Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Backup plan

Posted by Mtierney on 02/10/13 - 7:59 PM
#1

I almost had to uncover the Newport to siphon gas this morning. After the blizzard of 2013, I was running low on gas for my generator and none of the local gas stations had power either. After driving by countless closed stations, about to give up, I remembered I have a Moeller tank with 23 gallons of gas sitting in the way back yard on my Newport! I finally found a station about 30" away, and the Newport remains unmolested. But it was nice to know I had a back up plan.

By the way, i learned you can't siphon gas from knew cars. Apparently there is an anti-siphon valve at the end of the fill spout where it meets the tank. The siphon hose gets to that point, but only sucks fumes. I tried this last night.

Posted by Gamalot on 02/11/13 - 5:00 AM
#2

This is the exact reason why I keep one 12 gallon tank with the correct pre mix and the second one with no oil until I switch the hose to use it.

If you can get to the fill tube of your vehicle behind the fender metal there is a simple clamp holding the rubber tube to it. By removing the fill spout you can cut off or defeat the anti siphon gadget.

Posted by BillDemers on 02/11/13 - 6:25 PM
#3

Ha, I stole gas from my dauntless minutes later the front auger drive blew up. Come on spring!

Posted by Mtierney on 02/11/13 - 7:47 PM
#4

Still feeding the generator, just don't have the 220 hooked up, so the well doesn't work. Having to shower at the gym or at work. Kind of feels like overnighting on the boat, just without the fun!

Posted by BillDemers on 02/11/13 - 8:08 PM
#5

You didn't get arrested and thrown in jail for driving in the blizzard, did you?

Posted by Jay Fitz on 02/12/13 - 8:19 AM
#6

My house/family was without power from Friday night until Sunday night, which is good compared to my neighbors. Local damage is the worse I can remember, I was only 10 during the Blizzard of '78. I had a few tree limbs fall around my house, but that is nothing compared to the rest of the damage in the area. The amount of downed tress, limbs and power lines is unreal. Not as much flooding and tidal damage as some previous storms, but enough to cause some evacuations.

Still lots of folks without power, school is still closed and no idea when they will go back, and next week is Feb. vacation...so much for getting work done.

Mtierney, good thing you have a generator and the temps have turned a bit milder. Great idea to get the additional fuel if needed. Hang in there.

Hurry up Summer!!!!!!

Posted by Mtierney on 02/12/13 - 7:10 PM
#7

The power finally came on at 2am this morning! The shower was a treat.

Didn't get caught, so nothing illegal in terms of driving in the snow... Nor the jury-rigged generator hookup.

It does make you appreciate all that we have, not to mention making me yearn for the dog days of summer (and hurricane season)!

I think I will have a real generator relay installed before then.

Hope all weathered the storm safely.

Posted by awayland on 02/13/13 - 5:02 AM
#8

We didn't loose power for this storm but for past hurricanes I was able to siphon fuel from my 25 foot invader. I had about 60 gallons in it I disconnected the fuel line at the filter and ran an extra length of hose out of the bilge plug hole and attached a ball valve. The ball valve didn't let any air back in the line so I only had to start the siphon once. I drew fuel from this for 10 days for my generator 5 gallons at a time. I have set up my Whaler like this also works great for getting all the fuel out. My whaler sits in the garage with 10 to 20 gallons in it and is easy to get to.
Also I wired a plug to my well pump so I can plug it in directly to the generator. You must disconnect it from the rest of the house though. Being able to flush the toilet keep the fridge going and run a pellet stove is all we needed.

Stay safe out there and don't try to do any wiring unless you know what you are doing!!!