I recently acquired a 16' aluminum boat. When I bought it, the tanks were just floating around under the back deck and I didn't like the battery position. I secured the 2 tanks with one large web strap around both of them and moved the batteries as well. The gas tanks can still slide somewhat but not very far. My back deck has a lid that closes and still has a couple of inch gap across the length of the lid. I also have my batteries mounted in this location. I mounted the tanks so that I can get to the batteries easily and can get to the fill nozzle on the tanks when opening the back lid. The gas tank connections are reachable though the front access slot between the 2 seats. (Difficult to explain but the point is that there is free air flow through this part of the boat.)
My plan was to fill the tanks without removing them from the boat either while the boat is on the trailer or at the marina on the water. I am now somewhat concerned about static electricity when filling the tanks. The way I have the tanks mounted, I would have to remove the batteries to get the tanks out which would be a real pain. If I move the tanks so I can take them out to fill, it will make the tanks right next to the on-board battery charger. (That is another reason I moved the tanks) It would also make the batteries next to impossible to get to.) The previous owner said that when they bought the boat new, it was supposed to have a 10-12 gallon on-board tank but this boat does not have a fill nozzle for that. My guess is it was supposed to have just one of those larger "topside" tanks that are mounted permanently but still have a screw off cap. If that is the case, by me having the tanks strapped down fairly well, wouldn't this be about the same? Do you see any problems with static with my configuration?
This isn't the best photo but there is about a 2 inch gap between the lid and splash well. There is also an open vertical slot in the front of the seat pedestal that is about 4 inches high. Basically, my batteries are set just under the lid opening going across the boat and the gas tanks are behind them (towards the front - just under the seat pedistal) and sit lengthwise with the gas fills accessible when the door is open.
Thanks for the help.
My plan was to fill the tanks without removing them from the boat either while the boat is on the trailer or at the marina on the water. I am now somewhat concerned about static electricity when filling the tanks. The way I have the tanks mounted, I would have to remove the batteries to get the tanks out which would be a real pain. If I move the tanks so I can take them out to fill, it will make the tanks right next to the on-board battery charger. (That is another reason I moved the tanks) It would also make the batteries next to impossible to get to.) The previous owner said that when they bought the boat new, it was supposed to have a 10-12 gallon on-board tank but this boat does not have a fill nozzle for that. My guess is it was supposed to have just one of those larger "topside" tanks that are mounted permanently but still have a screw off cap. If that is the case, by me having the tanks strapped down fairly well, wouldn't this be about the same? Do you see any problems with static with my configuration?
This isn't the best photo but there is about a 2 inch gap between the lid and splash well. There is also an open vertical slot in the front of the seat pedestal that is about 4 inches high. Basically, my batteries are set just under the lid opening going across the boat and the gas tanks are behind them (towards the front - just under the seat pedistal) and sit lengthwise with the gas fills accessible when the door is open.
Thanks for the help.
