12 gal fuel/gas tank for MAC26X

[phiggy]

Greetings. I currently have a single 9 GAL tempo gas tank that fits in the outside locker of the 26x . I'm looking to add another for the spare locker and looking on line I see there are numerous 12 gal models that might fit inside the locker with perhaps fuel cap removed and inserted at a angle to get into the larger space in the locker behind. Just wondering if anyone has managed to get a off the shelf 12 gal to fit in..?

[Herschel]

I have two 9 gallon rectangular tanks that each fit in the storage lockers in the cockpit. They seem like the largest you could get in there. As it is, I have to take the cap off to get it in and out for refill, and I cut a 2x4 notch out of the middle of the upper frame of the locker so I could have better access. Keeping the fill opening as close to the outside of the locker as possible puts the gauge way on the inside, so I have learned how to estimate level status by lifting edge of tank to see how heavy it is. Moving the tanks with the cap off does result in a small spill from time to time, so keeping a shop towel/paper towel handy is advisable. It is hard for me to imagine a 12 gallon tank given my experience with my two 9's. That is my story. Hope it is helpful.

[tlgibson97]

I have two if these in my X. Had to enlarge the holes maybe 1/4 inch all around and remove the cap to get them in. I installed access panels above the fill ports in the seat to make refueling easier. I don't think I'd be able to fill them without them.
Moeller 630013LP Portable Fuel Tank, 12 - Gallon, Red
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A ... UTF8&psc=1

[taylormade]

I have the same set up as tlgibson97 above with a fuel diverter valve and it's worked out great. I have the access ports on the seats and took one of those long funnels and cut the skinny part off so the opening going into the tanks is still 1.25" wide and able to deliver gas without backing up.

[Chinook]

We ordered our boat in 2002 with a pair of 12 gallon tanks installed. They fit into the X fuel lockers, with a bit of trimming. However, Tempo, the manufacturer of the tanks, discontinued making them a few years ago. I recently met up with a friend while out on the water, and he showed me his new 17 gallon aluminum tanks, which Todd at BWY had produced for the 26M. Unfortunately, these tanks won't fit into the X fuel lockers. I'm sending Todd the dimensions of my fuel lockers, in the hope that a similar pair of tanks can be made for the X. Perhaps there are enough X owners out there with a similar interest in increasing their fuel load capacity, and who are willing to spend more than a few dollars to purchase them.

[rsvpasap]

A couple of years ago, I had two 17 gallon aluminum tanks made for my 26x by http://www.rdsaluminum.com

They essentially took their 18 gallon model # 59044 and reduced the dimensions slightly to fit the 26X tank space. http://www.rdsaluminum.com/marine-stock-above.html

It was necessary to slightly trim of the fiberglass around the tank locker opening. I've attach a photo I took while installing them.

Obviously, the tanks need to be mirror images of one another, not exact copies.

[Chinook]

Do you recall what the cost was per tank? I'm thinking I'll contact them and see if they still have the modification specs on file.

[rsvpasap]

$576.00 total for two tanks including shipping. I was getting a DF60A from Blue Water Yachts shortly thereafter, so it didn't seem that extravagant at the time.

[dlandersson]

The 6 gallon tanks are still sold in Canada - two to a side work very nicely.

Product #04921
22.7 Litre / 6 Gallon Neptune

https://www.sceptermarine.com/marine_fu ... side_fuel/

Greetings. I currently have a single 9 GAL tempo gas tank that fits in the outside locker of the 26x . I'm looking to add another for the spare locker and looking on line I see there are numerous 12 gal models that might fit inside the locker with perhaps fuel cap removed and inserted at a angle to get into the larger space in the locker behind. Just wondering if anyone has managed to get a off the shelf 12 gal to fit in..?

[Tomfoolery]

The 6 gallon tanks are still sold in Canada - two to a side work very nicely.

Product #04921
22.7 Litre / 6 Gallon Neptune

https://www.sceptermarine.com/marine_fu ... side_fuel/

Mine, which I suspect are original from 1999, look like the one in the middle. They fit in the locker the long way, with lots of room. How do they fit with two? Sticking out into the walking space? Got a picture of two tanks in one locker?

