Fuel Tank Strategy on 26'
We currently draw and return to one tank at a time. Previously we used both tanks simultanously - based on the advice of our very knowledgable diesel mechanic. On two occassions, we drew air when the boat had been operating with a list due to sea conditions and the tanks were less than half full and became imbalanced. Luckily, the engine didn't stall until we were at headway speed heading back to the dock...at cruising speed, there had been enough fuel to feed both port and starboard pickup tubes.
The silver lining is that I have gotten very good at priming the fuel system! Just to eliminate other possible causes, we have changed all of the Aeroquip hoses and installed a new Racor water separator - part of the comprehensive renewal of the boat that we have in progress. Curious to see how others deal with this issue...
Wonderful Life (nee Sheldrake) was purchased from the estate of the prior owner, so we did not have the benefit of transferring his many years of knowledge running the boat. In speaking with the PO's wife, she told me that they took the boat as far as NYC and downeast Maine from their homeport of Falmouth, MA. I hope to get the boat back to both places when my life gets simpler. The also regularly transited Woods Hole Passage at night - not something I aspire to do anytime soon!
What is exactly the best way to go when filling up your vehicle's fuel tank? Nobody still has developed a straight solution. How full you should fill your tank is the argument that individuals encounter each day still. A few only fill it midway, others top off, while others let it run dry. Regardless of what method you choose, unless you want a payday cash advance to fix your damages, I suggest learning about the flaws with each approach. Your vehicle's gasoline tank includes a filter that is required to make fumes, and if you top off you can flood it and have to replace it. If you let your motor run entirely dry you could fry your whole motor, but letting it run very low may also clear out the gunk that settles on the bottom of your gas tank over time. Lastly half fuel will really only save you a couple of gallons of gas in the whole entire year, but may keep you safe from damages.