Fuel Tank Resource(s)?

[frustratedboater]

Think this is the right section... Looking to replace my boats' internal fuel tank with a little smaller. Have a 19' Wahoo!, The dimensions for the area in the floor are: : 45"-L x 37"-W x 11"-H. I would like to replace with a plast. tank and currently had an aluminum 52gal. Like to save a little $$ and weight and move into the 25-30's.. I don't need a huge tank and drive to Europe! I tried Amazon, as they list some Moeller's.. but that perfect size was not there..

 

[alldodge]

Only weight savings between 52 and 25 gal tank is the amount of gas in the tank. The actual weight of the tank will not be that different.

Most belly tanks have sort of a V bottom, not rectangular more trapezoid

Your tank will be custom. I would suggest contacting Florida Marine and Tank in NC for a quote.
Moeller will also make a custom tank

Would also suggest replacing tank with a 52 or at least 40 gal. No one has ever said I wish my boat had a smaller tank that I'm aware of.

 

[Scott Danforth]

plenty of plastic tank manufactures that make products that will fit

I agree with AD, its best to have the biggest tank that will fit for when you need it. having owned many different types of boats, I would never go with a smaller tank.

 

[tpenfield]

I save $$$ and weight by not filling up the tank

 

[kcassells]

Amazon may not have listed all Moellers tanks. Here's a link.
http://www.moellermarine.com/wp-con...ist-Cover-Page-and-Complete-List-01-22-20.pdf

 

[frustratedboater]

Thank you all, much to consider. After thinking, I do agree on the larger tank conversation and the weight argument! Com'on, I was trying every excuse not to spend the extra 150..

The problem with the stock tanks- the 30-50 gal's, is that I need the max deck height (11.5") and the top of the hardware to fit. The OAL seems to be an issue, but never the width. Found some nice ones for 48.5" BUT, I also need all my stuff right up front, so future access to the sender/vent/fill is all right there.

I'll have to contact RDS & Moeller for a quote, really trying to save $$ (tight budget).

 

[Scott Danforth]

tight budgets and boating are a dichotomy. its like government intelligence....... it isnt going to happen.

maybe contact some of the boat salvage yards for a good aluminum tank to replace yours

 

[frustratedboater]

Yeah, I know! I did see one a while back on FB, but think the size was a little off, but hey, you never know..

 

[JASinIL2006]

If the only think you're concern about is weight savings, can't you just put/keep less gas in the tank? You won't gain that much space by using a smaller tank, and it's lot of work/expense for something that can be accomplished by just not filling the tank fully.

 

[frustratedboater]

Yeah, I do agree.. I also think for the kind of boat it is, a 25 gallon isn't too bad to consider. Not really concerned about the weight as I mentions earlier. Just found a used 25-tank, and looks to be in decent shape and might consider that. Exterior looks fairly clean. If I did go take a trip to see it, any creatine ways to put pressure in it to test? My plans are to list the boat for sale... My sights are on a Mako 25.

 

[alldodge]

Have to find someone will but ever thing of having your tank fixed?

Pull tank, flush several times with water.
Weld and patch the tank and reinstall

 

[76SeaRay]

I tried cleaning my old tank (1976) and with the baffles, I just couldn't get it really clean plus the sending unit had dissolved into sludge in the tank.. It smelled like rotten gas and I hate that smell. I also had some corrosion started in the area of a few seams... I went with a new tank.. Give you an idea of the cost, mine was $850 for a 60 gallon belly tank. I went with Speedy Tanks (otherwise known as Atlantic Coastal Welding) in New Jersey.. If you go to their website, they have a quote form that has pictures of different style tanks and the dimensions they need.. I got a comparison quote out of Bellingham, WA since I live south of Seattle and it was just a little higher than Speedy. I got mine fast and with high quality workmanship including fittings, hanger straps, and epoxy painted from them. Oh, it is an aluminum tank.

 

[frustratedboater]

Awesome, I have a couple resources on tanks. Considering the plst tanks and saw a used one that looks to be in great shape. Have to lay eyes on it though. Thanks

 

[frustratedboater]

AllDodge: I can wait to post the many pics that I have (not sure exactly how I'll do it, but might link a slide show), but can't seem to post any. I heard from some here that putting a torch to a used tank is not advisable. Think with all fuel out and dry, it should be fine. However, mine is all salt scored and torn up.. It's done!

 

[Scott Danforth]

nobody can post pics right now unless you link to an outside source (anything but facetube)

patching a fuel tank is easy.
however if yours is completely toast, get a new one.

I had a 17 foot boat with a 20 gallon tank and a 140hp motor. we had to carry 2 5-gallon jugs with us because there was not enough fuel. you may want to re-consider a 25 gallon tank vs the 52 gallon you currently have. i wouldnt go less than 40 gallons myself.

 

[76SeaRay]

I had an 18 foot with an inboard 18 gallon tank and I carried two extra 5 gallon cans myself. It was a 65hp Merc Outboard. If I went on vacation to a lake for a week, I was always having to fill her up and the extra cans too. It's all about your fuel burn rate for whatever engine you have and the amount of time you spend in cruise or, without a trolling motor, idling along. I would vote for sticking with your 52 gallon. My boat is a 5.7L and 60gal might be a bit small for the amount of cruising I plan.

 

[frustratedboater]

Yeah, I have a 25 gal tank that I picked up. I plan on turning the boat over. 25gal is a lot to burn with a efi 150. I agree, I'd go with the bigger tank if I was keeping it, but 25 will have to do. Anyway, I should be installing and finishing everything up soon. Spending many hours on it.. I'm sure you know how that is..