How/where to install petrol tank

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SteveMS

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I am the process of restoring a 16' GRP day boat, which I was given as a basic hull with cuddy and all fittings had been removed. I am trying to establish where/how the petrol tank should be installed. It seems dangerous to install it in the cuddy, but equally to leave it on deck. I had considered cutting into the GRP and glassing-in a tank, but I suspect there is more to it than that and probably some legislation to consider. I would be grateful for any suggestions.
 
What size motor are you feeding? How much capacity do you require in your fuel tank?

If its only low H.P. and small capacity, the 25 litre remote tanks secured, as the other guy suggested.
 
Things I would consider is having it the opposite side to the helm if it helps to distribute the weight (I suppose that depends on how large the tank will be). Also, look at having a fuel cut off tap if it's not directly connected from the tank to the outboard.

I started off with

DSC03670.jpg


Then built a wooden platorm for the tank to sit on and stop it moving around. Fixed that to the floor of the wheelhouse, then strapped the tank to the wooden platform using ratchet straps.

Boxed it all off with a seperate bit for either extra water or plastic fuel can and ended up with this.

DSC03737.jpg


Sorry, don't have any pictures showing the tank and the wooden platform.

Also, just to add, if you only have a small tank you can buy plastic brackets and straps that are designed just to strap the plastic fuel tanks down.
 
Thanks for the replies and pictures. I have no previous experience of boats and it seemed that the tank would be a bit vulnerable on the deck. I had considered boxing it in or glassing it in under seating (doesn't sound too safe, but the petrol tank on my old Land Rover is directly under the driver's seat), but was concerned at taking up too much room. I'm not sure what size motor I should install - I'm guessing at something up to 15hp. Any views on the size of tank I should buy? (I'm looking to use the boat for fishing).
 
I would be careful of put an outboard tank in a locker - unless there is good ventilation.

Nearly all the boats I have come across have the tanks strapped down near the stern unless they have been fitted during the build. If it's permanently fixed you also can't take advantage of the cheaper supermarket petrol prices for refilling it.

Tank size really depends on engine size and how far you might want to go. It might also be worth having a smaller reserve tank.

As for engine size depends a lot on how much you want to spend, how quick you want to get to wherever you are going, your budget and the boat manufacture will/should have specified a maximum engine size. There is a point where no matter how much bigger the engine you won't go any faster!

W.
 
Check out here for ideas on tanks

http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/merch...nks-and-gauges.

If you box the tank in just have in your back of your mind about fumes. My permanent tank has a breather but on the smaller outboard tanks you have a separate plasic screw in the filler lid to allow for expansion and compression of the tank, if this is open you'll probably find that you will have petrol fumes.
 
Steve

Running say a 15 hp 2 stroke at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle, you may not go that fast, but you will have up to five hours out of a 25 litre tank (plastic remote), more if you buy a four stroke.

Maybe just a couple of them to keep it all simple.
 
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