Hello Out There,
I own a 1997 20' Adventurer with a 82 gallon plastic gas tank. For the first time ever, I ran out of gas. It was very embarrassing (and slightly dangerous) since I thought I had 20+ gallon to spare. I usually make sure I have plenty and watch my running time since my gas gauge is undependable. I eventually received 10 gallons of gas from a buddy and made my way to the dock, then immediately to a gas station. To my surprise I could only top my tank off with 58 gallons. If I include the 5 or so left from my 10 gallon emergency supply leaves my tank with about a 62 gallon working capacity. I've checked my vent which seems fine and eventually was able to add another 6 or so gallons at home by slowly pouring in more gas while the boat was at a slightly different attitude (bow up). Now at 68 gallons I'm totally toped off.
Have other owners noticed this capacity shortage or is this just something I should expect? By expect, I mean, does the tank only has a 70 gallon working capacity with 12 gallons of dead storage. The dead storage being what resides in the tank below the gas uptake hose. Any other ideas what may be limiting my capacity?
This is becoming more important to me since I'd like to make some longer off shore (WA State) journeys to find albacore tuna and will need every drop.
I own a 1997 20' Adventurer with a 82 gallon plastic gas tank. For the first time ever, I ran out of gas. It was very embarrassing (and slightly dangerous) since I thought I had 20+ gallon to spare. I usually make sure I have plenty and watch my running time since my gas gauge is undependable. I eventually received 10 gallons of gas from a buddy and made my way to the dock, then immediately to a gas station. To my surprise I could only top my tank off with 58 gallons. If I include the 5 or so left from my 10 gallon emergency supply leaves my tank with about a 62 gallon working capacity. I've checked my vent which seems fine and eventually was able to add another 6 or so gallons at home by slowly pouring in more gas while the boat was at a slightly different attitude (bow up). Now at 68 gallons I'm totally toped off.
Have other owners noticed this capacity shortage or is this just something I should expect? By expect, I mean, does the tank only has a 70 gallon working capacity with 12 gallons of dead storage. The dead storage being what resides in the tank below the gas uptake hose. Any other ideas what may be limiting my capacity?
This is becoming more important to me since I'd like to make some longer off shore (WA State) journeys to find albacore tuna and will need every drop.