Permanent fuel tank

[MAXXIE]

I'm planning on replacing the deck in my 1985 17' Bayliner w/85hp O/B in the spring. I came across the exact same boat for sale last summer, only difference was this boat had a permanent fuel tank in it & had a filler cap in the transom. As long as I'm replacing the deck, why not install a permanent fuel tank as well? I hate to lug around the two 6 gal. tanks all the time & thought it would be great to have this. Does anyone have information on this fuel tank? Capacity, shape, size, placement? Did some come from the factory with this option, or is it a modification done by one of it's owners? I did ask several questions to the guy that was selling it from his front yard, but he said it was his son's boat & didn't know anything about it except the price. I really didn't pursue it because it's almost the exact same boat as mine. The reason I stopped in the first place was my buddy want's a boat just like mine (only he has less money to spend than me). Any help on doing this mod to my boat? I think it would be a nice thing to have.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

As long as the tank is vented correctly and the weight is matched, you should be able to use any tank you want. I would minimize the holes made in the transom. Potential rot issue. Maybe route the filler cap through the cap somewhere instead. My $.02.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Moeller carries all different size, shape tanks. Built in tanks don't have drains so if your fuel gets old or contaminated, it can be a problem to siphon/drain/pump out old gas. That's the advantage of portable, above deck tanks....something to think about?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Does anyone have information on this fuel tank? Capacity, shape, size, placement?

Ayuh,... Once you get yer boat torn apart,...
Measure the space you have available, 'n proceed to find a tank that'll fit your application...

 

[NYBo]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Here's my response to your post in the Bayliner section:

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.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

NYBo, I'm pretty sure mine does not have a tank under the deck right now due to the fact that there's no filler cap. Where is your filler cap located? Through the transom?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

You can't just install a tank under the deck USCG legally without the venting, that requires air inlet on one side of the hull and exhaust on the other with 4 inch air hose connecting to the tank compartment. The air scoops should face aft on one side, forward on the other to ensure positive airflow.
It very likely requires deck removal to install, ditto for fuel fill hose under the gunnel, its a beach of a job even with the deck off.
You'd be far better off putting a permanent poly tank under the splashwell , look at how Mark42 did his.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286524

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Thanks jonesg, that looks like the exact thing I'd like to do. I don't have time to read thru that thread right now, but I like what i saw when I just blew thru it. I just hate humping those 6 gal tanks & the smell of fuel all the time. I wish I could afford an I/O right now, soon enough. I just figured if the deck is being ripped out why not do the permanent tank. jonesg, thanks for the reference thread, I think it will help me with what I want to accomplish here.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Instead of replying to your PM, I'll answer here.

The fuel filler in my boat is on the port side lip of the splashwell, about 6" forward of the transom. The vent is on the transom, a bit to port of the splashwell. I'd post a picture of my setup, but it's raining/snowing at the moment. If you don't have similar openings, your boat never had a built-in tank.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Thanks NYBo, I'm just trying to figure out if I should even bother, I'd really like the perm tank. I guess everything will depend on what I find when I start removing the damaged deck area's. I think all this friggin snow & single digit temp's are getting to me, damn I wish I had a garage to keep the boat in.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Yeah, NEPA has even worse weather at this time of year than where I am.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Just thinking about it, but couldn't I buy a factory replacement fuel system from Bayliner? With filler neck, vent hose, & tank. If some boats did in fact come from the factory with them I should be able to get one, right? Or is it way too old? I'll have to look around

 

[Bondo]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Just thinking about it, but couldn't I buy a factory replacement fuel system from Bayliner? With filler neck, vent hose, & tank. If some boats did in fact come from the factory with them I should be able to get one, right? Or is it way too old? I'll have to look around

Ayuh,... It's 30 Years old...

The odds of help from bilgeliner are Slim to None....

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Permanent fuel tank

Ya, I know it's an old timer, but I'll give it a shot anyway. Anyone know if there's a company the still supports these older boats? Or what about boat salvage yards, does anyone know of an online salvage dealer?