Was anything done to address the 21EC fuel sloshing?

[gonzo]

Andrew

Was anything ever done by Ranger to address the fuel sloshing issue in the 21EC?

The tank design needs to be addressed for anyone venturing long distance. The 18 gallon tank is really only effectivly a 9 gallon tank in anything but smooth water. Its tough on the nerves to watch the fuel gauge swing from 0 to full.

I want to buy a baffled tank per Shauns design in the photo archive but searching out a good source and the redesign effort will be exhausting.

Please help
Dave

 

[Andrew Custis]

Dave,

You can purchase a pickup tube that is a flexible unit that can replace the straight existing one. This will allow the tube to sit on the bottom of the tank towards the center. If you would like me to order one for you, please email me direct andrewcustis@rangertugs.com. Thank you.

 

[Shaun]

Dave, I did all the work on the design of my tank myself. My fiance is an engineer and did the drawings, her business partner is a master welder and constructed it for me and I did all the install. It wasn't tough at all and the performance is incredible! We leek tested it and powder coated it then lined the bottom surface with an adhesive rubber to save on chaffing. Its now a bottom fed tank and i bypassed the factory fuel fill opting for a top direct fill which makes it SOOO much easier to refuel. I posted the drawing for anyone to use. Simply find a laser cutting company to cut it out, pay a highly skilled welder to weld it up and install it yourself. One necessary addition should be a fuel water separator after the tank but before the engine (as aluminum tanks can sweat). I'm down in Dana Point and would be happy to show you mine anytime. The drawing doesn't show the two baffles or the pick up, return or fill. I reused the factory sending unit and vent. I have several hundred hours on mine without the slightest problem. If you are interested I will ask if they are interested in building another to save you the hassle.

 

[gonzo]

Shaun

Please do! If you have a source I would love to do this (without having to foot it around town) The factory's is very prompt but I am afraid their answer is a flexible pick up but still leaves the fuel sloshing about. Will send you a private message.

I posted an idea about a tiller on the other board. What you think??? Sitting in the cabin on a long trip gets tiring and loud.

Dave

 

[rt11002003]

Dave,

I've been down this road. The simple/inexpensive solution is to: (1) Remove the twist cap filler system; replace it with a flush mount filler cap sytem. (2) Disconnect and remove the tank vent fitting and vent line; replace the tank vent fitting with one that has a 90 degree bend; replace the tank vent line with one long enough to reach the starboard side of the boat. (3) Install an adjustable exterior vent fitting on the starboard side of the boat. (4) Connect the vent line to the new 90 degree tank fitting and to the new exterior vent fitting; route the vent line and adjust the new exterior vent fitting so that "pea traps" are avoided. (5) Block the old exterior vent fitting on the port side to keep water out.

This solution works for me. I haven't had the problem of the fuel gage needle swinging wildly. My problem was fuel spilling from the vent and the filler cap. However, I generally keep the tank at least 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Gene