gas tank question
 

Stupid question most likely but ill ask it anyway..

Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon? I have the room... just have
never seen it.. most likely not, but just wanted to ask ..

thanks

gas tank question
 

Jason wrote:
Stupid question most likely but ill ask it anyway..

Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon? I have the room... just have
never seen it.. most likely not, but just wanted to ask ..

thanks



There are plastic 12 gallon tanks available..try boat/us or west marine
catalog or any large boating retail store. Just make sure you get the
right fitting on the tank end to match your Merc fuel line.

gas tank question
 

"Jason" wrote in message ...
Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon?

They're available, but be careful what you wish for.....

A near-full 12 gallon tank will weigh near 75-80 pounds -- possibly a little
problematic hefting around during refueling procedures. Just a thought....

JG

gas tank question
 

You can upgrade to a 12 gallon tank but it's going to be heavy to lift if
you ever move it or take it out of the boat. In my outboard days, I had two
6 gallon tanks. Served the same purpose as a 12 gallon tank and was easier
to handle.

"Jason" wrote in message
...
Stupid question most likely but ill ask it anyway..

Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon? I have the room... just
have
never seen it.. most likely not, but just wanted to ask ..

thanks

gas tank question
 

Will weigh 100 lbs. and u are supposed to fuel it outside the boat. Thats
alot to get back into a boat by yourself.


"John Gaquin" wrote in message
...

"Jason" wrote in message ...
Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is
there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon?

They're available, but be careful what you wish for.....

A near-full 12 gallon tank will weigh near 75-80 pounds -- possibly a
little
problematic hefting around during refueling procedures. Just a
thought....

JG

gas tank question
 

Will weigh 100 lbs. and u are supposed to fuel it outside the boat. Thats
alot to get back into a boat by yourself.


"John Gaquin" wrote in message
...

"Jason" wrote in message ...
Have a 35 hp merc outboard... currently with a 6 gallon gas can.. is
there
any reason why i cannot upgrade to a 12 gallon?

They're available, but be careful what you wish for.....

A near-full 12 gallon tank will weigh near 75-80 pounds -- possibly a
little
problematic hefting around during refueling procedures. Just a
thought....

JG











And why would you have to take it out of the boat for refueling?

Barry

gas tank question
 

"Wildest Dream" wrote in message
. net...
Will weigh 100 lbs. and u are supposed to fuel it outside the boat. Thats
alot to get back into a boat by yourself.


100 lbs is a little high unless you've got a real heavy old steel tank, but
the point is still that it is a heavy lift.

gas tank question
 

Portable tanks should always be removed from the boat to the dock for
refueling. This is standard recommended procedure to avoid fume settling
and/or accidental spillage within the craft. Perhaps a refresher boating
safety course is in order?

JG


"F330 GT" wrote in message

And why would you have to take it out of the boat for refueling?

Barry

gas tank question
 

Portable tanks should always be removed from the boat to the dock for
refueling.

Calling a 80-100 lb tank "portable" is a stretch. Buy a grey one instead of a
red one, use the hold down clips and it is an "installed" tank.

gas tank question
 

A near-full 12 gallon tank will weigh near 75-80 pounds -- possibly a
little problematic hefting around during refueling procedures. Just a
thought....

JG


"F330 GT" wrote in message
...
And why would you have to take it out of the boat for refueling?

Barry

You ARE kidding, right?

Rob
*
*
*

gas tank question
 

"Gfretwell" wrote in message

Calling a 80-100 lb tank "portable" is a stretch. Buy a grey one instead
of a
red one, use the hold down clips and it is an "installed" tank.

And, install a remote filler neck outside of the boat's cockpit area.
Otherwise, the only person you're fooling is yourself.

JG

gas tank question
 

A near-full 12 gallon tank will weigh near 75-80 pounds -- possibly a
little problematic hefting around during refueling procedures. Just a
thought....

JG


"F330 GT" wrote in message
...
And why would you have to take it out of the boat for refueling?

Barry

You ARE kidding, right?

Rob
*
*
*



Nope, not kidding at all. And I don't think I need any refresher boating
courses as JG suggested. But thanks for asking.

