Fuel Cap

[rick&sue]

I have an older R25. While fueling it a few days ago, the fuel nozzle broke the chain holding the fuel cap and the cap went Kerplop! into the harbor. After a cold swim in northern Lake Michigan I found the cap 😱 . I had never read about this potential issue so I did a search - in 2009 there was a discussion about this issue - I just wanted to remind any newer owners to consider a spare cap, or replace the bead chain with a cable or welded chain. Halfway through a month long cruise is not when you want to be without a fuel cap!

 

[Two killicks]

This is a good idea! two of mine don't have the chains anymore...

 

[tlkenyon]

The thread is a standard 1 1/2-inch NPT pipe thread. I just got a galvanized pipe plug fitting for about $2 as a standby. You could also use PVC, but not long-term. I disconnected the bead chain because it was in the way.

TK

 

[LADY JANE]

I never thought of a "Spare" fuel cap. A lot of us probably haven't. Great heads-up post after "Learning the hard way". A good place to store a spare fuel cap would be in the "Spare Parts Box" along with a spare drain-plug, spare filters, pulley-belt, impeller kit, hose-clamps, etc. We made a spare parts box out of an empty "Tidy Cat" plastic container by cutting the top off at a slight scooper angle. There's plenty of room in this container for emergency spare parts for the boat. We cover the spare parts box up with an oversized plastic bag for cleanliness and just in case of an emergency. All the contents in the spare parts box can then be quickly dumped into the plastic bag & sorted out in a timely manner. The empty spare parts box can be used as an emergency bailing bucket, etc., with an easy scooping/pouring spout and handle on the side. It all stows in the starboard trans. locker corner, where a spare fuel cap belongs.
- Bill