Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

[cyroute]

I and a friend just went half's on an 1985 16foot bayliner Capri with an 85 force. It didn't come with a gas tank and I don't see that it has an internal gas tank (should it). What size tank do I need to buy for this? The boat is in good overall shape the previous owner has issues with one of the carbs. We need to try to get the thing running to determine what else it needs. We only paid 500 for it so I hope we don't need to put tons of money in it to get it running. The rest of the boat looks good it looks like the floor/carpet was replaced at some time it is nice and solid. What other things should we do to it? Looks like the last time it was run was in 2006. I was thinking going over the carbs, plugs and gear oil. Any help would be great thanks. I do have a service manual for it I bought off of e$ay.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[timdan94]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

I carry two 6 gal tanks but am going to switch to a single larger one next year something like 12+ gallons.

 

[cyroute]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

I carry two 6 gal tanks but am going to switch to a single larger one next year something like 12+ gallons.

Thanks timdan94 I see you?re from Pa too. I'm down here near Pottstown. I travel up thru your area on my way to Gaines PA about 2-3 times a year nice area you?re in. Would you have a recommended 12 gallon tank you would get? Site link?


Thanks,

Joe

 

[timdan94]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

//www.iboats.com/Tempo_F159_Fuel_Tank_14_5_Gal/dm/*******.992320634--list_time.1221834130--**********.052763279--view_id.201646

//www.iboats.com/Moeller_12_GAL_Topside_Tank_Lower_Profile/dm/*******.992320634--list_time.1221834130--**********.052763279--view_id.361853


I'm gonna pick up something like that this winter. I have to measure the size of the space I have to put it in. My two six gallon fit partially under the splash well but I want one larger one that will fit in under there to make more space.

 

[Scallywag1]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

I have an 85Hp force. I run it at Raystown. It seemed to use a good bit of gas, just running from the marina to a fishing spot and back. If you have an area to store portable tanks, I'd fit in as many as you could. Also if you are going to be skiing or tubing of doing alot of fishing depends on what tank or tanks you should have. I just had the powerhead rebuilt on my motor, lost the compression on #2 cylinder. He said I should not use as much fuel. I'd do a compression test or better yet a leak down test, check the fuel pump screen, and install a new water pump impeller before hauling it some where and having problems. Happy boating !!!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

I'm in West Chester and if you ever go to the Schuylkill at Black Rock on 113, look for either Amanda Ford or a 14 foot blue and white runabout with a 125 hung on the back. 'Smatter of fact, I will be there tomorrow about 4-7 pm with a 15 foot Glastron with a Chrysler 90--the one in the avatar (on the Chesapeake).

Amount of fuel carried really depends upon your use. If you are just going to putter around and possibly fish, 12 gallons should be enough. If you are going to run balls-to-the-wall or water ski, then 18 gallons would be better. However, sometimes there is a space problem and tripping over tanks is no fun.

Now for example, Amanda ford is a 21 foot cuddy with a 140 on her transom. She carries 30 gallons of fuel and when I go to the Chesapeake, I bite the bullet and carry at least an extra six gallon tank.

The Glastron carries two six gallon tanks under the seats but when I use it for skiing, another two go under the splashwell, for 24 gal. That way I know it will last the whole day.

My little 14 foot go-fast did have a nine gallon tank but it only knows one throttle position --full-- and 9 gal was lasting 1-1 1/2 hours at 50-55 mph. I replaced that tank with an 18 gallon tank. Really wanted 12 but couldn't resist--a used plastic 18 gal tank was only 40 bucks, so I bought it.

Wal Mart has 6 gal Attwood tanks for only 14 bucks. Then spend another 7-8 for the Force male fuel fitting. That's a great value and if your boat is less than 18 foot, I think that a couple or three of them would be the way to go.

See My Private message To You.

 

[john from md]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

I have an 85 hp on my Bayliner Capri and carry 21 gallons. I fish in the Chesapeake and usually run at least 21 miles during a normal trip.

At my best economicalcruise speed, @24 MPH, I get 4 MPG on a good sea day in the Chesapeake. On those kinds of days, I only use about 5 or 6 gallons. On the bad days, when I can only make 12 MPH, I sometimes use 12 gallons.

I am lucky in that I have a old nine gallon plastic and a 6 gallon metal tank that fit snug under my well. That means I only have to have one 6 gallon tank in the way. I have looked all over for a modern tank to fit the well and carry as much gas and I can't find one. I have had to make gaskets for both of these to keep them going and hope they last a long time. Like Frank says, it is no fun tripping over tanks in a small boat.

When fishing in the Chesapeake, there is no such thing as having too much gas.

Regards,

John

 

[force fan]

Re: Force 85 Gas Tank Question...

Stay away from metal tanks and stick with plastic. I bought a new Tempo 6-gallon metal tank and paint overspray inside the tank got removed when I first filled the tank. The paint residue got past the mesh fuel filter, clogged the carbs, and cost me a carb rebuild on a brand new engine. I wrote Tempo to complain and they made it right by paying for the rebuild.

Make installing an additional fuel filter between the fuel pump and carbs the next thing you do after buying a tank.

1988 Blue Fin 1700
85 hp Force