Fuel tank switch

[Malcolm]

On my 2001 28te I can't see how to switch from forward fuel to aft fuel tank? Is it the switch from the panel that is used to see the levels in each tank? I have the auto fuel pump which I'm guessing is to pump fwd to aft but I can't find any ball valves. Thoughts?

[RobS]

Two fuel tanks on a 28TE ?

[DougSea]

I'm assuming he's got the auxilary tank under the helm. It was an option that I know a few folks here have.

Malcolm, is there a separate deck fill for the second tank? If not then they're plumbed together as one big tank.

If they are truly separate, it shouldn't be very hard to trace the lines. There would be two, one feed, and one return, and either two valves or some kind of double (feed and return) valve.

[Malcolm]

They are two separate fuel fills. I haven't been able to access the boat as I'm away at the moment. It should be reasonable to trace for sure. I just wondered if any one had experience with the dual tank boats. I'll have to trace it when I'm back.

[Robb]

I also have the dual tanks. On my 1996 the forward tank is transferred back to the main rear tank is needed by an electric transfer pump. My transfer pump is mounted on the bulkhead just above the holding tank seacock's.

There should be a switch at the helm to transfer fuel. Our was labeled something like "Nav. Equipment" by Ablin until we relabelled. I typically run the main tank down to about 1/4 and then transfer the 60 gal aft.

Hope this helps.

[Malcolm]

I do have a transfer pump as well. The fuel lines do appear to have a coupling inline with wires running to them. Now I have to follow the wires and see where they go.

[DougSea]

If you can post any pictures Malcolm that would be great. Just to satisfy my curiosity.

[TimQ]

I have the extra tank and am thinking about removing it. I don't need the extra range and carrying the added weight doesn't seem such a good idea if not needed.
It also covers the area that would be best for locating a depth transducer.
Then I could relocate the battery from under the quarter berth to a more accessible location as well. And I could remove the transfer pump and hose. Just seems like a lot of extra gear I don't need.

If anyone thinks I'm off target I'd appreciate comments. It's our first season with the boat so I'm just getting acquainted.

[Jack]

Your reasoning is sound but the one big benefit of the auxiliary tank is that you worry less about the inaccurate fuel gauge we all have. My previous boat had an extra tank and it came in handy when I let the fuel level run too low.