I've got a "red" auxiliary 18 gallon tank for my 13' Boston Whaler. It's made
to fit in the rear of the boat and spans the width of about 5'. If I took it
out and set it on the ground at a gas station to fill it, I'd never get it back
in the boat. Never heard of such nonsense.

Those "red" auxiliary tanks are made large enough to hold over 40 gallons.as I
recall. You gonna lift 350 lbs and put it in your boat? Not me.

Removing a portable tank may be a good idea and I would do it if practical, but
I can't say I've ever heard it was the law. I could be wrong.

Barry

gas tank question
 

And, install a remote filler neck outside of the boat's cockpit area.
Otherwise, the only person you're fooling is yourself.

Some of have boats that don't have a "cockpit". Even with that said there are
plenty of center console boats with tanks in the console

gas tank question
 

Those "red" auxiliary tanks are made large enough to hold over 40
gallons.as I
recall. You gonna lift 350 lbs and put it in your boat? Not me.

Removing a portable tank may be a good idea and I would do it if
practical, but
I can't say I've ever heard it was the law. I could be wrong.

Barry



Here is the text from the Code of Federal Regulations:

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR183.564]

[Page 782]

TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS

CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)

PART 183--BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents

Subpart J--Fuel Systems

Sec. 183.564 Fuel tank fill system.

(a) Each fuel fill opening must be located so that a gasoline
overflow of up to five gallons per minute for at least five seconds will
not enter the boat when the boat is in its static floating position.
(b) Each hose in the tank fill system must be secured to a pipe,
spud, or hose fitting by:
(1) A swaged sleeve;
(2) A sleeve and threaded insert; or
(3) Two adjacent metallic hose clamps that do not depend solely on
the spring tension of the clamps for compressive force.
(c) Each hose clamp in the tank fill system must be used with a hose
designed for clamps.
(d) Hose clamps used in the tank fill system must:
(1) Have a minimum nominal band width of at least one-half inch; and
(2) Be over the hose and the spud, pipe, or hose fitting.

[CGD 74-209, 42 FR 5950, Jan. 31, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR
55737, Dec. 15, 1983]

gas tank question
 

If I remember there is or use to be a special tank cap with a hose connection
that would allow you to connect 6 gal. tanks in series. Don't know if they are
still available.

Mike
*****************

gas tank question
 

Removing a portable tank may be a good idea and I would do it if
practical, but
I can't say I've ever heard it was the law. I could be wrong.


Sec. 183.564 Fuel tank fill system.

(a) Each fuel fill opening must be located so that a gasoline
overflow of up to five gallons per minute for at least five seconds will
not enter the boat when the boat is in its static floating position.
(b) Each hose in the tank fill system must be secured to a pipe,
spud, or hose fitting by:
(1) A swaged sleeve;
(2) A sleeve and threaded insert; or
(3) Two adjacent metallic hose clamps that do not depend solely on
the spring tension of the clamps for compressive force.
(c) Each hose clamp in the tank fill system must be used with a hose
designed for clamps.
(d) Hose clamps used in the tank fill system must:
(1) Have a minimum nominal band width of at least one-half inch; and
(2) Be over the hose and the spud, pipe, or hose fitting.

[CGD 74-209, 42 FR 5950, Jan. 31, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR
55737, Dec. 15, 1983]








Bill,

I stand corrected, partially.

Those rules are related to the installation and plumbing of onboard tanks. We
can both understand the necessity of strict regulations for boat builders.
Heck, I had a friend that pumped 40 gallons down a rod holder one time. I know
somebody else that put diesel fuel into their water tank. Regulators must do
whatever they can to make fuel systems idiot proof.

Following the letter of that law portable tanks would be illegal. It does imply
certain safety issues, but really doesn't address the filling on portable
tanks.

Can someone actually show a regulation that relates to portable fuel tanks?
Specifically, that they must be filled outside the boat.

Now if I could just get one of you guys to come help me put the damn gas tank
back into the boat.

Barry

gas tank question
 

"F330 GT" wrote in message

I've got a "red" auxiliary 18 gallon tank for my 13' Boston Whaler. It's
made
to fit in the rear of the boat and spans the width of about 5'.

