combine fuel tanks

[05bill]

i have 2 separate fuel tanks and need to switch manually from one to the other., open hatch each time, a real pain . i was told i could have this done electronically on the dash ? any information would be appreciated.

05bill

 

[BillD]

i have 2 separate fuel tanks and need to switch manually from one to the other., open hatch each time, a real pain . i was told i could have this done electronically on the dash ? any information would be appreciated.

05bill

Bill,

I do not have an answer to your question about electronic control switching of tanks @ the dash, but you do bring up the issue of "convenient switching of twin tank installs".

The 2012 WESMAC build has twin outboard fuel tanks. Most likely similar to your 35 Duffy setup.
The tanks are designed to empty evenly by use of a "share fuel line" between the two tanks. Simple gravity setup and keeps the variable weight of fuel in the boat balanced.
Diagram attached and the fab process is on the 2012 WESMAC thread.

http://downeastboatforum.com/downea...-ft/2012-wesmac-commercial-build-1244-13.html

It may be a bit late for you to make the modifications (fuel in tanks)(access etc.), but I figured I'd pass and info along.

 

[F/V First Team]

go to your local auto parts store and buy a selector switch and valve for a 1980's chevrolet truck with twin tanks.

easy peasy

 

[Cfood]

I have a silimilar setup, 200 and 235 saddle tanks with a crossover line and valve between them. On my draw/return selector valve's, i draw from both tanks and return only to starboard. I also only refuel to port tank (just convenience). I usually refuel 100-150 gallons, and keep the tanks max 3/4 full. Basically using 1/4 to 3/4 of capacity. Probably ran 10-12,000 gallons in the last 2 years with no issues. Only caution is if you let the boat sit overnight low on fuel with even a slight list, the remaining fuel will shift in that direction and the list will become more pronounced.

 

[gmarine25]

I know a lobsterboat isnt a tugboat, but having cross connected fuel tanks contributed to the fatal sinking of this tug. I wouldn't have them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valour_(tugboat)

 

[F/V First Team]

Yikes, connecting tanks in that fashion is such a bad idea.

Is what a solenoid controlled fuel tank switching valve looks like

And for a manual one, it is hard to beat what Groco has

 

[Badlatitude]

Nice valve. We had a similer manual valve set up on the double vision. so I could balance fuel depending on the fish load etc. It worked well idk if id want to rely on a electric valve especially not one GM makes haha

 

[F/V First Team]

There are many different flavors floating around out there, that was just the first one that sprang to mind since a customer requested one on a boat years ago. Worked very well for that application.

Somewhere, if I can track it down again, there is a 6 way bronze valve that is controlled remotely via electric signal, just have to remember who the manufacturer was. It was expensive but slick. And it didn't look like a reject from a lost in space robot.

 

[Raider Ronnie]

Those valves look like just another thing to replace yearly.
Whats the big deal with with having to open a hatch and manually moving a valve, unless your builder located them somewhere thats a pain to get at.
I've got 2 tanks, 2 manual valves and a wooden stick for a fuel gauge.
I like the keep it simple "Maine way"

 

[F/V First Team]

I too have two tanks, one is 30 gallons the other 300
Two sets of valves to toss and a shared fuel stick between them
One end is the main tank the other is the day tank

Luckily the builder put the valves in an easy place to get to
I should thank them

 

[BillD]

I found the schematic

100% balance between two tanks
gravity design

 

[05bill]

seperate fuel tanks.

thank you all very much. seems that it could be a complicated fix, i like thinks simple. the fellow who said 2 tanks and a stick, that is me.

however if there is an electronic device that can go from each fuel line or combined that one can swith and equalize at the helm without bracking the bank would be of interest. do not want to back into the existing tanks, need to be on either return or pfuel line.

thanks it appears it sparked some interest.

05bill