Transferring fuel at sea

[KAM]

My boat has a rather small main tank. I usually carry 40 to 60 litres in 10 litre containers. I was thinking of installing a pump to transfer fuel at sea instead of pouring through a funnel. Has anyone done this. Any reccomendations appreciated.

 

[webcraft]

A hand syphon pump like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSLWNTYY/ is what I have always used.

(This one looks slightly more sophisticated - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transfer-Portable-Liquids-Siphoning-Gasoline/dp/B09L4KRZ13/ )

I still prefer to syphon it through a filter funnel though to minimise crap in the tank.

- W

 

[davidpbo]

I used to use a joggle tube to syphon from into my running tank but might be a bit slow for your purposes.

 

[KAM]

I keep the fuel containers in a dedicated compartment below a floor in a cockpit locker. The containers are below fuel tank level so siphoning isn't an option. It would be nice to just reach in with a suction tube rather than lifting out the individual containers and tipping them into the main fuel tank.

 

[capnsensible]

A hand syphon pump like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSLWNTYY/ is what I have always used.

(This one looks slightly more sophisticated - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transfer-Portable-Liquids-Siphoning-Gasoline/dp/B09L4KRZ13/ )

I still prefer to syphon it through a filter funnel though to minimise crap in the tank.

- W

Top tip. Have used those pumps loadsa times during long passages. Easy and safe.

 

[LittleSister]

I still prefer to syphon it through a filter funnel though to minimise crap in the tank.

You haven't been mixing up your fuel tank and holding tank again, have you?

 

[GrahamHR]

A hand syphon pump like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSLWNTYY/ is what I have always used.

(This one looks slightly more sophisticated - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transfer-Portable-Liquids-Siphoning-Gasoline/dp/B09L4KRZ13/ )

I still prefer to syphon it through a filter funnel though to minimise crap in the tank.

- W

I used one of those to fill my petrol powered boats from 20 litre jerry cans for about 14 years; never an issue, never a spillage.

 

[James_Calvert]

I keep the fuel containers in a dedicated compartment below a floor in a cockpit locker. The containers are below fuel tank level so siphoning isn't an option. It would be nice to just reach in with a suction tube rather than lifting out the individual containers and tipping them into the main fuel tank.

I keep my spare fuel in a locker too, but pull the container out to syphon it. Much easier and controllable than tipping it into a funnel.

And my spare fuel can is over twice the size of your ones.

If you can set it up easily, why not give it a try?

 

[pmagowan]

We do the same. Take a can out and then use a joggle syphon tube to transfer. Works very well, quick, efficient and little to go wrong. I think I would find anything more electrical to be a bit of a fiddle but horses for courses.

 

[KompetentKrew]

I like the jiggle syphon - they are available in various diameters; one of the reviews on this Amazon page says it does 5 gallons in a couple of minutes.

EDIT: bargain alert

 

[AntarcticPilot]

A hand syphon pump like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSLWNTYY/ is what I have always used.

(This one looks slightly more sophisticated - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transfer-Portable-Liquids-Siphoning-Gasoline/dp/B09L4KRZ13/ )

I still prefer to syphon it through a filter funnel though to minimise crap in the tank.

- W

I too have used one of these to transfer fuel while underway. Simple, safe and effective. The only thing I'd add is that they are often poorly made and you might need to put some sealant of some kind on the screw cap that allows you to stop the syphon, otherwise air leaks at that point can stop it working.

 

[ChromeDome]

Power assisted syphon:

https://amzn.eu/d/eJFL53X

 

[Refueler]

Having had the awful job of pouring cans into badly placed fillers ... I can thoroughly recc'd any syphon or hand pump that means direct transfer.
Its even possible if you have a 12v or portable drill on board - to use a 'drill pump' .... basically a pump that you fit in the chuck and connect up.
I have one that I intended to couple to a small electric motor .... for draining my fuel tank ... but never got round to it.

If you can get can higher than tank ... even an Outboard primer bulb with pipe will start the syphon ..... or get the larger bulb such as :

Car Portable Manual Siphon Pump Fuel Gas Transfer Oil Pumps Hand Air Kit X3W9 | eBay

 

[Plum]

My boat has a rather small main tank. I usually carry 40 to 60 litres in 10 litre containers. I was thinking of installing a pump to transfer fuel at sea instead of pouring through a funnel. Has anyone done this. Any reccomendations appreciated.

I have been using a system for many years that does not require the can to be lifted out of the locker. I use 20litre cans which are a bit heavy to lift, particularly if it is rough. I use a submersible pump that fits through the kneck of the can and I have a hoselock connector and ball valve that leads to a T joint in the tank filler hose plus a 12volt socket. Only takes, I guess, less than a minute per 20 litres.
The pump i use: Rule Slimline Series Submersible Pump Plus 12V with Battery Clips


Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Momac]

Seems like transferring fuel at sea is quite common.
What is the typical fuel range of the boats in question?

 

[Laysula]

Why not have a tank made up to fit the area where you keep the spare cans and run it directly to the fuel filter? Most fuel filters have two entry/exit points and would be easy to fit inline taps so you could select which tank to run from. Safe, clean, tidy and hassle free.

 

[Refueler]

Why not have a tank made up to fit the area where you keep the spare cans and run it directly to the fuel filter? Most fuel filters have two entry/exit points and would be easy to fit inline taps so you could select which tank to run from. Safe, clean, tidy and hassle free.

Isn't the reason of cans - because quite often fuel is carried to the boat ?? Not always do we have luxury of being alongside a fuel jetty ??

I know for where I am - there are no fuel jetties available for boats and everyone has to transport fuel from nearest Road Station.

 

[capnsensible]

Seems like transferring fuel at sea is quite common.
What is the typical fuel range of the boats in question?

About 30% of the Atlantic and less than 20% of the Pacific.

 

[Plum]

Why not have a tank made up to fit the area where you keep the spare cans and run it directly to the fuel filter? Most fuel filters have two entry/exit points and would be easy to fit inline taps so you could select which tank to run from. Safe, clean, tidy and hassle free.

For me, I only need the extra range a couple of times a year so don't want to sacrifice storage space for the rest of the year.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Refueler]

Seems like transferring fuel at sea is quite common.
What is the typical fuel range of the boats in question?

Can't talk for others but my Snapdragon had a 10ltr tank for the Vire 6 ..... built in the cockpit coaming .... never did work out its full range ....
My SR25 has a 75ltr (I could get near 80ltr in but then I don't want any seepages) .... at approx 2ltr /hr with my 4-107 .... gives me technically over 32hrs ... but less allowing for bottom unpumpable ... lets say 30hrs cruise ..... 18 - 20hrs when pushing it.