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Message board > Miscellaneous topics > Covering fuel tanks in outboard well

Message 8 of 8
Posted by member Clive ffitch on Monday 5 June 2017

* Temporary solution with a fire blanket cover until we box it in in some practical way - seems to work well so far, blends in, easy to access fuel priming bulb and tank vents etc. And fire repellent! Note that this is not the fire blanket taken from the box for emergency use though! Do use a separate one! Clive

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Message 7 of 8
Posted by member Clive ffitch on Friday 19 May 2017

Hi Marie and Kenny, Thanks for all the info and piccies and yes, I think your method is the best re the additional seat and boxing in. We use the table in the cockpit a lot so i would need to arrange stowage of seat and panels when the table is in use - which is not insurmountable! Kenny, you are so right about the Hardy FP layout being so versatile and able to take so many and varied improvements and mods to our personal tastes and designs. It really works well for us all. We shall ponder further. Pondering is good. I like pondering. Thanks again, Clive

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Message 6 of 8
Posted by member HOC Editor on Wednesday 17 May 2017

Thanks Kenny, That picture was taken before I cut a section out of the well lid, to enable my engine to be tilted without removing the cover. Works well also - so we are getting there with the odd little thing to improve life. Best, Marie

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Message 5 of 8
Posted by member Kenny Clark on Tuesday 16 May 2017

Marie, Seating looks great. I have same set up. I think this is what makes the Hardy boats unique. A well designed layout, forward cabin, sea toilet, galley and aft area. Still leaving room to make own improvements. I my opinion, no other boat compares when it comes to layout of a Hardy. Regards, Kenny

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Message 4 of 8
Posted by member HOC Editor on Monday 15 May 2017

* Hi Kenny I will try and drop this image in of the set up on my boat and the seating across the aft lockers in front of the engine well. Re my previous post on the 13th May. Ahoy to Capt. Jack !! Best, Marie

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Message 3 of 8
Posted by member Kenny Clark on Monday 15 May 2017

* Clive, Similar to Marie. Hardy Pilot. I can store four outboard tanks on deck, between rear lockers. Ideal for long distance sail. Plywood seat with seat pad over tanks, seat pads on top of lockers, make's it very comfortable and covers tanks. It can be used to stretch out and relax on sunny days. Attached photo does not show full seat, captain Jack in charge! hopefully you get the idea. Kenny

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Message 2 of 8
Posted by member HOC Editor on Saturday 13 May 2017

Hi Clive, I have a similar arrangement to you on my Pilot and without realising it, I made an alteration to the seating in my wheelhouse which provides cover for my fuel tank when it is very hot and sunny. I attached two wooden supports, one on the side of each of the rear lockers, then fashioned a nice piece of marine ply to fit into the space to the front of the well and resting on the battens which I varnished and had a matching cushion made to fit on top. This makes a really nice long bunk type seat in front of the engine well, and joins the cushions on top of the lockers. The engine well is then in shade and reasonably covered from the gaze of casual burglars as well. We've had a spate of petrol thefts at my marina. I usually remove my tank from my boat when I'm not using it. To make things comfortable, I placed bolster cushions on each of the locker seats, and one in the middle, pressed under the lip of the upper part of the well making a nice soft back support. I added a slatted timber section which fits in to the bottom of engine well, on which the tank sits, slightly raised, and has the prerequisite strap attachments (two either side) in theory to secure the tank, to keep the Boat Safety Examiner happy. I've found that the tank fits snugly in there anyway. The additional space beneath this slatted shelf is deep enough to house the hose of my manual bilge pump, the handle of which is attached to the outer side of the well. I will try and take a picture, as I'm not too sure this explanation is clear enough. However, I like the idea of the fire blankets.

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Message 1 of 8
Posted by member Clive ffitch on Friday 12 May 2017

Hi all, We have two large 30 litre Hulk fuel tanks on a rack in the outboard well of our Family Pilot, and have them cable locked to an eye bolt in the deck for security. We also cover them with an old light coloured towel to part cosmetically hide them, and to not leave them too much in the heat of any sun that may perchance adventure along... I've been thinking about a better arrangement for covering the outboard fuel tanks and thought for a cheap easy option, hey, why not just cover them with a white fire blanket (1 metre square) that is easily acquired. Gives a level of fire safety(ish!) with petrol tanks, not sealed in, reflects sunny heat, and at least roughly cosmetically matches the internal white hull sides. Anyone got any other better practical ideas? Thanks! Clive

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