December 22, 2003 - Tanks (fuel cell & ADI) Installation
The ADI tank and fuel cell are installed in the boat. The ADI tank will hold a 50/50 mix of Water and Alcohol that is injected into the engine to help prevent detonation at high power settings. This tank happens to be the original tank from the boat, installed in 1965. Jeff Campbell of the Miss Budweiser crew welded up all the leaks in the tank. Dixon built a very nice cradle for the tank, which is held in with bleed bands from a Lycoming T-55 gas turbine engine. The filler spout will be extended up to a deck-flush filler.
In lieu of aluminum fuel tanks, we have decided to use a fuel cell. Originally the boat had aluminum tanks, which leaked and are heavy. All current unlimiteds are using fuel cells. These are much simpler, lighter, and do not leak. The cell (and ADI tank) are abeam the cockpit, which will help keep the CG back a little. The box for the fuel cell was made by Larry Hanson from nomex honeycomb and E-glass skins. The cell was "squeezed in." Special foam was then put into the cell. This is a very coarse open cell foam that helps to prevent fuel slosh.
After the cell and ADI tank were in place, the final battens were installed, thus trapping the tank and cell in permanently.
Read MoreIn lieu of aluminum fuel tanks, we have decided to use a fuel cell. Originally the boat had aluminum tanks, which leaked and are heavy. All current unlimiteds are using fuel cells. These are much simpler, lighter, and do not leak. The cell (and ADI tank) are abeam the cockpit, which will help keep the CG back a little. The box for the fuel cell was made by Larry Hanson from nomex honeycomb and E-glass skins. The cell was "squeezed in." Special foam was then put into the cell. This is a very coarse open cell foam that helps to prevent fuel slosh.
After the cell and ADI tank were in place, the final battens were installed, thus trapping the tank and cell in permanently.