We were talking about, and the thread is based upon, the notion of portable
fuel tanks.

If your tank is 5 feet long and weighs over 100 lbs full, it is not
portable. Clearly, it should be properly fastened down, and equipped with a
fill system that complies with CG regs (quoted in another post.).

Six and 12 gallon tanks of a fairly compacted size are readily available in
portable design, and intended for such use. Recommended safety practices
are unanimous (in my experience) in recommending that *portable* fuel tanks
be removed from the vessel for refilling on the dock, thus avoiding
potential spillage within the boat. That's what was being talked about, and
my point simply was that a 12 gallon tank, even though technically
*portable*, would be a fairly heavy slug at 75 pounds or so; a bit much to
be considered *portable* in a realistically practical sense. Hope this
clears it up.

JG

gas tank question
 

We were talking about, and the thread is based upon, the notion of portable
fuel tanks.

John,

I agree. And I said that if it's feasible it should be done. It was also
brought up that "red" tanks are considered portable and "grey'" tanks are for
"built in" use. Mine is a "red" tank that is built to be removed from the boat.
In fact I use it for both of my boats when going to the Bahamas. It's still
considered a portable tank.

And further, a 12 gallon tank full weighs 100lbs plus the weight of the tank.
Is that portable or not? If you want to remove it from your boat before filling
it, fine. Show me where the law requires it, please.

If you can't fill a portable gas tank without spilling it all over your boat,
maybe you shouldn't be boating.

Barry

gas tank question
 

"F330 GT" wrote in message

And further, a 12 gallon tank full weighs 100lbs plus the weight of the
tank.

A minor point, but that simply isn't true. Gasoline weighs a touch over 6
lbs/gal, + or - a couple of points depending on the temp. But it never
weighs 8.3 lbs/gal

Is that portable or not? If you want to remove it from your boat before
filling
it, fine. Show me where the law requires it, please.

I never did say that any law required such a practice, although there may
well be one somewhere. I might also point out that you ought not wait for
the government to tell you every move to make. What I did say, twice, was
that "...Recommended safety practices are unanimous (in my experience) in
recommending that *portable* fuel tanks be removed from the vessel for
refilling on the dock, thus avoiding potential spillage within the boat..."
Recommended safety practices come from a variety of organizations with
experience in such things, often make great sense, but do not carry the
force of law.

If you can't fill a portable gas tank without spilling it all over your
boat,
maybe you shouldn't be boating.

Spoken like a high school sophomore who thinks accidents can't happen to
him. No further response required.

JG

gas tank question
 

its not a law to have an anchor either but it is at least suggested I just
took the coast guard course last winter and aced the test 100% and I
remember it being mentioned in the class, it may have said recommended, but
if u want to risk pouring gas into your boat with or without a cabin is up
to you frankly my dear I thought the original reply poster said it was too
heavy and I agreed and still do, I also thought that gas has the same mass
as water and knowing water = 8.33lbs./gal. I thought it was the same I could
be wrong on that, that was a guess, I'm not that interested in the subject
that much anyway, just saying I wouldn't put my boat and my crew (family) in
that hazardous situation, I wish we had somebody hear from the CG, or the
Aux. GL hope this doesn't start a FIRE !
"F330 GT" wrote in message
...
We were talking about, and the thread is based upon, the notion of
portable
fuel tanks.

John,

I agree. And I said that if it's feasible it should be done. It was also
brought up that "red" tanks are considered portable and "grey'" tanks are
for
"built in" use. Mine is a "red" tank that is built to be removed from the
boat.
In fact I use it for both of my boats when going to the Bahamas. It's
still
considered a portable tank.

And further, a 12 gallon tank full weighs 100lbs plus the weight of the
tank.
Is that portable or not? If you want to remove it from your boat before
filling
it, fine. Show me where the law requires it, please.

If you can't fill a portable gas tank without spilling it all over your
boat,
maybe you shouldn't be boating.

