Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I have separate tanks. I think it would be nice if the tanks were connected and could be equalized for one reason or another. (Had to run on one motor for a while one day. :( )

1) Is there a good reason for not having them connected? (I suspect there is.)

2) If they are connected, how should it be done? Pump? Valve in line?

Thanks.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

Well I am no expert, but I do own a cat. In my boat to equalize the tanks I would have to have a pump on them. Other than running the pump there would be no way to do this, as they sit inside each sponson. Knowing how bad boat gauges are there would be no way to know how much oneside has versus the other. Well no easy way.... Just my thoughts.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I have talked to several cat owners about this and we are all suprised no manufacturer has done it. Seem there would have to be a self priming reversible pump or a pump on each tank. My next boat will definately have this option.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

Depending on how the tanks are mounted, it would be cool as hell to have some sort of scale under each tank so you can easily balance the boat. Obviously this wouldnt work with foamed in tanks, but there's got to be a way to do something like that.......or has it already been done somewhere?

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I believe Cord has used some sort of off the shelf valving with electric pumps at each tank to do exactly what you are talking about. Ask him about it.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

Actually, a fuel line between the two with a valve would work as long as the boat was on a level surface. Even in the water sitting still, it should work, but I would be worried about it if the boat were moving. If all of the fuel went to one side, it would be a BAD thing. :cool:

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I keep extra fuel line to be able to run both engines from either fuel pump that can be connected to either tank.

I haven't needed them yet, but a friend lost a fuel pump 100 miles from the ramp and my lines got him back home on two engines.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

ttt
:cool:

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

mine aren't connected i can't think of a reason why i would need them to be? i do like the idea of carrying a section of hose and tee fitting just in case one pump goes south... beats limping back one motor..

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

My old cat had a pump and solenoids to transfer fuel as needed. The guages are only semi-accurate and repeatable, but I would never be far from a fuel stop at less than 1/4 tank(s)

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

That was always a concern for me when i first got my cat, but my fix was every now and then to fill both tanks...then they are equal..and hope the engines draw pretty close to the same... i know it's not what you all are talking about ... but it works for me

Don

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I believe the reason they are not together is by CG requirments there can be no fitting on the lower part of marine fuel tanks. If you have efi you could have some 3 way valves that would pump the unused fuel into the other tank.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I wish I could "every now and then fill both tanks"...sounds better than my usual fill them at least once per boating day :eek:

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

Hey license to thrill, are you the one and only Catmando that I used to talk to YEARS ago on this website?

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I'm doing well! I think our first thread had to do with the then new Duramax diesel. You thought I should sell my new Dodge to get one. I have since put 95K on the Dodge (and sold it) and now have a Powerstroke with 32K on it. My how time fly's.

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

You need to pull that Carlson up to Texoma this year. I will take you for a ride in the 31 Warlock cat (new since last we talked). Did a lot of work over the winter unsure what she will run but certainly Fast!

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

In our old race boat (V-hull) we had two tanks front and back. We used pumps to move fuel from one to the other. Worked very well but a little slow.

Jon

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

I am thinking about bringing the boat to Dallas at some point this summer. Evertte, you got the guts to ride? :cool:

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

In my Nordic, I have 3 tanks, (2) 45 gal on each side, and a 90 belly tank. I have (2) imco fuel solnoid valves that transfer the fuel draw from either both side tanks, or the belly tank. Controlled by a switch on the helm.
Here's a pic on one of the valves.
Dean

Re: Questions for Catamaran Owners
 

In case anyone is still interested, I spoke with Spectre and they said there is no reason not to connect them as long as gas cannot flow between tanks while running. :cool: