Fuel Tank Too Small?

[dmarkvid2]

I just up graded from a six cylinder (not sure what size) to an eight (5.7 350) Now I'm wondering if the fuel tank is now too small. It 31 Gallons. How much more would I be refueling in a full day of just crusing, and fishing. My boat is a fiberglass 20' cuddy cabin. Not sure of its weight. I'm thinking that it won't be that bad.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

Depends on how you run, how far offshore you need to go to fish.....I think you need a bigger tank for offshore, in the 60+ range......It may not be worth the work, if you don't go out too far & are not running full throttle......Make sure your guage is accurate.....IMHO....JK

 

[KaGee]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

Don't know where you boat, but I wouldn't go offshore very far in a 20' boat! IMO your fuel tank would be big enough for a day of fishing. <br /><br />The upside, you'll be burning fuel out quick enough so it will stay fresh.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

My 22' bowrider has a 43 gal. tank with a 5.7. I can run around all weekend on the one tank unless I'm pulling skiers or something. If your not running wide open you should be alright for a day on the lake.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

I used to burn 8 gal. per hour in the sweet spot (2800 rpm) on my 1999 20-foot open bow with the same motor. You have more weight, but I would still bet you could run 3 solid hours at a comfortable cruise speed.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

I usually run the Connecticut River, out onto Long Island Sound. I dont go very far off shore. Would getting a fuel flow meter help with fuel consumption?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

I'm with DD, 8-10 gallons per hour is all you can expect....30 gallons is too small for any real offshore....Don't forget to factor in unexpected weather conditions....Again,mho.....JK

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

I never used a fuel flow meter, but every motor has a sweet spot. The rest is wind/weather conditions, prop condition, hull condition, and the driver at the helm.<br /><br />Above 4200 rpm and all bets are off. The gas guage dropping like a rock will be your flow indicator then!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Fuel Tank Too Small?

Mark, If you are just cruising around (not going offshore) then your tank should easily last a day. You might even get a weekend out of it. My 19' bowrider 4.3LX will go through 15 gallons in a day if I try hard(no skiing). If you want to waterski or pull tubes all day, you may use up most of the gas in your tank.