Gas tanks

[Divecoz]

I use both Stabil and better yet Seafoam. Like clearing your ears when you dive..do it early do it often

[kmclemore]

I use both Stabil and better yet Seafoam. Like clearing your ears when you dive..do it early do it often

Yes, Seafoam *does* work. I always thought it was kind of like snake-oil, but i tried it in my Dodge Caravan and it did indeed make it run smoother and it got somewhat better mileage afterwards, too. I have yet to use it on the boat, but as soon as she get's a bit sluggish I'll try it there too.

[mtc]

Hey, Divecoz; hope all's well!

Interesting point of view regarding moving the fuel tanks below. I'm currently contemplating the mod myself on my M right now, which was why I found your post in the search. I'm interested in your ideas, as I've been before - particularly on this one as it's not a minor cost nor a minor impact. Having gasoline below decks is not something to take lightly but can be done safely using blowers and good hardware.

My goal is to gain scarce cockpit real estate. The fuel cells under the settees is a good design considering the main function of the boat but can be improved. With my wheel mod i simply need more sole. I want to be able to move around in the cockpit, not just sit there. Gaining the square footage under the settee covers is the ticket, but the fuel cells need to go.

Mounting the fuel cells below deck helps with space as well as lowers critical ballast in this very tender craft. With both of my 12 gal cells filled, we're talking about (24 x 6.3# + the tanks themselves) over 160#'s of ballast I can place under the admiral's bunk closer to the water line.

I also plan on fabricating 1/2" teak sole lattice cover to reinforce the areas under the fuel cells and make the sloe one surface. Should look cool. Anyone done this?

Of course, I'm very cognizant of the 'boom' factor with all this but can't see another place to put the tanks. With the tanks gone and the settee covers removed, the cockpit will have a 'T' configuration allowing me to stand at the helm (something i'm very fond of) as well as give me ample room to move to the rails.

As this is not a common mod (Sparrow did a great job) I'm confident that it's doable and will significantly improve my 'standing' in the cockpit (couldn't resist. . . )

mtc

[bwharkin]

I have four 6 1/2 gallon Merc, tanks that fit nice & tight & do not come into the cockpit floor of my M & one hose that I switch from tank to tank, also keep a spare fuel hose in the boat incase of a fuel line failure like the prime bulb cracking or leaking

J

Can you give me the 6.5 gal tank par number
I would like to buy 4

Thanks in advance
Ben

[RobertB]

Interesting discussion about number of tanks and location. I have a slightly different setup that seems to work for me.

My wife and I like to go out on the Chesapeake Bay for a week when the three boys are at summer camp. Two issues drove my setup:
1- Gas costs way less at the local gas station
2- Using only two 12 gallon tanks does not give us a comfortable reserve capacity unless you consider the second tank the reserve in which case one only has 12 gallons of fuel before reserve.

I have added the original 6 gallon tank (boat was deliverered with two twelves installed plus the factory 6 gal) in front of the pedestal and made a lightweight wood platform to cover it. I plan on having a cushion made to cover (for now one of the extra interior cushions fits but is thicker than the others). This ends up making more of a deck layout in the cockpit - easier for a couple of people to stretch out, even nap without having to worry about falling into the footwell.

End result - 24 gallons main plus 6 gallons reserve plus a deck layout best suited for lazy bums and dogs.