26X New Gas Tank Install

[Wind Chime]

We had both our 9 gallon gas tanks stolen off our 2000-X this week.
I understand that these older tanks (Tempo) may not be available any longer, and the new ones might not fit.
We had them installed in both aft sections under the cockpit seats.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
Darry

[trdprotruck]

These are what I have, but the price listed is ridiculous. Should be less than $30 each.

http://www.iboats.com/Tank-Gas-6-Gal-Ne ... aQody5oAXw

[dlandersson]

The older ones are not made any more (I bought a bunch when I heard they were going out of production), but you can still find them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEPTUNE-TANK-GA ... 7d&vxp=mtr

[tlgibson97]

I have two of these installed. Had to trim about 1/4-inch around the hole for them to fit. That's if you wanted to move up to 12 gal.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP ... UTF8&psc=1

[Wind Chime]

So I ordered two new Moeller/Scepter 9 gallon replacement tanks, and it looks like I’m going to have to make the fuel compartment openings on our 2000-X larger by about an inch or so to get the new tanks to fit inside.

I like the 9 gallon tanks because they leave room in the fuel lockers for our other propane and butane fuel cans, and 18 gallons of fuel gives us a reasonable cruising radius here in the Salish Sea as there are lots of places for gas if required.

The new tank dimensions are 22.5Lx14.3Wx11.75H, so it seems like they did indeed change the height of the tank after changing from Tempo brand to Moeller/Scepter, but I’ll wait to get the new tanks onboard before I start cutting - just in case .


QUESTION:

Any thoughts on how to secure the new tanks in the lockers so they cannot be removed? I am also leery to drill holes in the fuel locker into the lower cabin for fear of fumes getting below.

We will have two new tanks on-board for the same punks to return and steal again .
Standard tie-down straps will not work as they just cut these on the boat beside us.

I am thinking of installing a 25" long X 4" high aluminum plate vertically along the bottom front of the fuel locker, held in with several ss bolts and locking nuts. This will make the openings too small to remove the tanks without removing the plate. We never remove them ourselves as we have access plates on the seats to refill.

I just want to make it harder for them so they will go next door or just syphon the gas and leave the containers because it’s too much trouble.

Thoughts?

[jstyers]

My concern would be that if you make it difficult to remove the tanks you may end up with a damaged boat AND stolen tanks.

[dlandersson]

Okay, I'm a little lost here.

Your slip does not have security?

If so, why not use 6 gallon tanks - and take them with you. No tanks, no can steal. Then when you go sailing, simply carry them to the boat.

[Wind Chime]

My concern would be that if you make it difficult to remove the tanks you may end up with a damaged boat AND stolen tanks.

Great point jstyers,

We counted myself lucky because they did not break into the cabin or do any damage in the cockpit. They just took what was easy and quiet.

If we make it harder to get at, we do run the risk of them having to damage it. But its like a putting fish in front of a cat right now, as they already have a taste of easy catch. And its about a $400 replacement costs with tanks, fuel, connectors, etc.

[Wind Chime]

Okay, I'm a little lost here.

Your slip does not have security?

If so, why not use 6 gallon tanks - and take them with you. No tanks, no can steal. Then when you go sailing, simply carry them to the boat.

Hey dlandersson,

Our boat is on the hard at the marina in a mast-up locked storage compound that has barb wire fence and night lighting. The compound is about 100 yards from the ramp so very convenient. The marina's main entrance has a card-lock gate as well, and we've been there 8 years and this is the first break-in to our boat.

We mostly cruise verses daysail and I'm trying to make life easier, so carrying four 50 pound jerry cans of gas on and off the boat every trip (along with all our other crap) isn't what I'm looking for , plus the handles of the 6 gallon tanks seem to stick out of the locker too much for my liking. We love the two 9 gallon tanks, just don't want to have to replace them again

[RobertB]

Sounds like reasonable security - good chance it was by someone with access to the yard. Have you looked around at the other boats there to see if they have "new" fuel tanks? Recommend painting the tanks to make them easy to identify.

[DHK79]

Rather than put a screw in plate over the opening, I cut a 2"x2" vinyl post cover to fit inside the lip. Holds the tanks in place (if sitting back 2"), but is still easy to lift out.

For example only: http://www.amazon.com/Powerfields-R-175 ... B003AZ0P5M

[Wind Chime]

Sounds like reasonable security - good chance it was by someone with access to the yard. Have you looked around at the other boats there to see if they have "new" fuel tanks? Recommend painting the tanks to make them easy to identify.

RobertB,
The thieves cut a hole in the wire fence that surrounds the compound and stole gas tanks from 6 boats, including ours. All open cockpit types. Unless it was someone who had a pass-card to the main-gate, they would have had to carry these heavy fuel tanks a long way to reach the get-away truck.

Easy to identify ? Thanks for the great idea. We have an engraver and I would never have thought about engraving them with our hull number to identify them.

Darry

[DHK79]

Hmm... Sounds like they were stealing gas and the tanks were just the vessel. Anyone consider leaving a tank accessible that had been laced with corn syrup?

[RobertB]

RobertB,
The thieves cut a hole in the wire fence that surrounds the compound and stole gas tanks from 6 boats, including ours. All open cockpit types. Unless it was someone who had a pass-card to the main-gate, they would have had to carry these heavy fuel tanks a long way to reach the get-away truck.[/quote]

Well, at least the thieves showed they were willing to work hard for their "pay"

To avoid a repeat, a solid cover with a padlock would likely discourage them and look at another boat. cover would be real simple, a bracket/channel at the bottom to fit over the lip and a rotating lock (or two) to engage the top lip. Easily removed for fueling and keeps tanks from moving about. And very easy to make.

[Wind Chime]

Got the new gas tanks installed this weekend.

I went with the same size gas tanks (9 gallon) that are now made by Scepter, and they are higher than the old Tempo brand that fit in the original fuel locker cutouts in our 2000-X.

After many discussions on this website, I was sure I would have to cut the fiberglass holes in order to get these new tanks on board ... but it turns out, I did not have to make any cuts.

In order to make the new 11-3/4 inch high gas tanks fit through the 10 inch high hole, I removed the gas cap and the fuel gauge off the tanks (4 bolts with the nuts secured on the inside if the tank).

This gives just enough clearance to be able to squeeze the tanks in through the 10 inch hole then reinsert and reassemble the gauge on the inside of the compartment and return the cap. Takes some work to get the bolts back on in that tight space.

The tanks are now unable to be removed. We already have access panels on the cockpit aft seat to get access to filler caps to refuel.

All is well, accept the tanks are just a touch longer than the old a Tempos as well, which means I need a new location for my down rigger balls. Oh well, could have been a lot worse