Fuel tank inside centre console
Submitted by jeda on Sat, 2014-09-06 17:05
I need some advice, Just bought a westerncraft whaler and the fuel tank (portable 30ltr) is in the centre console. The battery is at the stern close to the motor, just wondering if this is a good spot for it? Have alot of electrical wires in there (12V i think radio,stereo,sounder etc). Any advice would be great. Thinking of swapping the battery and fuel tank around( could fit 2 tanks or 1 big one down the back)
Thanks Jed
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"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"
Jason P
Posts: 521
Date Joined: 16/02/13
Preference would be to keep
Preference would be to keep the battery close to the motor to reduce voltage drop over extended battery cables.
DM306
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
Agreed. Keep the batteries
Agreed. Keep the batteries near the motor for less volt drop. The other thing to consider is batteries really hate vibration and pounding. At the transom near the motor will give them the smoothest ride and longest life.
barneyboy
Posts: 1392
Date Joined: 08/01/09
I moved my battery from stern
to under the console with no drop in volts on extra 3.5 metres of cable. As long as the joins are good/waterproof and the cable is decent size it shouldn,t be an issue
FEEEISH ONNN!!!
Goin_Fushin.
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 07/12/13
Fuel Tank
I had the same issue. I ended up putting the battery in the centre console to protect it a bit better and moved the fuel tank in front of the centre console under a seat. The main reason was it was a bitch to get in/out and refuel. I didnt like the idea of it venting fumes near the electrical equipment that was exposed at the time. All my electrics are now in waterproof boxes but now the fuel tank is gone I can store my safety equipment more centrally and securely.
jeda
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 26/08/12
w/proof boxes
Great idea, was there much stuffing around to wire in those boxes, its a tough job getting my head in my console as the esky/seat is close by. Wiring tests my patience at the best of times!!
"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"
jeda
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 26/08/12
w/proof boxes
Great idea, was there much stuffing around to wire in those boxes, its a tough job getting my head in my console as the esky/seat is close by. Wiring tests my patience at the best of times!!
"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"
Goin_Fushin.
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 07/12/13
w/proof boxes
It was hell. The previous owner had cut the wires short not giving me a lot to play with. I replaced quite a few cables because I did not want any joins. I used the biggest box i could get my hands on and used "gland nuts" that have an o ring to seal around where the wires go in and out of the box making it 100% watertight. My fuses are inline waterproof outside the box. One for each piece of equipment and clearly labeled. There is a snaplock bag with repacement fuses taped to the inside of the console. No searching if one is required.
jeda
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 26/08/12
ha ha
Ha ha "it was hell" thats how i feel about the thought of doing it! Thanks for the tips mate, it will be worth it when im done. Im thinking i will move the battery, cant see the voltage drop being to much over 3m. The old man recommends throwing in a trickle charge for the battery too, which can't hurt.
Thanks again
"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"
Goin_Fushin.
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 07/12/13
Fuel Tank
I had the same issue. I ended up putting the battery in the centre console to protect it a bit better and moved the fuel tank in front of the centre console under a seat. The main reason was it was a bitch to get in/out and refuel. I didnt like the idea of it venting fumes near the electrical equipment that was exposed at the time. All my electrics are now in waterproof boxes but now the fuel tank is gone I can store my safety equipment more centrally and securely.
straith
Posts: 422
Date Joined: 25/11/13
Batteries dont react well to
Batteries dont react well to vibration so usually best spot is at the stern.
jeda
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 26/08/12
Tank
Thanks fella's i think i'll leave it where it is then, just need to find a better position for the tank, dont have the luxury of putting in a seat upfront, only have a twin built in esky with the cushion top positioned behind the wheel. Not real keen on having the fuel in with fish and coldies.
. There is quite a bit of room near the battery that i might have to put some kind of divider through to seperate them? wll try and upload some photos when i get home and see you guys can help witha solution ( if ya dont mind). Thanks again Jed
"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"
jeda
Posts: 9
Date Joined: 26/08/12
Tank
Thanks fella's i think i'll leave it where it is then, just need to find a better position for the tank, dont have the luxury of putting in a seat upfront, only have a twin built in esky with the cushion top positioned behind the wheel. Not real keen on having the fuel in with fish and coldies.
. There is quite a bit of room near the battery that i might have to put some kind of divider through to seperate them? wll try and upload some photos when i get home and see you guys can help witha solution ( if ya dont mind). Thanks again Jed
"Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut"