Maintenance: Extending our cruising range

The Jenny G's fuel supply comes from twin 18 gallon tanks beneath the splash well. Though the C-Dory site claims that a 22 Cruiser with a Honda 75 should get about 5.25 mpg at its most efficient cruising speed, I've measured more like 4.75 in our real-world cruising.

So, with a 10% reserve, how do I get my range above 150+ miles? Options are:

• Upgrade to the current twin 23 gallon tanks that come on a new C-Dory. Cost: I don't want to know.
• Purchase a fancy fuel bladder. Cost: Between $500 and $600 for 20'ish gallon models from Imtra, Turtle-Pac, or others.
• Purchase very low-tech 5 gallon utility cans. Cost: $17 per 5 gallon can from Blitz or dozens of other manufacturers.

Right now, I'm leading toward the low-tech option because, for about sixty bucks, I can put one between and two in front of the permanent tanks. If the two in front of the tanks are in the way when empty, the 10" width means I can put them on their sides in the splashwell.

Plus, there's the decidedly low tech benefit that I don't have to be at a fuel dock to refuel these bad boys. I'm not above beaching the boat and walking to the nearest gas station and I couldn't do that with a 200 pound "baggie" full of gasoline!

Got an opinion? Post a comment; I'd love to hear from you.