I've gotten buy fine with just 12 gallons*, but for a longer motor trip like on the Erie Canal, it would be really nice to carry more fuel. I could store spares near the engine with a platform over the steering, but in the lockers would be far cleaner I think.

I may have to drive to Canada, which isn't very far away, to buy a couple more of those same tanks.

*I actually ran out of fuel pulling into my slip last weekend. I quickly switched back to the other empty tank which had a little left in the 'reserve' section, and I don't usually fly so close to the ground, but extra capacity would certainly be nice.

[Chinook]

Thanks, RSVPASAP, for the cost figure. It's lower than I expected. One more question: did you have to remove your pedestal to slide them in, or did they slip in with it still in place?

[March]

We ordered our boat in 2002 with a pair of 12 gallon tanks installed. They fit into the X fuel lockers, with a bit of trimming. However, Tempo, the manufacturer of the tanks, discontinued making them a few years ago. I recently met up with a friend while out on the water, and he showed me his new 17 gallon aluminum tanks, which Todd at BWY had produced for the 26M. Unfortunately, these tanks won't fit into the X fuel lockers. I'm sending Todd the dimensions of my fuel lockers, in the hope that a similar pair of tanks can be made for the X. Perhaps there are enough X owners out there with a similar interest in increasing their fuel load capacity, and who are willing to spend more than a few dollars to purchase them.

If memory serves, my tanks on the 1999 25X were Todd made (don't have the boat here) and they fit perfectly, (allowing a little room for two propane Coleman gas tanks for the grill) without interfering with the pedestal. I was also looking for the "pipes" where the fuel line goes into the tank which are beginning to show signs of strain and even cracks, but Todd doesn't make them anymore.
This shouldn't be such a big deal. I mean, come on! It's just two polyethylene fuel tanks built to specs

By the way--I would like to somehow connect the two tanks with a "Y" valve connector that can be switched "Left" or "Right" tank, like small planes wing tanks. That would prevent me from messing around with the hose clamp when I switch tanks--that's when the "pipe" cracked, I'm sure.

I'm sure someone has already done that mod--but can't find it. What fuel selector valve do you recommend?

[rsvpasap]

As I recall, I don't think I fully removed the pedestal. I think I just removed the four bolts and rocked the bottom forward, creating enough space to get by,

Do note the braised on tied downs were moved to the sides of the tanks rather than the ends like they do with their standard tanks.

[Chinook]

This shouldn't be such a big deal. I mean, come on! It's just two polyethylene fuel tanks built to specs

Not sure about the big deal part. I googled Blitz fuel tanks once, trying to see where to buy them. I had gotten a couple at Walmart once, but they no longer carried them. I ended up finding a story about the Blitz company being sued by someone who was upset that the embossed disclaimer wasn't specific enough. That lawsuit ended up causing the company to go out of business. Don't recall the details, but it was enough to really upset me.

[dlandersson]

Just order them online - they are often on ebay or amazon

The 6 gallon tanks are still sold in Canada - two to a side work very nicely.

Product #04921
22.7 Litre / 6 Gallon Neptune

https://www.sceptermarine.com/marine_fu ... side_fuel/

Mine, which I suspect are original from 1999, look like the one in the middle. They fit in the locker the long way, with lots of room. How do they fit with two? Sticking out into the walking space? Got a picture of two tanks in one locker?

I've gotten buy fine with just 12 gallons*, but for a longer motor trip like on the Erie Canal, it would be really nice to carry more fuel. I could store spares near the engine with a platform over the steering, but in the lockers would be far cleaner I think.

I may have to drive to Canada, which isn't very far away, to buy a couple more of those same tanks.

*I actually ran out of fuel pulling into my slip last weekend. I quickly switched back to the other empty tank which had a little left in the 'reserve' section, and I don't usually fly so close to the ground, but extra capacity would certainly be nice.