OB cockpit remote controls -- Oh and gas tanks too.

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:57 am

Curious how others have handled this....

I have the OEM chrysler remote controls that have worked well but are tired and worn and really no longer work with my new Suzuki 4-stroke.

So as I am ready for an upgrade, I thought I would see what otheres have done for their remote controls. I see some on the very aft wall of the cockpit, some in recessed style boxes , my OEM is placed on the starboard side in a pretty goos location actually, I will also be adding a tachometer and maybe a engine head temp guage...

Also,

what are you using for a gas tank...? I used ot carry a 6-gal metal chrysler tank but is got awfully rusty and heavy... now I switched to a 3-gallon plastic tank it is light but I am worried it is not enough capacisty and that the plastic might get punctured with a disaster ensuing...

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:10 am

I use a 6 gal generic Attwood plastic tank. To remove it, you have to twist it around a bit to get it thru the rear lazarette. But I rarely do that.

EE already had holes cut on the starboard cockpit side for remotes, so I placed mine in the same place. Gets in the way some, but I also find I like standing up at the tiller and using my right foot to adjust speed and gear.

amayotte · Post by **amayotte** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:25 am

I built a bracket to hold my controls and a battery and put everything within the port locker.
It's never in the way and I simply open the locker, start the engine, and use the controls when docking or on calm days.

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:37 am

I am thinking of taking the very aft end of the "coffin" builing a false wall ( firewall) to make a locker for a larger gas tank and maybe also a water tank.... this does however put a helluve alot of weight all at the stern ( including the awfully heavy 4-stroke and captain!.....

I see people put a tank unde rhte v-berth to help balance oout the boat but that runs gas lines through the boat and you get the joy of sleeping on top of 15 or so gallons of gas!

I already think I have to move my battery below to balance out weight of the 4-stroke

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:35 am

A word of caution about these gas tanks and where you put them.
They ARE NOT SAFE to be stored inside the hull without proper ventalation!!!! Do not just stuff your red fuel tank in your lazerette or under a birth!!!!! JUST DON"T DO IT!

I would be sick to my stomach to read about a fireball on the water.

PLEASE DON"T DO IT unless the storage locker was built specifically to store the fuel there and has proper ventalation!!!!

Gas fumes can and WILL flow like liquid. Forget to close that vent on the cap or maybe have a lid not closed or even worse maybe a not properly sealed hose connection and you will make a bomb of your boat!!!!!!

Look at the factory fuel locker on a C22! Look at the sloping floor of the locker! Look at the huge holes or vents in the stern! Along with any water the FUEL vapors flow out the stern of your boat.

Remember that ski boat you rode in long before you learned to sail? remember the BLOWER you were supposed to run for several minutes before starting the motor??? I know of someone who did not run that blower and had an extremly tiny vent leaking on the carb. Literally blew people into the water with severe burns. I feel they were lucky. GAS IS DANGEROUS if stored improperly.

OK, sorry, I'm off my soap box.

Scott
But seriously PLEASE think long and hard about where you store your gasoline.

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:04 am

Capn' Scott...

Well said. I am not very pleased with the c-26 fuel storage ( I am used to running a OB ONLy with the tank sitting out in the open cockpit.... however, I found that most people that run into problems is when the "decide" to be safe and travel with a spare tank of 5 gallons aboard and that reserve tank tends to be stored improperly.

I would like to vent that locker a lot more than just the scuppers...also, I think that locker is not sealed to the "coffin" quarters below which is a concern. Maybe I should retvisit my diesal saildrive conversion...when all is said and done the fuel, the weighty 4-stroke, i might be better off w/ the weight of the diesel down low and forward

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 4:00 am

Venting is one reason I use the rear lazarette (in front of the outboard transom mount). Plenty of open air to the downwind side of the tank. But then again 6 gallons of gas is more than plenty for me, might not be enough in open waters.

Had a funny thing happen in that area (Capt Scott will laugh at me on this one, he knows better I bet)- I was keeping a fire extinguisher in the port locker so it would be close at hand in case of a fire caused by that tank. Makes sense right ? Had it pointed out to me (officially) that if that tank goes up big time I wouldn't be able to get to that handy extinguisher due to the big hot flames curling all around it.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:01 am

Nah, I wouldn't laugh!
I'd be impressed you HAD a fire extinguisher!

Scott

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:16 am

Got TWO !

Nobody down here will buy my argument that the boat is less than 26' (25'10" officially)

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:53 am

Awesome!
We keep one on each end of Destiny!

I'd hate to have to pass through the fire to get to a fire extinguisher!
Yes we have one amidships too but that is the very normal place to have one.

Good job on the saftey stuff.

Hey, Maybe I should start a safety thread and just periodically post saftey tips. Not so much as to become a preacher but more as a reminder to all of us.

Scott

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:07 am

Scott,
I like that idea.
Please do.