Transferring fuel from cans to tank at sea - a solution

Slowtack said:
"With a higher mounted fuel filler, you can simply siphon the fuel in and no need for this kind of solution."

Good thinking, I've just raised my filler cap!
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What does the height of the filler cap have to do with a syphon working? Its the height of the liquids in the tanks that matters. In theory the filler can be at the top of the tank or on the top of the mast...

The OP is concerned about shipping sea water through his filler cap... And he would need his 20L tank to be on top of the fuel tank or it would stop flowing when the level in the main tank = level in the 20L tank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZmP0vsRBZ8
 
As a related point which cans are best size wise on board? I am not thinking of an Atlantic crossing though but I saw the OP seems to have used a novel make? We currently have one yellow can on board but can you for example use ex pool drums in spirit of recycling ? I have a couple and just wondered if there any reasons or if or there would recommend a particular can type on basis these live in the locker and not strapped to deck . Are metal ones better ?
 
ashtead said:
As a related point which cans are best size wise on board? I am not thinking of an Atlantic crossing though but I saw the OP seems to have used a novel make? We currently have one yellow can on board but can you for example use ex pool drums in spirit of recycling ? I have a couple and just wondered if there any reasons or if or there would recommend a particular can type on basis these live in the locker and not strapped to deck . Are metal ones better ?
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I'd say the main thing is whatever best fits your stowage, followed by weight - based on what you can comfortably handle in the space available.

Metal cans rattle, dent and rust, plastic ones don't.
 
You will have issues filling anything > 10l in plastic at a roadside filling station and you will need a type approved container... The OP's isn't.

I suspect the rules apply at marina's too but are not enforced as much/ever
 
Thanks for advice so I suspect my chlorine drums are not type approved for diesel as opposed to pool chlorine but will have a look out for some more plastic 10 ltr ones or a couple of smaller ones . I can lift the current one from the lazarette but in any sort of sea it might not be so easy and haven't actually tried on this boat refilling under way so maybe a few little ones will be best solution until we venture further down French coast at least.
 
20l type approved plastic cans are OK for diesel, i've never had a problem filling mine.

The OPs system is neat and it saves getting water in the filler, spilling diesel, or even having to lift the cans out of the locker, good stuff. :encouragement:
 
Yes I certainly think it's a vast improvement on hauling cans out of the lazarette so will certAinly investgAte if it's poSSible to T into my deck mounted filler cap tube in fashion suggested
 
I may be missing something.

How is this better than a shaker siphon, adapted with a better hose and a valve if you want to go into a T (which is brilliant, BTW)? I've used a shaker siphon for many years and find them simple and fast enough. Also safe for gasoline (no electricity). How does the pump help, so long as the can is higher than the tank?

Pouring in a seaway is bad. We should all agree on that. Yes, a siphon does slow if the height difference is small, but that hardly matters. BTW, if you are using a siphon on a deck fill, by stuffing the hose deep in the filler hose you increase the height different and the speed. Not applicable in this case.



https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-10801-FloTool-Shaker-Anti-Static/dp/B000EH0ORI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522512686&sr=8-2&keywords=shaker+syphon
 
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thinwater said:
I may be missing something.

How is this better than a shaker siphon, adapted with a better hose and a valve if you want to go into a T (which is brilliant, BTW)? I've used a shaker siphon for many years and find them simple and fast enough. Also safe for gasoline (no electricity). How does the pump help, so long as the can is higher than the tank?

Pouring in a seaway is bad. We should all agree on that. Yes, a siphon does slow if the height difference is small, but that hardly matters. BTW, if you are using a siphon on a deck fill, by stuffing the hose deep in the filler hose you increase the height different and the speed. Not applicable in this case.



https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-10801-FloTool-Shaker-Anti-Static/dp/B000EH0ORI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522512686&sr=8-2&keywords=shaker+syphon
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The shaker syphons are good but I wanted a solution where I did not have to unsecure and lift 20litre cans in a rough sea and have them trying to slide about in the cockpit. I often single-hand and with my system I can safely stop the pump, shut the locker lid and go do something else that needs urgent attention without having to worry about a half full unsecured can. Obviously, mine is not the only solution and not the best for everyone.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
 
Plum said:
The shaker syphons are good but I wanted a solution where I did not have to unsecure and lift 20litre cans in a rough sea and have them trying to slide about in the cockpit. I often single-hand and with my system I can safely stop the pump, shut the locker lid and go do something else that needs urgent attention without having to worry about a half full unsecured can. Obviously, mine is not the only solution and not the best for everyone.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk
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That is a well reasoned answer.
 
Plum said:
Well it has been nearly 24 hours since I transferred fuel from that can and i have no diesel bug so it must work!
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I've found that you can get bug in the dregs of diesel in an empty can, which of course mixes with the diesel when you fill the can. I fitted a filter with my fuel transfer pump - a motorbike filter was good enough for mine as my pump is smaller than yours but you may need a higher throughput filter.
 
Plum said:
Sharing the results of a project.
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Excellent :cool:

I've similar though with a y split on the lift pump from main tank to day tank. So much better than messing about trying to fill under way even with one of those little shaker syphons which stop if the suck end gets just a tiny bit of air in it. Nice one. Might get one of those pumps, the lift pump I have takes forever. Ta for sharing.
 
I think outboard fuel tanks are a good idea for spare fuel, what with the delivery hose and squeezy bulb and still being closed while delivering. You can make a big shaky syphon, I bought a 1 inch bronze foot valve for a tenner, in a 1 inch hose, delivered 200 litres from quay to boat in about six minutes, six foot drop.
 
We have a few 10l plastic diesel cans with spouts, easy to handle and dispense even in bad weather. We also have larger cans and a jiggle syphon for longer trips.
 
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