Barry

gas tank question
 

Wildest Dreams wrote:

its not a law to have an anchor either but it is at least suggested I just
took the coast guard course last winter and aced the test 100% and I
remember it being mentioned in the class, it may have said recommended, but
if u want to risk pouring gas into your boat with or without a cabin is up
to you frankly my dear I thought the original reply poster said it was too
heavy and I agreed and still do, I also thought that gas has the same mass
as water and knowing water = 8.33lbs./gal. I thought it was the same I could
be wrong on that, that was a guess, I'm not that interested in the subject
that much anyway, just saying I wouldn't put my boat and my crew (family) in
that hazardous situation, I wish we had somebody hear from the CG, or the
Aux. GL hope this doesn't start a FIRE !
"F330 GT" wrote in message
...

We were talking about, and the thread is based upon, the notion of
portable
fuel tanks.

John,


I agree. And I said that if it's feasible it should be done.
Barry



From the US Coast Guard page on fire safety:

"(Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency
are considered permanently installed. There are no gallon capacity limits to
determine if a fuel tank is portable. If the weight of a fuel tank is such that
persons on board cannot move it, the Coast Guard considers it permanently
installed.) "

Apparently, by C.G. standards, my 18 gallon portable tank is actually
permanently installed. The original posters 12 gallon tank could also be
considered permenently installed if he can't lift it while full. Feel free to
fill it in your boat, if you'd like. Just use prudent care.

Kind of bizarre.

Barry

gas tank question
 

By the way, gasoline weights 6 lbs per gallon. This is why it floats on
water (which is 8 lbs per gallon). Both numbers are rounded slightly and
will vary depending on exact octane of fuel, altitude, temperateure, etc...

--
Tony
My boats and autos - http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"Wildest Dream" wrote in message
...
its not a law to have an anchor either but it is at least suggested I just
took the coast guard course last winter and aced the test 100% and I
remember it being mentioned in the class, it may have said recommended,
but
if u want to risk pouring gas into your boat with or without a cabin is up
to you frankly my dear I thought the original reply poster said it was too
heavy and I agreed and still do, I also thought that gas has the same mass
as water and knowing water = 8.33lbs./gal. I thought it was the same I
could
be wrong on that, that was a guess, I'm not that interested in the subject
that much anyway, just saying I wouldn't put my boat and my crew (family)
in
that hazardous situation, I wish we had somebody hear from the CG, or the
Aux. GL hope this doesn't start a FIRE !
"F330 GT" wrote in message
...
We were talking about, and the thread is based upon, the notion of
portable
fuel tanks.

John,

I agree. And I said that if it's feasible it should be done. It was also
brought up that "red" tanks are considered portable and "grey'" tanks
are
for
"built in" use. Mine is a "red" tank that is built to be removed from
the
boat.
In fact I use it for both of my boats when going to the Bahamas. It's
still
considered a portable tank.

And further, a 12 gallon tank full weighs 100lbs plus the weight of the
tank.
Is that portable or not? If you want to remove it from your boat before
filling
it, fine. Show me where the law requires it, please.

If you can't fill a portable gas tank without spilling it all over your
boat,
maybe you shouldn't be boating.

Barry

gas tank question
 

(b) Each hose in the tank fill system must be secured to a pipe,
spud, or hose fitting by:
(1) A swaged sleeve;
(2) A sleeve and threaded insert; or
(3) Two adjacent metallic hose clamps that do not depend solely on
the spring tension of the clamps for compressive force.
(c) Each hose clamp in the tank fill system must be used with a hose
designed for clamps.
(d) Hose clamps used in the tank fill system must:
(1) Have a minimum nominal band width of at least one-half inch; and
(2) Be over the hose and the spud, pipe, or hose fitting.


I find it interesting that, as soon as that fuel line gets under the outboard
cover, it can be an unlabelled hose, held on with a single tywrap ... brand new
from the factory.

gas tank question
 

"Wildest Dream" wrote

..... just saying I wouldn't put my boat and my crew (family) in
that hazardous situation, I wish we had somebody hear from the CG, or the
Aux.

