increasing fuel capacity

robingb · Post by **robingb** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 2:30 pm

i notice there are sf's with 315 fuel capacity and others with 250. is there an easy way to add the addt'l 65 gallons? thanks, gary

TonyNJ · Post by **TonyNJ** » Thu Oct 23, 2003 10:38 am

Robingb, The gas B33's almost always have the 315 gal tank while the diesel boats came with the 250 gal tanks. There is a lot of room in the B33 so addind additional fuel should not be a problem with a bit of planning. Good luck, Tony

Fish Stix · Post by **Fish Stix** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 10:38 am

One of the previous owner's managed to get 150 gallons in two tanks into the space just forward of my water tank. I've got a flybridge cruiser but I would imagine below deck we're all the same??? I now carry 400 gallons, which with the 3208's gives me about a 350-400 kmile range. I only use the tanks for the 2 - 3 day fishing trips into the gulf when we know we'll be staying out. It gives me the capacity to run out 3 hours, troll for 50 and return with a little left for bad weather. I'll be happy to send dimensional info or pictures if anyone is interested.

robingb · Post by **robingb** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 9:17 am

fiststix, thanks for the reply. would you please send me pix and dimensional info. please send to robingb@pacbell.net. thanks, gary

Fish Stix · Post by **Fish Stix** » Tue Nov 18, 2003 6:35 am

Gary I sent the pictures to your email this morning. Let me know if you didn't receive all 7 files. Also, feel free to ask questions. I know it is difficult to get the concept through pictures so I don't mind the questions.

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:28 pm

Dave (Fish Stix) , I have a '82 33FBC with 315gal. tank, I'd like to see your pics for the added fuel tanks. skyking@post.com Thanks Ken www.kenliller.com

Fish Stix · Post by **Fish Stix** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 8:59 am

Ken I sent the file this afternoon. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Between the holidays and LSU football, things have been pretty crazy here in NO. By the way, good picture of your boat on your website. Let me know if I can help anymore. Take care, Dave

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 10:21 pm

Hi Dave. I got your enail Thanks Ken

argo · Post by **argo** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:53 pm

to fish stix.i would also like to see any and all info on adding fuel tanks up forward.it would help a great deal going to the ne canyons. this is my first time on this site thanks. jim

Fish Stix · Post by **Fish Stix** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:25 am

Jim I sent the 7 page file describing the tanks to David Sumich to see if he can post it under the Owner Tips Section. I couldn't find your email address. Gary & Ken I revised the file a bit to make it easier to read since sending the file to you two so you may want to take another look.

argo · Post by **argo** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 2:44 pm

to: fish stix Dave, i want to thank you for repling about the extra fuel cap. it will be a great help i'm sure. it wasn't posted as of yet, but i wanted to give you my e-mail add. ( ARGOSPORTFISHING@AOL.COM)

Post by **Admin** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 7:29 am

Fish Stix, I just got the email today, I will work on it and try to get it up today. Thanks again! David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

Post by **Admin** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:16 am

OK, I posted it. Please give it a check and let me know if there is anything wrong with it. Thanks again David T.! David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:51 am

