Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-13-2015, 02:13 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
City: Redlands
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 180
Determining Fuel Tank Size

At some point, likely about 10 years ago, the fuel tanks in my 36' Marine Trader were replaced with aluminum saddle tanks. The tanks are odd shaped and so far I have not been able to get accurate measurements to determine volume.

There are no drains or valves on the bottom of the tanks, and no sight glasses. One of the two fuel gauges works but I have no way to determine its accuracy. The fill tubes are curved and dropping a line through them would not reach the lowest point in the tanks.

A note in the ships log indicates the tank placard shows 172 gallon volume but the placard is no longer readable.

I am hesitant to run a tank dry. I do not have a transfer pump but will install one if I can't come up with a better answer.

Your thoughts and wisdom are requested 😃
Thanks,
Arch
__________________
Marine Trader 36. Completed the Great Loop (single handed). Now cruising the east coast and Bahamas.
Arch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2015, 04:22 PM   #2
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,835
Can you stick the tank? This is like using a dip stick to determine fuel level and then have a graph to show what the remaining gallonage is. If you wish to determine the capacity of a tank, measue the outside in inches, length, width, and height. Multiple the 3 and divide by 231to get gallon capcapacity.

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2015, 06:12 PM   #3
Guru
 
Martin J's Avatar
 
City: Mt Crested Butte
Vessel Name: Artemis
Vessel Model: Cheoy Lee 67
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 551
HI
Had the same problem when I bought my yacht. Measured the 4 sides of the tank at every inch of depth. Did a simple spreadsheet showing fuel at every inch and then cumlative as the tank level increases. the outside of my tanks are curved to the hull. Found perfectly accurate results.Now I just read the sight glass's inch of depth and viola! One thing I invested in was a bosch laser measurer. . Made the job far easier than a tape ruler etc.
Martin J is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:36 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012