FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

[Boilermaker]

I was told to repost here, I put it in the wrong spot I guess>>> <br /><br />I have to replace the old gas tank in my 18ft 1971 WestWind. The tank thats in there now is a steel "VEE" 18gal tank under the bow deck, mounted on top of the floor. I have found a replacment plastic 19 gal VEE tank, but was thinking of putting a larger tank under the floor instead. I could increase my fuel capacity & gain a little storage space where the old tank was.<br /><br />The boat is a modified vee hull with a deep bow section, so I'm pretty sure I could fit a tank in the forward part of the hull. I wanted to rip the flooring up this year and check the stringers, replace the deck wood, and add floatation foam(I don't think it has any). <br />HAS ANYONE done a job like this??? What would I need to do differant for below floor/deck mounting & plumbing?? The fill line now is in front of the windshield on the bow deck>>>so would I need to build something around the fill hose, or just protect it coming thru the deck???<br />ANY IDEAS HERE ??? ALL HELP IS WELCOME???<br />Thanks

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

Boiler, I'm going to be doing the same thing myself, Difference is that there is know built in tank know. I figured that since I had to replace the floor I would create some room in the stern by taking the portable tanks out and putting a permanent mount Moeller (sp?)tank in the floor. Check the web for marine fuel tanks. I don't know if iboats sells them but I found an 18 gal tank with mounting kit for $129.00 The hardware kit, ie. hose, vent, fuel fill. was an additional $47.00. I may even go up to a 25 gal tank if I have the room. Plus I get the extra buoyancy of the tank. My only question is placement. How far forward or back can it go. Gas @ 8lbs per gal thats 200lbs of weight total I need to think about in the middle of the boat. I don't want to affect the performance of the boat.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

I have heen hoping I can fit a 30 gal tank in boat below the deck flooring.>>I have seen plenty of tanks made for this by a few manufactures like TEMPO & RDS. I am also lucky enough to live in an area that has a few shops that specialize in marine metal fabrication>>>including fuel tank specialist that can make a tank of any size & shape. I don't know if they will be in my budget>>>but if all else fails I may go that route.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

Boiler I view your situation and mine as the same. I'm hoping to put in the 25 gal. tank. I've been looking at boats to get a feel for placement and it looks like they are all in the middle 1/3 of the boat. And I like you am concerned about space. Both the 18 gal and the 25 gal tanks are only about 8" high. I figure I will form out a area for the tank since I have the Floor out. I will be ordering the tank next month maybe we can exchange notes during the process.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

Don't fergit saddle tanks too...<br />They fit nice in the gunwales of a medium to bigger boat.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

Boy I'm bummed, Uncovered the boat last night and went in with the tape measure. Not enough room. Unless I put it way forward. I don't think I want that much weight forward all the time. Oh well! Plan B I'll put in some storage in the floor mabe even a tackle holder.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT

JG>>>sorry your plans are not panning out.<br />I don't know how much room I will have under the flooring. And it will be a while before I can find out.>>>I am recouping from a spinal fusion surgery to my lower back. I'm just making plans for when I can start work onthe boat.<br /> My original tank is mounted in the front of the boat, forward of the helm on a dual console. I'm thinking that up'ing from 18 to around 24-30 gals should be ok with balance if I keep it close to the original balance point.>>if I can't get the room, then I will check into saddles, or just replace the tank with a new plastic 19gal wedge in the original spot.