gas tank question

[gahunter706]

I am putting a new gas tank in my 1860 sea ark and I have a few questions about it. I want to use a 22 gallon moeller "below deck" tank, but I want to run it in the rear bilge area, which isn't covered on this boat. Will I run into any problems with this, being that the tank is meant to be in a compartment? Also, would it be safe to put a vent straight onto the fitting on the tank, or should I run it to the side of the boat? The fitting should sit about even with the top of the rear deck, so I don't think the fumes would get trapped in the bilge, but I just want to get yall's opinion on it.

this is about the best picture I have right now of the where I want to put the tank

 

[gahunter706]

here is the link to the tank that I want to use

 

[robert graham]

Maybe provide some type of cover to protect polyethylene from UV damage....a rubber floor/door mat could work. On my Xpress 1870 I run a 12 gallon red Moeller portable tank....with 2-6 gallon jerry cans as needed in the back....but my bilge area runs the full width of boat. Your idea of a 22 gallon main tank seems like a good idea to me....maybe set it up on some wood blocks a bit and strap it down with bungees or straps to hold it in place....Guess you'll have to study on best way to run the vent....

 

[smokeonthewater]

I think you'll find that 200 lbs of ballast against the transom is a bad thing....

An installed tank MUST vent outside the boat.... many bass boats vent it in the splash well.... you probably need to build a splash well as I think with a full tank you will have plenty of water coming over the transom at times.

 

[robert graham]

I think you'll find that 200 lbs of ballast against the transom is a bad thing....

An installed tank MUST vent outside the boat.... many bass boats vent it in the splash well.... you probably need to build a splash well as I think with a full tank you will have plenty of water coming over the transom at times.

These wide flat-bottomed jons don't draw much water at the transom....my motor is 268lbs. and with 24 gallons in my tanks mine draws about 5 inches back there....I doubt the weight will be a problem....

 

[gahunter706]

I think you'll find that 200 lbs of ballast against the transom is a bad thing....

An installed tank MUST vent outside the boat.... many bass boats vent it in the splash well.... you probably need to build a splash well as I think with a full tank you will have plenty of water coming over the transom at times.

I thought about putting a tank in the console, but I was planning on putting 2 batteries there. I would have to put the batteries at the transom if I did a center console tank, and they weigh about the same as a tank of fuel, so I wouldn't really achieve anything. Although, as robert said, I don't think the weight will be an issue. I took the out after buying it and we had 3 big guys sitting on the back bench, and we were drafting maybe 5-6". Most of the times, I probably won't even have more than 12 gal in the tank, but I like having a large tank for long days on the water when I do lots of riding. And thanks for the advice on the vent, I think my best option will be to vent the tank to the outside of the hull.

 

[robert graham]

Plenty of gas is very good!....helps a lot with that queasy "hope I got enough gas to get back" feeling!.....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Batts in the console would help... Guess it ought to work... Maybe just a rear deck... Cover the bench and extend to the transom.... Vent and fill for your tank near transom in deck... Common setup in bass boats.

 

[gahunter706]

Batts in the console would help... Guess it ought to work... Maybe just a rear deck... Cover the bench and extend to the transom.... Vent and fill for your tank near transom in deck... Common setup in bass boats.

Yeah I like the idea having a full rear deck. I might try to do some sort of hinged lid for the bilge area, because I still need easy access to fill the oil tank. And then run the fill hose to the gunwale.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Go to your local bass pro shop and look at production aluminum bass boats... A large access door is the norm although normally the tank would be slid forward where you currently have flotation foam under your existing bench seat.

 

[gahunter706]

Go to your local bass pro shop and look at production aluminum bass boats... A large access door is the norm although normally the tank would be slid forward where you currently have flotation foam under your existing bench seat.

No local bass pro, but I know what you are talking about. I have a 17' G3 that is setup that way.

I went ahead and ordered the tank. Whats your thoughts on the way I have it hooked up in this picture? I know it doesn't look the best, but as far as functionality, I think it will work fine.

 

[smokeonthewater]

looking at the fittings on the tank, I would turn it around 180*... then elevate the deck enough to be above the fill/vent except for the area just in front of the motor... I would build a small splashwell such that the fill/vent were in the front wall of it... that way any fuel spilled at the gas station and any fumes would drain safely out of the boat.