the squeezed original and have a proper and tidy work.
Thanks

OK the original is in the same place as mine, I always carry a blue "bidon" 5 gall plastic drum in the locker and top where necessary, I must say crossing the Irish sea in the 351 (VP2030) and running the donk for 16 hours only used 50 ltrs ish.
I suppose you could get a tank made to fit in one of the lockers, even use an outboard tank, use 8mm fuel tubing, fit a valve, tee the fuel line going to the primary filter, use the squeezy bulb to start the gravity feed. Let the main tank go down then open the valve on/near the auxiliary, squeeze the bulb and let it slowly empty in to the main system, take precautions that it doesnt suck air from the auxiliary etc.
Stu
PS www.asap-supplies.com for the bits

 

[Tranona]

The original is behind the gear box, above prop shaft (between the two cabins) and is only 75 litres. Using around 3lt/hr I could motor (if necessary of course) for only about 15-18 hours and then refuel (I wouldn't like to leave the tank with less than 20lt in it).
Lockers are huge, definately there is space for an extra tank. Question though is how I could connect it to the squeezed original and have a proper and tidy work.
Thanks

If there is space under a bunk - and I can't see why not as my Bavaria has a 150 litre tank fuel tank under one side and same size water tank under the other - you could get a custom tank made by Tek Tanks and then have two separate feeds and returns with a changeover valve so that you can draw from each independently. I agree 75 ltres is a bit mean, but I guess it is up to you if you want to lose the storage space for the extra capacity.

 

[cmedsailor]

Tranona yes there is plenty of space. On the starboard side there is a 170lt water tank, therefore I could have a similar fuel tank on the port side. Also there is space in the lockers. Space is not a problem. Biggest complexity is how to make a nice and tidy work with pipes, valves etc to connect the two tanks as well as be able to fill the additional tank with fuel easily.

 

[Tranona]

Tranona yes there is plenty of space. On the starboard side there is a 170lt water tank, therefore I could have a similar fuel tank on the port side. Also there is space in the lockers. Space is not a problem. Biggest complexity is how to make a nice and tidy work with pipes, valves etc to connect the two tanks as well as be able to fill the additional tank with fuel easily.

Would need to have a separate filler and vent. You do not need to connect the tanks as one of the benefits of having two tanks is to have two independent supplies. You may already have two water tanks with a changeover valve so you can use one or the other - same principle.

Not complicated to run supply and return lines to two changeover valves (one for supply, the other for return) somewhere convenient and accessible. You will also need a filter in the new line. Many power boats have two tanks so it is not unusual. The biggest challenge will be designing the tank to make good use of the space and mounting it securely.