There was a discussion of filling multiple tanks from a single fitting on the boatered forum. By CG regs it's not permitted. After looking at the PDF. file, it looks to me to be outright banned if you are using gas instead of diesel.You are not allowed ANY perforation of the tank sides with gas. Each tank, both gas & diesel must have it's own separate fill & vent. Copied from boatered & CG regs. "Section 7: Fuel Systems Application: Both pleasure craft and non pleasure craft ^ Definitions ^ 1. Accessible: Capable of being reached for inspection, or maintenance without removal of permanent craft structure. 2. Permanently installed: Securely fastened so that tools need to be used for removal. 3. Static floating position: Attitude in which craft floats in calm water, with each fuel tank filled to its rated capacity, but with no person or item of portable equipment on board, with other tanks such as water and holding tanks empty and permanently installed equipment supplied by the boat builder in its proper place. Application: ^ 4. This Section applies equally to all gasoline (petroleum) or diesel fuel systems except as indicated. General ^ 5. A permanently installed fuel system shall provide maximum protection from leakage caused by corrosion, shock or fire. 6. All components of a fuel system, including tank penetrations and fittings, shall be accessible for inspection. 7. After installation, the fuel system which includes fill pipes, tanks, vent pipes, delivery pipes and return pipes, shall be hydrostatically pressure tested to a minimum of 21 kPa (3 lb/in2). 8. The fuel system shall be designed and installed to contain at least 5% fuel expansion in order to minimize the risk of a fuel spill either into the boat or the environment when: (a) the fuel tank is filled to its rated capacity; and (b) the boat is in the static floating position. 9. Fuel systems shall be liquid and vapour tight to the hull interior. Exceptions: ^ (a) Permeation of hoses within the limits of SAE J1527; and (b) Permeation of fuel tanks within the limits of United States Government CFR 33, Subpart K, 183.620 (a)(5)(i), and of ABYC H-2, Ventilation of Boats Using GASOLINE. 10. Fuel systems shall be capable of storage without operation at an ambient temperature range from -40Â° C to 80Â° C without failure or leakage, and operation at an ambient temperature range from -30Â° C to 80Â° C. 11. All electrically operated components installed in GASOLINE fuel systems shall be ignition-protected. 12. Drain plugs or valves on the filter(s) and tank(s) of DIESEL systems shall be of the type which cannot be opened inadvertently, or shall be installed in a manner to guard against inadvertent opening. Metal bowls are to be used for inboard gasoline engines and plastic bowls are to be used for outboard engines. Fuel Tanks ^ 13. Every fuel tank shall be constructed to meet the minimum test requirements for mechanical strength and fire resistance, as detailed in ABYC H-24 GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEMS, or ABYC H-33 DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS, as applicable. 14. A metallic fuel tank shall be constructed of materials in accordance with Table 7-1. Non-metallic materials are considered acceptable for corrosion resistance; however, all other requirements of this standard must be met. 15. A fuel tank shall be constructed so that no external surface of the tank can retain moisture or spilled fuel. 16. A GASOLINE fuel tank shall have no openings in the bottom, sides or ends. 17. Clean-out plates shall not be installed in GASOLINE fuel tanks. Clean-out plates may be installed in the top or sides of DIESEL fuel tanks. 18. If baffles are provided, baffle openings shall be designed so that they do not prevent the fuel flow across the bottom or trap vapour across the top of the tank. 19. Threaded connections into fuel tanks shall be in accordance with American Standard Taper Pipe Thread (NPT). 20. Cellular plastic used to encase metallic fuel tanks shall not change volume by more than 5% or dissolve after being immersed for 24 hours at 29Â° C in each of the following liquids: (a) reference fuel B, in accordance with ASTM D-471 (b) #2 reference oil, in accordance with ASTM D-471 (c) a 5% solution of trisodium phosphate in water (1) Tank seams produced by the welding processes listed shall be ductile and non-porous. (2) Copper tanks shall be internally tin coated. (3) Steel sheet tanks, when constructed for gasoline, shall be galvanized inside and outside by the hot dip process. (4) Aluminum tank fitting plates shall be made of 5052, 5083, 5086, 6061 or 6063 aluminum or 300 series stainless steel. (5) Aluminized steel tanks shall have a corrosion inhibiting baked paint or equivalent coating not less than 0.0381 mm thickness applied to the total tank exterior. 21. Cellular plastic used to encase metallic fuel tanks shall not absorb more than 0.58 kg (0.1 lb) of water per m2 (ft2) of cut surface. 22. Where plastic is bonded to a metallic tank, the adhesive strength of the bond shall exceed the cohesive strength of the plastic. 23. Non-polyurethane cellular plastic used to encase metallic fuel tanks shall have a minimum compressive strength of 410 kPa (60 lb/in2) at a 10% deflection, measured in accordance with ASTM D-1622, Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics. 24. Polyurethane cellular plastic which is used to encase metallic fuel tanks shall have a minimum density of 50 kg/m3 (3 lb/ft3) measured in accordance with ASTM D-1622. 