I'm in the Auxiliary, WD. This business of fuel tanks gets thrashed about
regularly because some of the base definitions remain subjective. I can't
find anywhere where "portable" is defined for fuel tanks, and this is
understandable. Even a six-gallon tank is barely portable for some people.
Closest I've seen is commentary in Chapman's where they recommend the
removal of portable tanks for refueling off the vessel, but suggest that as
a practical matter, any tank 12 gallons or larger ought to be refueled in
place, regardless of its technical "portability." Hefting a 75 lb weight
around on a moving platform carries some risk, regardless of your physical
strength. (Weight of gasoline is about 6.1 lb/gal.)

This leaves a wide gray area, of course, because the CFR183 only stipulates
fuel fill system standards for permanently installed tanks. There are
standards for fuel lines and connectors for outboard systems, but no tank
fill system standards.

Personally, I'd rather have a few six-gallon tanks in a boat with an
outboard engine. Not only can the refueling be handled more easily, but you
can also move the tanks not in use forward to better trim the boat, rather
than having all the fuel weight in the stern.

JG

gas tank question
 

Personally, I'd rather have a few six-gallon tanks in a boat with an
outboard engine. Not only can the refueling be handled more easily, but you
can also move the tanks not in use forward to better trim the boat, rather
than having all the fuel weight in the stern.


Yup, why isolate the fire hazard in one spot, spread it around and let everyone
play the game. ;-)

gas tank question
 

"Gfretwell" wrote in message

Yup, why isolate the fire hazard in one spot, spread it around and let
everyone
play the game. ;-)

Gasoline only becomes worrisomely hazardous when someone is careless. And
talking of "isolating the fire hazard" on an 18 ft boat strikes me as
somewhat delusional. :-)

JG

gas tank question
 

Thanks JG, good idea for trim, Fret another good reason for inboard. don't
smoke with a portible tank, I know some people won't care about that one be
glad ur not addicted.


"Gfretwell" wrote in message
...
Personally, I'd rather have a few six-gallon tanks in a boat with an
outboard engine. Not only can the refueling be handled more easily, but
you
can also move the tanks not in use forward to better trim the boat,
rather
than having all the fuel weight in the stern.


Yup, why isolate the fire hazard in one spot, spread it around and let
everyone
play the game. ;-)

gas tank question
 

"John Gaquin" wrote in message ...
Portable tanks should always be removed from the boat to the dock for
refueling. This is standard recommended procedure to avoid fume settling
and/or accidental spillage within the craft. Perhaps a refresher boating
safety course is in order?

JG


Hmm, interesting. So, if you were to take the same tank, and put hold
down clips on it, then it would somehow magically not allow fumes to
settle, and would, again, somehow make the fuel unspillable? I've got
two 9 1/2 gallon tanks from Bass Pro Shops. Mine has a handle, they
sell the same one without the handle, and with hold down clips. The
ONLY difference.

gas tank question
 

While the experts recommend you fill any portable gas tank off of the boat,
so that the fumes will not settle in the bilge, in your case I think most
experts would recommend you keep yours in the boat while you fill them.
Don't worry about spilling a little over it won't make any difference. It
will evaporate quick enough.

You may want to start smoking so you can puff a cig while filling your
tanks.


"basskisser" wrote in message
om...
"John Gaquin" wrote in message
...
Portable tanks should always be removed from the boat to the dock for
refueling. This is standard recommended procedure to avoid fume
settling
and/or accidental spillage within the craft. Perhaps a refresher
boating
safety course is in order?

JG


Hmm, interesting. So, if you were to take the same tank, and put hold
down clips on it, then it would somehow magically not allow fumes to
settle, and would, again, somehow make the fuel unspillable? I've got
two 9 1/2 gallon tanks from Bass Pro Shops. Mine has a handle, they
sell the same one without the handle, and with hold down clips. The
ONLY difference.

gas tank question
 

"basskisser" wrote in message

Hmm, interesting. So, if you were to take the same tank, and put hold
down clips on it, then it would somehow magically not allow fumes to
settle, and would, again, somehow make the fuel unspillable?


Research has shown that sarcasm will neither prevent fuel spills, hasten
evaporation, nor alter reality. The recommended procedure for portable
tanks is to remove them for refueling. Chapman's advises that any tank over
6 gallons ought not be considered portable. If you permanently affix your
tanks to the boat, then they are considered permanently installed. If your
tanks are permanently installed, CFR183 stipulates standards of size and
assembly for your fuel filler system, including the fill port that is
located in such a location that an accidental spill cannot find its way back
into the boat.

