Fueling a Kicker motor

[dcrahn]

I have a 20hp Yamaha motor I'm going to use as a Kicker motor in case of main engine failure. I didn't want it hanging off the back of my swim platform all the time. So i made a quick release bracket that only take a minute to mount and I also made a secure and lockable cradle for the outboard on the cockpit deck. What I'm working now is to get fuel to it. I want to tap in to the main tank and would like some input on the best way to do it. I want to put a fuel connection thru the hull on the outside of the transom that will feed directly from the tank using the factory line with squeeze bulb primer, will it draw fuel up and that far? Or should I tap in to the the line after my electric fuel pump on the main engine which would require turning on the ignition switch to operate? Input welcomed.

[bud37]

Have a look at the regs to see what they say ,if anything, about fuel feeds to auxiliary engines.......I dont think I would have it being fed by the engine pump with ignition on all the time though.

How far do you have to go, those engines will pull fuel quite a ways with the priming bulb in place.

[dcrahn]

Distance will be between 10 or 11ft.

[Midnightsun]

Do not go after the fuel pump, you do not want the feed line pressurized. A bulb and standard rubber line like those found with your standard outboard would work fine except I would make it up myself with the proper type fuel line that is presently used in the boat. Assuming you are tee'd off from a draw, I would substitute the T with a 3 way selector valve https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Fuel-Three-Way-Valve-Brass/dp/B000MTB7QA to be able to isolate. Do look into the regs to see what is permitted.

[dcrahn]

Thanks for the input guys. Selector valve is in the plans and parts have been purchased to make up the squeeze bulb line, all compatible with gas/alcohol mix. One thing I have been thinking about is upgrading to the 25hp model. It is EFI and has it's own built in high pressure fuel pump, so I'm thinking once it is primed with the squeeze bulb it should have no real problem drawing fuel from my 100 gallon tank. I'm going to give the Techs at Yamaha a call and see what they have to say.

[Keith S]

ABYC and USCG have lots of rules and regs you need to comply with when dealing with a gasoline fuel system. ABYC H24 is 31 pages of stuff. Just be sure you comply in case something goes wrong, you don't want your insurance company questioning your installation.