Like many boats Dragon II was fitted with a standard fuel filter. And while perfectly accessible and functional it had several drawbacks, namely
– the bowl at the base was not clear making impossible to see the cleanliness of the fuel.
– draining fuel meant unscrewing a drain plug at the base with risk of crossed threads.
– the filter was removed from the base, meaning a messy process.
Whilst having a thorough engine service, done by Malin Marine at Marmaris Yacht Marina, Burak recommended changing it for a Separ Filter (model SMK 2000 5 50) which addressed all the shortcoming of the old filter. I was happy to go along with his suggestion and left him to complete the installation. I have been extremely please with it and the simplicity of filter changes.
The old filter had several disadvantages
The fact that the fuel tank, located in the aft cabin, is slightly below the engine and the secondary filter (red arrow) is below the Separ filter makes changing both filters every easy.
First closing the fuel cut off valve at the fuel tank prevents fuel flowing back to the tank. Removing the four bolts on top of the filter housing gives easy access the the filter basket inside which is simply lifted out and a new one inserted with minimal spillage. If the secondary is to be replaced that should now. Bleeding of the secondary filter is easily done by topping up the Separ filter with clean fuel and then bleed the secondary filter in the normal way. With gravity helping this is quick. Finally the Separ filter is again topped up with clean fuel and the top replaced and bolted down. Job done. Open fuel shut off valve and start the engine. I have found no further bleeding of the fuel supply was needed.
A Dragon's Tale 