Fuel Tank Options
Hey guys, had a quick search but couldn't really find the info I was after. I'm looking at replacing the dodgy fuel tank that came with my 5m plate ally runabout. Its a portable steel unit with a breather that leaks fuel and no guage, I'm sick of the fumes so its gotta go. A quick rough check on the measurements tell me it's around about 46L capacity, (but if it's filled it leaks every time the boat rocks), somehow I always thought it held more.
The best option I guess is an underfloor tank, so I pulled up the carpet at the back of the boat looking for an inspection hole or something but it seems to be solid ally, no way of telling what's underneath. Is this normal or should there be a removable patch somewhere? Underfloor tank would free up much needed deck space for fishing. Any ideas on rough cost (impossible to tell for sure until you get started)??
Plan B would is a couple of plastic portable tanks like the 22.7L units, maybe even three for the extra capacity and leave one at home if only going inshore. Or perhaps a slightly larger plastic tank and then a 22.7L for extra capacity when needed. Clearly these will be the cheaper option, (at around $180-$250 all up including fittings) but will still take up deck space.
Just wondering if it's worth going to the hassle of cutting open the deck for a fuel tank, or if I should just go the portable tanks? Plan C would be sell and buy another boat, but Mrs Browndog won't like that idea!
Cheers for any input.
BD
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
Is it a keeper
I think if your planning on keeping the boat for the next 5+ years then get an underfloor tank fitted and while your there add a kill tank and a bilge pump underfloor with an inspection port and a heap of foam. So much more convenient and saves heaps of deck space. A boat that size should be able to get a tank around 100l
dodgy
Posts: 4578
Date Joined: 01/02/10
Have you seen the plastic
Have you seen the plastic fuel tanks around 60l capacity? You can get a few different shapes and it is going to be much easier and cheaper than going with a custom tank.
Does anyone know where the love of god goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
Browndog
Posts: 584
Date Joined: 10/04/12
Tanks
Yep, been doing a bit of googling and looking around, there are plenty of quality plastic tanks available, just gotta work out the best option.
Cheers,
BD
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Is your fuel tank really just steel or stainless steel ?
Is your fuel tank really just steel or stainless steel ?
While I have only had two boats, the first boat I set up two plastic tanks, this was my best option, the boat I have now has one under floor.
With two tanks you go out and work on one when it runs out, you know you have fuel to get home. By alternating tanks your fuel is always fresh. Easy to clean and check for water. Can take them in the car and fill up at the gas station without having to take the boat. You don't need a fuel gauge.
It is best to have your fuel (weight) about mid-ships, then as the fuel is used up, there is little change in trim. Getting under the floor sounds like work, can you redo the seating so the tanks sit under them?. maybe two Cruze tanks stainless steel, which you could, with quick disconnects connect external breathers.
Don't put to much energy into gauges, it depends on the boats attitude as to what they read, if you have a filling point at the tank, use a dip stick, sounds crude but its accurate and they don't break down.
I installed a fuel gauge in my "now" boat, went to so much trouble with install, wiring etc and never use it.
Browndog
Posts: 584
Date Joined: 10/04/12
Stainless?
Pretty sure it's stainless, the welds look like TIG and it hasn't rusted at all, covered in a grey paint. Steel fittings have rusted. Agree with your points above on the two tanks, if I go with plastic will definitely be multiple tanks with quick connects. However like Rig suggests, going undefloor opens up deck space and adds the options of kill tanks etc.
Not sure if I'll keep it for 5+ years or not, the young fella just turned 7, when he is confident helping to launch & retrieve may look at something bigger, so don't want to over capitalise.
Any ideas on a budget number to cut open the floor and fit tank?
Appreciate all the replies, cheers fellas.
BD
Rig
Posts: 2925
Date Joined: 27/12/06
What make
Do you know what make your boat is? Most plate Ali have stringers/supports that run port to starboard and the tanks are made to fit in there with bits of angle that sit on those stringers to support the tank. If you are handy you could prep it all yourself and get the tank made my a pro. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't put a gauge on a underfloor tank makes life easy.
maybe send seakem a pm as he does metal fab. Otherwise tow it around to a few boat builders I am sure they could give you a few options
Browndog
Posts: 584
Date Joined: 10/04/12
Make
Thanks Rig, not sure of the make, it's a 2007 build "Custom"
Yes might try Seakem, think I'll get a bunch of photos and see what his thoughts are. Even a plastic tank under deck would be good.
Cheers,
BD.
barramike
Posts: 23
Date Joined: 18/09/11
try sant marine fuel tanks
just in the process of adding an extra tank to my boat and I have found that it is worthwhile pulling the floor up firstly just to see what is underneath and secondly what else can be done while the floor is up...mate put me onto sant marine tanks (google it) very solid plastic tanks which come in a range of different sizes to suit your needs...ended up going for a 140litre tank as a secondary which gives me 300 litres all up or enough fuel for nearly 500km of travel which helps with the distandes covered here in the kimberleys
Browndog
Posts: 584
Date Joined: 10/04/12
Thanks
Yeah I had heard of these guys and saw their website. In the end I decided it was just too much mucking around to cut open the deck, so went with a pair of plastic tanks. Pretty happy so far, and under deck is always an option for down the track.
Cheers,
BD