Securing bow gas tank

[jfkkesler]

I am thinking about installing a 23 gallon gas tank in the bow of my 18' runabout ('78 Reinell), but I am not quite sure about how to secure it. I don't want to glass it in because there is a varnished out tank in the rear, glassed into the floor. I dont want to replace that, too big of a job for me, but I am sick of having a 6 gallon portable tank as my main tank. I want this tank to be removable, so anything permanently attached to the tank is out. Any ideas? I am thinking about some kind of strap system. Not quite sure what to do....

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

If it's going to be a removable tank, your only option is to use straps, whether you use nylon straps and anchors or aluminum straps is up to you. Anything that will secure the tank and allow it to be removed when needed will work.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

....because there is a varnished out tank in the rear, glassed into the floor.....

What exactly does this mean?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

His main tank below deck is unusable due to old solidified fuel i guess? If that were the case I would get it cleaned out, if removing isn't an option at least you could rinse it to get the worst out then keep a couple filters handy and give it a try.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

I don't want to glass it in because there is a varnished out tank in the rear, glassed into the floor.

Ayuh,.. Reinell put the tank in the aft area of the boat for a Reason,....

If you put 23gal.s in the Bow,...
The boat will no longer Plane properly with all that weight foreward....

Rehabbing, or Replacing the original tank, in it's original position is the Right way to Go...

 

[jfkkesler]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

The previous owner said he made an attempt at cleaning out the tank. He said after he cleaned it, he hooked up a filter, took it out to the lake and the motor died in minutes. He gave me the filter with a few extra filters though, so I could try it again. You guys have any known working techniques for de-varnishing? I have read everything from certain products, to putting gravel in there for an abrasive (!). Ideally I would love to get the original tank working. Has anybody had any success? I gave up after doing some research, deciding that replacing it was over my head, and that cleaning it out wasn't easy either. The guy said gas was left in there for about a year, completely unused and un-treated. As far as the planing issue, I did the calculations, and a 23 gallon tank would weigh about the same as a full size man in the front of the boat (when its full, which isn't the whole trip). Being that I rarely have more than three people in the boat (including me), I didn't see it as being a problem. Unless i did my math wrong. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

I would just replace the old tank with a new one. The cost will be about the same as the new 23 gallon v bow tank, and it won't be taking up bow space.

If you don't know where to get a replacement tank, or can't find one, check out these folks, they got me what I thought didn't exist for my project.

oceanlinkinc.com

Spend some time browsing and you should be able to find something with a close or exact fit.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

With no photos to tell (), couldn't you cut off the top of the old tank, using a non-sparking means, and drop in a new tank in the new hole?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

As far as the planing issue, I did the calculations, and a 23 gallon tank would weigh about the same as a full size man in the front of the boat (when its full, which isn't the whole trip). Being that I rarely have more than three people in the boat (including me), I didn't see it as being a problem. Unless i did my math wrong.

Ayuh,...

It's all about the Placement of the Weight....

How often do you have somebody sitting at the peak of the Bow,.... Never probably....
That's awhole lot different than that weight sitting in a Seat....At mid-boat...

 

[mthieme]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

The tank should have areas near the bottom to accept clamps. These clamps are nothing more than some dog-leg shaped aluminum pieces of metal that grip the recessed area and screw down to the floor or whatever is down there.
Straps would be another option if the tank does not have this feature.

 

[jfkkesler]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

Just in case anybody is still reading this, I ended up replacing the original tank. It was a heck of a job, but we made it!

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Securing bow gas tank

Good to hear it worked out.

That's what you really wanted to do anyway, huh?