BB marine
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Messages
- 2,905
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-21
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Mainship 34 Pilot
- Vessel Name
- PORT-A-GEE
I am not disagreeing with the reasons why Diesel fuel can present an issue for fueling a tank. It does foam, I wasn't aware of the dye, but may contribute, the large fuel nozzles or high speed nozzles require extra attention.( My C26 deck fill will not except the large nozzles,I have to carry the VW adapter and run the nozzle very slow.) The crushed fuel line installed by Cutwater contributed to my fueling issues and the hose routing installed by Cutwater also contributed to fuel filling issues. These issues have been well documented by many Tug and Cut owners. I would image Fluid Motion has looked at these very easily fixed issues and put it in their PDI to make sure all fuel Line routing is done properly. For the many owners that are experiencing issues we are on our own. We continually come up with solutions like- Stop fueling when it starts foaming out, fill very slow, fill and stop ,fill and stop burp the tank, use devises made for boats with poor designed fuel fill systems. The issue can't be fixed unless a new tank venting design is installed. Having the vent and fuel fill installed on the tank 2" apart adds to this issue. Having the fuel fill and vent installed in the far aft starboard corner of the tank, same side that the fuel fill is adds to the issue. Having a boat that at normal rest has a attitude of water line stern lower then bow adds to the problem. The more common tank install for a belly tank is to locate the vent and fill apart. Another solution is to have the tank fill and vent located in the middle of the tank or if the boat is a Stern low attitude the fuel vent would be installed in a forward section of the tank. All of these installs present issues for access. The biggest issues is cost of engineering and installation of the tanks connections. The ABYC has a requirement -a. Accessible - Capable of being reached for inspection, removal or maintenance without removal of permanent boat structure. Installing a fuel tank designed to have all the fuel pick-ups, sending unit ,vent and fill all located in the same location makes installation very easy and fulfills the ABYC requirements. It just makes the owner of the vessel, Fuel dock attendant sometimes frustrated and the environment possibly compromised. Is Ranger the only boat that has this issue? No! The feed back I have received from Fuel dock attendants at many fuel docks. Diesel powered boats give them the least amount of grief. They deal with it more with smaller gas powered boats. Most fuel dock attendants agree fueling isn't an issue with diesels ,most diesel powered boats fuel up and take on board hundreds of gallons of fuel.( I usually bring this up at every fuel up. " I'll fuel it up it takes a long time and I don't want to take your time' if you have absorbent towels can you get a few for me") The fuel attendant at REEF POINT MARINA " If we had to do this with all the diesel powered boats here we would never get them off the dock".
What is the solution ? Deal with it, be prepared with absorbent towels, try new suggestions post on TugNuts, don't fill your tank all the way, fill your tank until it foams over and then fill an additional portable tank and add to the tank later if you need the fuel range. This issue doesn't stop us from using the boat, most of us know it is an issue and work thru it. The disappointing issue is making excuses of what diesel fuel causes when fueling. If it doesn't work properly why not come up with a solution to fix it. Hopefully Fluid Motion did with their new builds. The first Rangers came out in 2007 or 08 I belief they had issues in fueling then ( I am assuming from comments posted on TugNuts) We have a 2016 the issue is still there. Hopefully the newer models do not. I have been told that Fluid Motion is improving their build. The amenities that Fluid Motion installs in their boats is awesome. I believe their hull design is awesome. I like all of the unique designs and uses of space that are utilized in the Fluid Motion design. This is my opinion- We are all entitled to our opinion. I would like to see them put as much emphasis in the mechanicals as the do with the Hull design and amenities.
What is the solution ? Deal with it, be prepared with absorbent towels, try new suggestions post on TugNuts, don't fill your tank all the way, fill your tank until it foams over and then fill an additional portable tank and add to the tank later if you need the fuel range. This issue doesn't stop us from using the boat, most of us know it is an issue and work thru it. The disappointing issue is making excuses of what diesel fuel causes when fueling. If it doesn't work properly why not come up with a solution to fix it. Hopefully Fluid Motion did with their new builds. The first Rangers came out in 2007 or 08 I belief they had issues in fueling then ( I am assuming from comments posted on TugNuts) We have a 2016 the issue is still there. Hopefully the newer models do not. I have been told that Fluid Motion is improving their build. The amenities that Fluid Motion installs in their boats is awesome. I believe their hull design is awesome. I like all of the unique designs and uses of space that are utilized in the Fluid Motion design. This is my opinion- We are all entitled to our opinion. I would like to see them put as much emphasis in the mechanicals as the do with the Hull design and amenities.