So you see -- magic has nothing to do with it!


Regards,

John Gaquin
Brefnie Queen
1974 Luhrs 32
USCGAux

gas tank question
 

I don't believe this debate is still going on, hey JG, is it a law by the
way or is it recommended by the CG. I just wanted to know I have a fill on
the outside. Close my hatches when filling and run the blowers when done for
5 min. and sniff for fumes in the cabin and out the vent. My wife would hate
me if I blew our family up, don't think she would ever talk to me again, if
we live. Where are u stationed @?


"John Gaquin" wrote in message
...
"basskisser" wrote in message

Hmm, interesting. So, if you were to take the same tank, and put hold
down clips on it, then it would somehow magically not allow fumes to
settle, and would, again, somehow make the fuel unspillable?


Research has shown that sarcasm will neither prevent fuel spills, hasten
evaporation, nor alter reality. The recommended procedure for portable
tanks is to remove them for refueling. Chapman's advises that any tank
over
6 gallons ought not be considered portable. If you permanently affix your
tanks to the boat, then they are considered permanently installed. If
your
tanks are permanently installed, CFR183 stipulates standards of size and
assembly for your fuel filler system, including the fill port that is
located in such a location that an accidental spill cannot find its way
back
into the boat.

So you see -- magic has nothing to do with it!


Regards,

John Gaquin
Brefnie Queen
1974 Luhrs 32
USCGAux

gas tank question
 

"Wildest Dream" wrote in message
et...
I don't believe this debate is still going on, hey JG, is it a law by the
way or is it recommended by the CG.

Recommended by the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, the Power Squadron, the state
agencies/departments(DMV, MVD, Parks & Recreation, etc.) responsible for
safe boating courses and course requirements, and a few rec.boats folks.

Rob
*
*
*

gas tank question
 

It is recommended by everyone but Basslicker, and I recommend he continue
using the procedure he is using.


"Trainfan1" wrote in message
...

"Wildest Dream" wrote in message
et...
I don't believe this debate is still going on, hey JG, is it a law by
the
way or is it recommended by the CG.

Recommended by the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, the Power Squadron, the
state
agencies/departments(DMV, MVD, Parks & Recreation, etc.) responsible for
safe boating courses and course requirements, and a few rec.boats folks.

Rob
*
*
*

gas tank question
 

Actually a single 12 gallon tank mounted in the front of the boat would
provide better overall trim.
But then we still have the damn filling issue.

When I had the 4-Winns, I had a 6 gallon portable tank semi-permamounted
under the starbord rear seat. The main tank was under the port rear seat (18
gallons). The main tank had a normal approved filler system.

What I'd do is fill the dummy tank 1st (in the boat) and leave the seat
cover *off*. Then I'd fill the main tank. Then we'd tow the boat the rest of
the way to the launch and be off. The wind from towing would always dry any
overspill (minimal) under that right seat. None the less, I'd leave that
cushion off and not allow any smoking in the boat till we had gone the 6
miles to the "1st beach" just to be double sure. By then all the breeze had
more than dispersed or removed any fumes.

The real world often does not allow for perfect safety conditions. The next
best thing is to be aware of the hazzards and plan accordingly. Fill the
damn tank outside the boat if you can. If you can't, then use your head and
deal with the fume dispersal. LOL

-W


"John Gaquin" wrote in message news:pmPbb.14116
Personally, I'd rather have a few six-gallon tanks in a boat with an
outboard engine. Not only can the refueling be handled more easily, but
you
can also move the tanks not in use forward to better trim the boat, rather
than having all the fuel weight in the stern.

JG

gas tank question
 

"Wildest Dream" wrote in message news:sSedb.26070

I don't believe this debate is still going on, hey JG, is it a law by the
way or is it recommended by the CG.

Just recommended, afaik.

Where are u stationed @?

I'm not active duty CG. I'm Auxiliary. I'm stationed wherever my wife
tells me. :-)

JG