25. Rigid tubes and fill pipes which extend near the bottom of the tank shall have clearance to prevent contact with the bottom due to flexing of the tank. 26. Every fuel tank shall have permanently affixed to it a label showing as a minimum: (a) type of fuel(s) for which the tank is suitable; (b) the manufacturer’s name, or logo, and address; (c) the month and the year of manufacture or the lot number and year of manufacture; (d) its capacity in litres (and optionally in gallons); and (e) the statement, "This tank meets the requirements of the Canadian Construction Standards for Small Vessels". Note: In lieu of the Standards quoted at (e) alternative equivalent standards will be accepted e.g. United States Government; CFR 33 183.510(a). 27. Every letter and numeral on the fuel tank(s) shall be: (a) at least 1.5 mm (1/16 in) in height and width; and (b) of a contrasting colour to the basic colour of the label. 28. Tank labels shall be readily visible and legible on the tank(s) as installed. Fuel Tank Installation ^ 29. Every fuel tank, including those encased in cellular plastic foam or fibre reinforced plastic, shall be so installed that all connections, accessories and labels are accessible for inspection and maintenance. 30. A GASOLINE fuel tank shall not be made integral with the hull. Further, no fuel tank shall support any deck, bulkhead or structural component or bear any extraneous load unless it is designed and built to do so. 31. Adequate supports shall be fitted as necessary to ensure structural integrity of tank(s). 32. A fuel tank shall be installed and restrained to provide as close to no movement as possible. 33. Metallic fuel tank supports and hold-downs shall be isolated from the tank surface by non-abrasive, non-absorbent, non-conductive materials. 34. Cellular plastic shall not be used as the sole support for a metal fuel tank. 35. Cellular plastic used as the sole support for a non-metallic fuel tank shall meet the requirements of ASTM D-1621 or ASTM D-1622 36. No cellular or fibre reinforced plastic fuel tank encasement shall permit water to: (a) collect between the plastic and the tank; or (b) be held against the tank by capillary action. 37. Metallic fuel tanks installed above a flat surface shall be separated from the surfaces by at least a 6 mm (1/4 in) air space when filled with fuel. Gauges ^ 38. Every fuel tank shall be installed with mechanical or remote reading fuel gauges, unless the tank installation permits sounding. Fuel Tank Fill System ^ 39. Fuel fill lines shall be hose or metal pipe. 40. Each fuel tank shall have an individual fill line. 41. Deck fill plates shall: (a) be located at least 380 mm (15 in) from any fresh air intake for gasoline systems; (b) not permit a fuel overflow to enter the boat; (c) shall be permanently marked GASOLINE, GAS, or the ISO symbol for gasoline in GASOLINE systems; and (d) shall be permanently marked DIESEL, or the ISO symbol for diesel in DIESEL systems. 42. Fuel shall not blow back through the fuel fitting when the tank is being refueled at a rate of 23 l per minute (6 U.S. gallons/min). 43. The fill pipe installation shall be self-draining, and lead directly from the deck fill to the tank in such a way as to prevent vapour locks. 44. The minimum inside diameter of the fill system shall be 32 mm (11/4 in). Note: To maintain the minimum diameter, using standard fittings, the minimum hose ID will be 38 mm (1 1/2 in). 45. The hose in a fuel tank fill system shall be secured to the deck fill and the tank with corrosion resistant and galvanically compatible fittings consisting of: (a) a swaged sleeve; (b) a sleeve and threaded insert; or (c) two metallic hose clamps of a type which is not dependent upon spring tension for compressive force. 46. Every hose clamp used in a tank fill system shall: (a) be used with a hose which is designed for clamps; (b) have a minimum nominal band width of 12 mm (1/2 in); (c) fasten over the hose and the spud, pipe or hose fitting; and (d) not be less than 12 mm (1/2 in) from the end of the hose. 47. Flexible fill piping shall be of neoprene fabric or wire reinforced neoprene material that: (a) meets the requirements of SAE J1527 Jan 93 or UL 1114 April 87 type hose; and (b) the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-24 for GASOLINE fuel systems or the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-33 for DIESEL fuel systems, as applicable. 48. Flexible fuel fill hose installed in engine compartments shall be USCG Type A1 or A2. 49. Hose shall not be installed on helical threading or knurling that provides a path for fuel leakage. Fuel Tank Venting Systems ^ 50. Every fuel tank shall have a venting system that: (a) discharges fuel vapours overboard; (b) does not allow a fuel overflow to enter the boat; (c) minimizes the accidental entry of water; and (d) prevents pressure in the tank from exceeding 80% of the rated pressure of the tank. 51. A flexible vent pipe shall be: (a) a minimum of 15 mm (5/8 in) I.D. and constructed of material(s) which conform to the performance requirements of ABYC H-24 and the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-24 for GASOLINE fuel systems or the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-33 for DIESEL fuel systems, as applicable; (b) installed so that it does not kink or sag; and (c) secured with corrosion resistant clamps of a type which is not dependent upon spring tension. 