what size belly tank should I add?

[silveraire]

well, my boats at the shop, and I have too much time on my hands. I am planing to do some glass and deck work to resolve a bilge issue on my boat, and I am thinking about adding a belly tank to my boat while its half torn up. The boat in question is a 1973 19ft fibercraft duel console, and I would like to be able to have a good day on the bay w/o having to jump back in for fuel. It has a 1980 140hp v4 johnson on it. I know I'm limited by the width of the tank, but all things concidered, how large of a tank should I be thinking about installing. right now I have 24 gallon total capacity using two tanks. One sits on deck and is in the way. It would also be nice to transfer some weight in the direction of the bow. Any opinions would be great.

ty
chad

 

[silveraire]

Re: what size belly tank should I add?

hmm.... no belly tank?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: what size belly tank should I add?

Are you looking to eliminate the other two tanks or just add a third tank to the system? I'd say fit in the largest tank you can fit while still being able to use all of the fuel. It's pointless to shove a 40gal tank in there if it takes you several weeks to go through it all. I wouldn't go too far towards the bow, but midship might not be bad placement. Make sure the fuel pickup is placed towards the back of the boat since that's where all of the fuel will likely run.

 

[silveraire]

Re: what size belly tank should I add?

looking to eliminate the other two tanks and go down to one under the deck. I was thinking the larger the better. It doesn't hurt to only fill her up half way, but it does suck to have to come in mid day fishing to refuel.

chad