Permanent Fuel tank in 1985 Bayliner w/ 85hp o/b?

[MAXXIE]

I did post in the restoration section on the forum, but wanted to also post here for more information. I have a 1985 Bayliner 17' with Force 85 hp o/b. I currently use portable 6 gal fuel tanks that I have to haul in & out of the boat all the time. While driving around last summer I saw the exact same boat as mine for sale in this guy's front yard. I just wanted to give it a look over & see what he was asking for the boat (my buddy is looking for the same boat as mine). Anyway, the only difference this boat had from mine was it had a permanent fuel tank somewhere, either under the deck or on the side. It also had a filler cap at the transom. Did this come from the factory like this or was it a modification done by the owner? I'm looking for as much information on this because I'm replacing the entire deck on my boat in the spring & would like to add this feature to mine. I hate having to lug those 6 gal. tanks around. Thanks for any information.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Permanent Fuel tank in 1985 Bayliner w/ 85hp o/b?

I'm guessing your hull is essentially the same as mine. The tank in mine is between the stringers, just aft of the rear bulkhead of the ski locker. It goes back into the area between the stern seats, ending 6 to 12" forward of the transom.

I think those portable tanks you have are a make-do solution the previous owner came up with after the built-in tank went bad. Only the smallest Capris had portables, AFAIK. I know that's the case for the '88 model year, although it might have been different in '85.