52. The vent shall be fitted with a flame arrestor which: (a) has an effective area not less than the minimum required for the vent line; and (b) can be cleaned, unless the vent itself is a flame arrestor. 53. Tank vent systems shall be self-draining and connect to the highest point of the fuel tank as installed in the boat under conditions of normal operation and normal trim. Fuel Lines ^ 54. All fuel lines, including fill, vent, delivery and return, shall be adequately protected from damage. 55. Every metallic fuel line connecting the fuel tank with the fuel inlet connection on the engine: (a) shall be made of seamless annealed copper, nickel-copper, or copper-nickel; (b) shall have a minimum wall thickness of 0.75 mm (1/32 in); and (c) and shall be galvanically protected from the structure in aluminum hulls. 56. A metallic fuel line shall be attached to the boat structure within 100 mm (4 in) of the connection of a flexible fuel line. 57. A section of flexible line with sufficient slack to absorb vibration shall be installed where a rigid fuel line terminates at: (a) an engine or fuel filter connection; and (b) a fuel tank that may vibrate. 58. Every hose in a fuel system shall meet or exceed: (a) the performance requirements of SAE J1527 or UL 1114; and (b) the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-24 for GASOLINE fuel systems or the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-33 for DIESEL fuel systems, as applicable. 59. Every hose shall be permanently marked, in capital letters and numerals at least 3 mm (0.12 in) in height and width and at intervals not greater than 300 mm (12 in), with the: (a) type of hose; (b) manufacturer’s name or registered trademark; and (c) year of manufacture Hoses less than 300 mm (12 in) in length may be tagged with the required marking. 60. The inside diameter of a hose shall not exceed the minor outside diameter of the connecting spud, pipe, or fitting by more than the tolerance shown in Table 7-2. Anti-siphon protection ^ 61. All fuel distribution systems shall be provided with anti-siphon protection by at least one of the following: (a) ensuring that no part of the line can, if separated at any point, fall below the level of the tank top; (b) keeping all parts of fuel distribution and return lines above the level of the tank top from the tank to the carburetor inlet or its equivalent, e.g. throttle body, port fuel injection, or a location where fuel leakage cannot enter the boat when the boat is in its static floating position; (c) fitting an anti-siphon demand valve at the tank top which can be opened only by the fuel pump suction to withdraw fuel from the tank and which will remain closed when the fuel pump is not operating, thereby preventing siphon action created by a break or leakage at any point in the fuel distribution system. (d) installing an electrically operated valve at the tank withdrawal fitting, or along the line. When an electrically operated fuel stop valve is used it shall: i) open only when the ignition switch is on; ii) be capable of being operated manually; and iii) meet the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-24 for GASOLINE fuel systems or the fire resistance tests requirements of ABYC H-33 for DIESEL fuel systems, as applicable. (e) installing a manual shut-off valve directly at the fuel tank connection, arranged to be readily accessible for operation from outside the compartment if the fuel tank top is located below the level of the carburetor inlet and the fuel line is rigid metal or USCG Type A1 hose. Note: Readily accessible from outside, the compartment includes a shut-off valve installed at the tank close to, and directly below, an access port in the deck through which the valve can be operated.62. If the length of fuel line from the tank outlet to the engine inlet is greater than 3600 mm (12 ft), a second manual shut-off valve shall be installed at the fuel inlet connection to the engine. 63. Fuel systems shall be equipped with an independently supported fuel strainer/filter complying with paragraphs 66-73 if a strainer/filter is not incorporated in the pick-up tube. 64. On vessels with multiple fuel tanks and a fuel system, such as fuel injection, that returns fuel to the tank, the system shall return unused fuel to the same tank from which it was drawn. 65. Information about the design, operation, and maintenance of this system shall be provided in the vessel owner’s manual, and this information shall include a warning about the consequences of modifying this system that may result in a fuel overflow. See ABYC T-24, Owner’s Manuals. Fittings for Fuel Systems ^ 66. Every fuel system fitting, joint and connection shall be accessible for inspection, maintenance and removal, without the removal of permanent boat structure. 67. Fuel lines shall have the minimum number of connections practicable. 68. Hose used in the fuel tank fil

skyking · Post by **skyking** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:18 pm

Al, That just about covers the fuel tank issue...thanks for that post. My fuel(gas) tank has a large (approx 8inch dia.) round plate on it that has several fitting mounted in it. Three pick-ups, 2 for the engines and one for the genny, and seversal more that are plugger. I'm thinking that this plate was use for gas and diesel applications. But the point is that this opening is large enough to clean out the tank, so even though gas tanks are not allowed to have cleanout plates anywhere on the gas fuel tank, this mounting plate is a great way around that. Thanks again for that post. Ken L. 1982 B33FBC "Blue Chip"