Fuel tank to engine hose routing

[todhunter]

I'm doing a full gut/cut restoration of a 1987 Power Play XLT-185 and can see the light at the end of the tunnel for being able to put the cap back on. Before I lay down a new deck, I'm looking for input on fuel hose routing. This boat has an aluminum fuel tank in the bow with an anti-siphon valve on the top and has a Mercruiser 350 with Alpha One stern drive.

My question is: Is there anything preventing me from running the fuel hose from the tank to the engine under the gunwale? I've ready through the 33 CFR Sections 183.501 - 183.590 twice now and can't see anything specifically addressing routing of the fuel hose.

The original fuel hose was run under the deck and was not accessible or replaceable unless the deck was pulled up - the run of hose under the deck was foamed in place. This seems contrary to CFR 183.554, so I'd like to do something different. The easiest solution I see is to run the hose under the gunwale in the same path the wiring and steering cables go.

Appreciate any input. I figured I'd post in here since I didn't get much feedback in the resto forum.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the only issue I would see would be the additional head you would have to overcome with the fuel pump vs running below deck. so to get fuel to the motor initially may really be difficult.

some people simply run a 2 or 3" diameter length of PVC under the deck to run hoses, wiring and cables thru.

some people run hoses and cables under a cover at the bottom of the gunwale

 

[todhunter]

the only issue I would see would be the additional head you would have to overcome with the fuel pump vs running below deck. so to get fuel to the motor initially may really be difficult.

some people simply run a 2 or 3" diameter length of PVC under the deck to run hoses, wiring and cables thru.

some people run hoses and cables under a cover at the bottom of the gunwale

Thanks for the input. I thought about running PVC under the deck, but what about making turns - are there fittings and elbows with gentle enough curves and no step in them that would allow me to get a 3/8" ID fuel hose through?

I had also thought about PB'ing a piece of PVC against the hull just above the deck and running the hose through there, like the red line in the picture.

 

[Scott Danforth]

long sweep elbows, or you can simply run a chase wire or an electrical fish tape.

 

[alldodge]

Use electrical conduit, they have long sweep 90 and 45

 

[alldodge]

Might want to read thru the USCG Regs (US only)

If fuel tank is more then 12 feet from motor, and shut off valve must be installed at the fuel inlet
https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/ABYC.1002.01.pdf

 

[todhunter]

Might want to read thru the USCG Regs (US only)

If fuel tank is more then 12 feet from motor, and shut off valve must be installed at the fuel inlet
https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/ABYC.1002.01.pdf

Yep, I've read the regs. I'm under the 12 ft. It's right around 10 ft.

 

[todhunter]

Use electrical conduit, they have long sweep 90 and 45

long sweep elbows, or you can simply run a chase wire or an electrical fish tape.

Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered all my fuel hoses last night, and I'm going to go look at PVC conduit with long sweeps at HD tomorrow. It's cheap enough I'll just buy some and mess around with it to see how I would put it in under the floor.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Make your own custom sweeps with fewer connectors by using a propane torch or heat gun to heat the corlon enough to bend it. Try a piece out before. The torch will discolor the surface if you get the flame close on the plastic, but doesn't hurt the strength. Take your time heating and it won't even do that.

 

[todhunter]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I ended up going with 1" PVC conduit as yall recommended.

 

[QBhoy]

Nothing I can add to this...other than admiration, if that first picture is the actual boat you are referring to. What is she ? Looks lovely

 

[Rick Stephens]

Nothing I can add to this...other than admiration, if that first picture is the actual boat you are referring to. What is she ? Looks lovely

I was thinking the same thing. Not your average plastic barge.

 

[todhunter]

Nothing I can add to this...other than admiration, if that first picture is the actual boat you are referring to. What is she ? Looks lovely

I was thinking the same thing. Not your average plastic barge.

Thanks guys...not sure how I missed the replies. Yes, that's my project (first boat with an engine) - 1987 Power Play XLT-185. It's got a Mercruiser 260hp V8 and Alpha One Gen 1. My full gut/cut thread is here with lots of pictures along the way.