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Rail Mounted Gas Cans

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jesse camp
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/03/2006 : 09:17:39

I wanted to increase my fuel and water capacity by mounting a 1x4 x 66 inch wooden plank between the first and second port stantions attached with SST u-bolts and lash one water and two mil type plastic gas cans. Any suggestions or problems for anyone who has done this before? I will be taking a week trip on the ICW south of Cape Canaveral, Fl and wanted to stay away from marinas as much as possible. Thanks.

Jesse Camp
Sea Trekker
87 5550 SK SR
Merritt Island, Fl

Jesse Camp

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 12:52:00

I carry 15 gallons of fuel without doing that - a 7 gallon tank on the shelf in the lazerette, a 3.5 gallon tank on the floor in the lazerette, and a 5 gallon gas can under the V Berth. I save 1 gallon juice bottles to carry extra water. I carry about 10 to 12 gallons, a good place is under the quarter berth, also that little shelf in the V berth. Plus the water tank holds 15 gallons. I could easily carry another 5 gallons of gas under the v berth giving a total of 20 gas, 25 - 30 water. That's enough for 2 to 3 weeks and travel of 500 miles or more.

When I drain melt water out of the cooler, I put it into the solar shower.

Personally I think the side decks are narrow enough without adding tankage up there. Want to keep the weight down low and centered, like I do.

Keeping ice is the hardest thing on a long voyage.

Got your solar panels?

Edited by - on

jesse camp
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 13:36:59

Do you think it is safe putting fuel tanks in the V-berth. I note a
leak in either the lazzarett (the big one on the port side) or the V-berth could leak into the bilge. The fuel locker lazzarett is good for fuel because it does not vent or leak into the boat.
Water is another thing. Thanks

Edited by - on

jesse camp
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 13:46:43

Oops! Yes I mounted a 12 x 24 inch Siemens Panel on the starboard rail. I used the plastic clamps that swivel to follow the sun. The PO had mounted on the stern which was in the way. I dont use the ice box for a cooler, but I use as a food locker. I bought a 55 qt 5 day ice chest from Walmart and freeze a gallon milk jug with water as well as a plastic water container from Walmart that is about 2 inches thick by 18 inches x 10 inches, both last quite a while and then drink the water when they melt. I got a sun shower from Campmor but I have not tried it yet.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 17:25:30

When cruising, in addition to my 6 gallon fuel tank, I carry two 5 gallon Blitz gas cans (Walmart $5-6) and store them side-by-side on the aft cockpit floor. In this location they are out of the way when sailing and readily accesible when I need to refuel. The size of the cans are such that they snuggly fit yet are not wedged in place. I place a white kitchen garbage over each (the bag is upside down) to shield the cans from the sun and weather.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2006 : 19:58:59

Last year two of us members of fleet 89 each sailed our boats to the Dry Tortugas (We actually had three fleet 89 members on two boats). Dwight set up his two jerry cans of gas onto a stanchion mounted 1 x 4 just like you are proposing. It seemed to work out just fine. We noticed that there was some rubbing of the can on the base of the stanchion, so we moved the cans a little.
I put two 6 gallon gas tanks down into my lazarette, each wrapped into plastic bags. I could still smell a slight whiff of gas, and I didn't like that at all.
One of my future projects is to mount an inboard 12 gallon permanent tank somewhere below.
But of course I'll win the powerball tonight so it will be a moot point as I'll be buying a bigger cruiser

Edited by - on

jesse camp
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2006 : 07:07:15

Thanks for the comments, I will go ahead and mount my 1x4x66, I bought a piece of Douglas Fir, oak was too stiff. I will sand and varnish and polyurethane the piece and use u-bolts with lock washers.
It looks like I can mount each can between the shrouds. The white garbage bag is a good idea for gas in the cockpit. I know the sun really expands the cans in the middle of the day.

Best Regards,

Jesse Camp
87 5550 SK SR
Sea Trekker
Merritt Island, Fl

Edited by - on

DGuinn
Deckhand

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15 Posts

Response Posted - 05/04/2006 : 10:40:24

Jesse
You could just lash the 1X to the stanchions.
Less hardware to bite you.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2006 : 01:29:39

Jesse brings up a question that I've often wondered about. When those plastic gas containers are onboard and are going to be in direct sunlight - such as lashed to stanchions - do you leave them tightly closed to eliminate spills and fumes or do you crack the cap just a bit to eliminate pressure buildup, tank expansion and possible rupture or explosion?

Thanks,

Steve

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.