Fuel Tank Placement

[RedRangerVIP]

On my 1987 VIP 17' Bowrider, the fuel tank is in the rear port side next to the motor. I was planning on moving it forward , but the farthest I can get it forward without a big hassle is about 5'. This would put it under the seat just in front of the sundeck(engine cover).<br /> Do you guys think this will help me at all as far as getting the boat more balanced? Or am I wasting my time moving it.<br /> Thanks for any input.<br /><br />Larry

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

I'd think that 5' would move the balance forward a fair amount. Is the tank embedded in the floor? How many gallons? Can't you move it to the center of the boat?

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

The tank is a aluminum unit. Looks to be about 12 Gal tank.<br /> I only have about 6" clearance under the deck that I can tell(that's the depth of the ski locker). I would have to put the tank in that area.<br /> I thought I'd put a Moeller poly 13 Gal under the sundeck seat.<br /> What do ya think?

 

[G DANE]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

Before you start this work, its important you are sure its needed. Does the boat have handling problems or does it just sit low at transom in rest ? If it gets bow heavy, your boat will porpoise more. Are you sure its too light in front ?

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

G Dane, <br /> I never thought about that issue. I know the boat sits low in the water in the rear. I haven't had it out yet to know if it is bow light or not.<br /> Just figured it would help to plan out faster.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

Funny enough the issue about weight distribution is one of the things I am working with on my project boat. If your boat is ready and seaworthy, you can save a lot of work by a few experiments. Try to run it with empty tank, from a portable you can move forward. Do a test run with two persons in boat apart from yourselves. How does boat handle when they both sit in front - middle or in back seat ? Try WOT as well as hole shot, cruising speed. Does handling and speed improve ?? Remember the best topend is gained when as little as possible of boats surface is in the water. However a boat that sits too low at transom will be difficult to control during hole shot, till planing speed is reached. Some boats needs set back for motor to put weight far enough back. A little trial and error will give you a hint of best weight distribution. Remember when changing boat attitude by trim you only force boat out of its natural attitude, loosing a little power by it.

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Fuel Tank Placement

Thanks Dane,<br /> I will give it a try. But now I got another problem water in the outdrive! Just great.