Equipment & Gear used on our CR Yachts 400DS sailboat
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Racor fuel filters

Our sailboat Mad Dog Voyager should soon be fitted with dual Racor 500MA2 fuel filters. We know what you're thinking "...but if you're a sailboat why do you need fuel filters?".

Actually, in our opinion, fuel filters are as important on a sailboat as a powerboat. A sailboat may tend to use less fuel, relying more on sailing of course, but as a result of this, the fuel may stay in the tank longer. Being in the tank longer allows more problems to come up: there can be increased condensation, increased algae growth and an increase of the amount of sludge collecting in the tank. When you are faced with inclement weather and the boat is being tossed around like a wine cork, sailing may not be an option. It is during these times that you are glad to be able to clean the "diesel milkshake" and deliver clean "polished" fuel to the Yanmar engine. Now you are really relying on the engine!

The Racor 500MA2 serves multiple purposes including acting as a water separator and particulate filter. Unless filtered out the particles could clog the diesel injectors or cause other more serious problems. This is usually avoided by a 2 micron fuel filter mounted on the engine, however it is much easier to access and clean the Racor fuel filters than removing and refitting the engine mounted fuel filter.

By choosing a dual set of Racors, we can easily and quickly switch from one filter to the other in case one becomes fouled. In order to meet with ABYC standards and many insurance requirements, These Racors have glass bowls and are fitted with stainless steel cups under the bowls. The all plastic versions are less expensive, but seeing as you only plan to install them once, why take a chance with something that could melt in case of a fire or overheating. The are, after all, usually mounted in or near the engine compartment.