Fuel Blatters

JoAna

Member
Feb 10, 2018
135
San Diego, CA
Boat Info
2005 420DB
Engines
Cummins 6CTA 8.3 450HP
Has anybody tried putting a 100-gallon fuel blatter on the 420 sedan bridge? it's weight is 700 lbs but I'm worried about it weighing down the cockpit???
 
Temporary...permanent...What’s the purpose? What is the benefit, etc. Sounds like you have a mission.

You can carry fuel in all sorts of unconventional and accepted ways. More info please.
 
I’m sure the cockpit could handle the weight of 4 adults same goes for the bow probably better to put upfront for ride and economy I’ve seen them strap in to the stanchions on sportfish
 
Structually, 700lbs in a bladder is actually rather insignificant. The weight is spread out over a very large area.
 
Temporary...permanent...What’s the purpose? What is the benefit, etc. Sounds like you have a mission.

You can carry fuel in all sorts of unconventional and accepted ways. More info please.
I'd like to do a permanent set up if possible. I need an extra 100 gallons for my 2 favorite runs to Catalina Island and also Ensenada, Baja CA. I like to run the boat hard at 2300 RPM's so I can get there faster but find I'm too close to the reserve and just need more range for a safety cushion.
 
My thought would be bow located because of the ride. Second consideration would be in the bilge between the engines, but that could create different issues around access if needed during a run. Burning fuel from the bladder first would be the plan?
 
My thought would be bow located because of the ride. Second consideration would be in the bilge between the engines, but that could create different issues around access if needed during a run. Burning fuel from the bladder first would be the plan?
The problem with the bow is that there's already a RIB up there. I have a space under the guest room bed on the port side that may accommodate a tank there.
 
Fuel is in the engine room for a reason. If it burns you have time to get off the boat and your on board engine room fire suppressant system might put it out. If you want permanent, can a new tank fit in the engine room. You can get plastic fuel tanks custom made that are designed to be permanent. If you only have room for a 50 gallon tank can you fit in 2 tanks in different areas. you can tie it all into the existing tanks so there is no switching tank draw points.
 
I'd like to do a permanent set up if possible. I need an extra 100 gallons for my 2 favorite runs to Catalina Island and also Ensenada, Baja CA. I like to run the boat hard at 2300 RPM's so I can get there faster but find I'm too close to the reserve and just need more range for a safety cushion.
Are you trying to avoid buying fuel when you get there???
 
The problem with the bow is that there's already a RIB up there. I have a space under the guest room bed on the port side that may accommodate a tank there.

Roger that on the bow. The port side guest stateroom will create a weight differential, plus as someone else mentioned I would tend to want to keep fuel out of the cabin.
 
Just my opinion.

If you know what your cruising is, the trips you wantto to make. A particular boat model doesn’t have the range, wrong boat for you.

Fuel bladders are a tool in exceptional situations. Not a permanent use.

I think you need a different boat. One that has the range that fits your cruising parameters.

Just my thoughts.
 
I’m thinking permanent is tough. If it were me I’d be looking for a custom tank in the engine room. 100 gal though, that’s big.

For temporary Id look at a hard tank with pump perhaps below one of the deck seats. I think you could get 50 gal hidden there and lose very little utility. That gets you an hour.

If a bladder is used I would want it protected by a case or separate compartment anyway.
 
I need an extra 100 gallons for my 2 favorite runs to Catalina Island and also Ensenada, Baja CA. I like to run the boat hard at 2300 RPM's so I can get there faster but find I'm too close to the reserve and just need more range for a safety cushion.
Back down to 2,200rpm and you'll boost your reserve around 32gal on a 4hr run.
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