Diesel siphon advice desired

[Second Star]

I use a 4 AA battery powered "fuel syphon pump" bought on line for about $40 The pump drops into the fuel can and a cap screws down just like for the spout of the can. The battery pack and switches are part of the cap assembly. The hose is about 3 ft long with a spout that can catch in the fuel port. It is very simple, fast and I have used it underway with safety. I tried a rattle syphon hose but the hose was permanently curled, the marble ball valve would not hold the column of fuel up between rattles and it was very slow due to the small height difference between the can and the spout outlet.
Once the fuel is drained out of it I store it wrapped in an oil absorbent cloth in a reusable shopping bag made of a vinyl material.

 

[nukey99]

I use a 4 AA battery powered "fuel syphon pump" bought on line for about $40 The pump drops into the fuel can and a cap screws down just like for the spout of the can. The battery pack and switches are part of the cap assembly. The hose is about 3 ft long with a spout that can catch in the fuel port. It is very simple, fast and I have used it underway with safety. I tried a rattle syphon hose but the hose was permanently curled, the marble ball valve would not hold the column of fuel up between rattles and it was very slow due to the small height difference between the can and the spout outlet.
Once the fuel is drained out of it I store it wrapped in an oil absorbent cloth in a reusable shopping bag made of a vinyl material.

Could you drop a link to the device, it sounds like a very slick solution. thanks

 

[Second Star]

On Amazon under

Battery Powered Fuel Transfer Pump/Portable Automatic Siphon Gas Pump​

I had an idea from Prairie Schooner's photo. Buy a spare fuel lift pump, the same as you use now and rig it as Schooner has. You have a working spare and the transfer rate would be pretty good too.

 

[AK67]

A good amount of the curl can be eliminated by pulling the hose through a tightly closed fist a few times in the direction opposite to the curl - heat from the friction will lessen the memory.

 

[Pete the Cat]

I use a 4 AA battery powered "fuel syphon pump" bought on line for about $40 The pump drops into the fuel can and a cap screws down just like for the spout of the can. The battery pack and switches are part of the cap assembly. The hose is about 3 ft long with a spout that can catch in the fuel port. It is very simple, fast and I have used it underway with safety. I tried a rattle syphon hose but the hose was permanently curled, the marble ball valve would not hold the column of fuel up between rattles and it was very slow due to the small height difference between the can and the spout outlet.
Once the fuel is drained out of it I store it wrapped in an oil absorbent cloth in a reusable shopping bag made of a vinyl material.

I have a couple of these. I think the last one was $20 on amazon. Work fine very little mess. I have used my for years without changing the batteries.

 

[N.A.]

Thanks folks!

Question for Christian:
--> The diesel jugs you use in 'Sailing Alone' seem to be flat-sided, unlike the usual ones or the Westmarine (Briggs-Stratton brand) that are narrower but still trapezoidal cross-section. Where did you get those? for stacking like you do at the shrouds, flat-sided looks a lot better, but I am not seeing them in the places I look.

PS: I just ordered a siphon. FWIW, links I found useful:

• "Rattle-siphon": the original, they claim: https://safetysiphon.net/ Amazon has them. Of course.
• Battery siphon: Deway Automatic Fuel Transfer Pump (search Amazon). I got the one that attaches to the fuel container, figuring it will prevent spills/water ingress to the container if filling in awkward conditions. It has flexible (non-permanent-bend) hoses on each side. There are a ton of no-name versions of this; Deway seems like the more established one.
• Device to prevent spills when using the fill hose at the pump: www.cleanwayfuelfill.com Apparently the USCG uses them -- look handy.

 

[Christian Williams]

A quick Google showed many flat-sided models, which is all I require: a flat side so they can rest against a deck rack, or a 2x4 lashed between stanchions. I think mine were from HD, although they are since vaporized.

A deck rack has benefit of keeping the side decks clear, which might not be an issue for coastal voyages or deliveries.

 

[nquigley]

I recently bought one of these (available at: Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, Amazon (duh))…

Scepter 5 gal. RV EPA Diesel Smartcontrol Military Style Can with Rear Handle​

I got it because it’s flat-sided and narrow, with two handles. You won’t want the overly clever safety nossle - just replace it with a yellow plastic Jerry can cap (Amazon) and use the rattle siphon for transfers.

 

[ky ed]

I don't know if this applies but they make larger diameter shake to syphon hoses.

 

[Jim Picerno]

One trick I've had success with using both a shaker hose, or just a straight hose is to insert the hose into the jerry can, apply some painters or duck tape around the hose, but leave a small hole. Blowing into the jerry can through the small hole will start the fuel flowing through the hose. Not exactly sure of the physics, but it does work.