Hi there: the fuel issue again. My vessel is a 2009 model R21-EC and this has been a recurring problem for me. The secret is not to fill the tank unless going on a long cruise; leave it around half, instead of topping it up to the full 68 litres. Once the swell and waves pick up you will always get this problem. If you have the Moeller brand fuel tank, it is worth checking to see if they have finally installed baffles to minimise the effect of transverse surge, resultant from rolling in rough seas. Not sure if there have been modifications done over the years since 2009, but I suspect not. It is all about the tank design - installed lengthwise across the stern, without anything to prevent surge effect. To be fair to Ranger Tugs, there is no other option for location of the fuel tank. I too have the hose laid across the top of the tank to a return inlet on the port side. I have also tried supporting the hose with HDPE blocks, to no avail. My fuel filler point is on the stbd side - the fuel cap is also vented internally through the underside of the cap. Basically, it is the physics of the design: without internal tank baffles built into the tank construction, you will always get transverse surge, resulting in fuel being forced up the filler pipe and out through the internal cap vent. There is nothing wrong with the quality of the Moeller tank - it is just the absence of internal baffles: I cannot believe their engineering and design people have not stumbled onto this issue. I have written to Moeller Marine Products in the US, recommending they consider a design change for future models, but to date have received no response. Not sure if anyone is home! Anyone who has been to sea for a living can see the problem and the solution. Regards to all.
