Bayliner Fuel Tank Project

[Mark42]

The Bayliner is slated to have a permanent fuel tank installed. A Moeller retailer lists dozens of tanks by Moeller, more than the usual 12 or 15 that are sold by regular retailers. So I pick out seven model numbers based on the overall dimensions of the tanks, then email Moeller for the "blue prints" for these tanks so I can see the connections, and detail dimensions. Moeller gladly supplied the prints in PDF format. Out of the seven tanks, three look like they will work (a 13 gal, a 15 gal and a 17 gal). Then I email the retailer with the three part numbers and ask for prices and shipping. I get an email back that says Moeller has sold the rights for those tanks to the boat companies that they are made for and will no longer sell them to the general public. AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!

I am so pissed off! I finally find a few tanks that will fit in the odd ball space where a portable tank sits in the Bayliner, and now those tanks are not for sale to the general public!!!!!

Crap!

I emailed the retailer back with photo of the Bayliner tank location (its under the splashwell) and the dimensions that I have to work with. Hopefully they will be able to come up with a tank that fits, is larger than 12 gallons, and has fittings in the right location.

I also emailed Moeller back and forwarded the mail from the retailer and asked if I can have 1) a list of tanks that might be a good substiture and 2) the names of the companies they sell the tanks to. Maybe I can buy one direct from the boat manufacturer as a repair item.

The model number are: FT1312, FT1513, and FT1701. I would attach the PDF files so you can see the tanks, but the upload won't let me, I think they are too big at about 55k.

 

[oops!]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

im having mine built out of metal. its being made right now.

it is made to fit in the bow.......its a triangular shape....so finding one off the shelf is impossible you might have to have one made as well bud.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

I have thought of buying one of the tanks sold by retailers that is just a little too big to fit right, and then taking a heat gun and heating the tank and pressing it into the shape I need. Could be a lot cheaper than having one custom made. Might be worth the price of the tank just to see if its possable to customize these roto-molded tanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Mark, imho, you would disrupt the integrity of the tank. it could become dangerous.

 

[Stoutcat]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Have you talked with your local Bayliner dealer about this?

Alan

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Have you talked with your local Bayliner dealer about this?

Alan

No, I haven't. What did you have in mind?

BTW, this is where the tank goes. It came with a "portable" 9 gallon tank. Ever try to pick up and place a full 9 gallon tank in a boat?

Below is the tank I really wanted to install. Its 17 gallons! Notice how the inlet neck is set at an angle. That would have let the tank fit in the tight space under the splashwell without having to deal with top of tank hose connections. Oh well.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

http://www.iboats.com/12_Gallon_Per...8521262--**********.044232480--view_id.392367

Why no belly tank...cheap and out of the way??

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

http://www.iboats.com/12_Gallon_Per...8521262--**********.044232480--view_id.392367

Why no belly tank...cheap and out of the way??

No belly tank because:

1) Couldn't find one that fits such a shallow and narrow bilge.

2) The floor is being lowered into the bilge are about 3 inches for more head room.

3) BTW, that link is not a belly tank. Its a below deck tank. And it is too high with the clearance needed for the fill neck. The tank is listed as 11.75" high, that does not include the fill neck which adds 2 inches, and then 2 additional inches are needed on top of that for the 90* elbow. It just won't fit.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Not sure what's up with Moeller lately. The website used to indicate that they would make a custom tank for you. Not sure how much that would cost. I ran into the same problem when I wanted a below deck tank for a 14'. The smallest retail tank they had was a 12gal which I did end up using and only filling half full. Like you the problems started with the fill location. I either had to come up with a custom fill hose or come straight out the top. Either way it added 2-1/2 inches to the height of the deck above the tank and that made a front seat illegal for travel at speed. I lived with it this season but the boats getting redesigned this winter and I'm going back to a 3 gal portable. My 18hp Nissan only burns 1/2 gal an hour at full throttle.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Not sure what's up with Moeller lately. The website used to indicate that they would make a custom tank for you. Not sure how much that would cost. I ran into the same problem when I wanted a below deck tank for a 14'. The smallest retail tank they had was a 12gal which I did end up using and only filling half full. Like you the problems started with the fill location. I either had to come up with a custom fill hose or come straight out the top. Either way it added 2-1/2 inches to the height of the deck above the tank and that made a front seat illegal for travel at speed. I lived with it this season but the boats getting redesigned this winter and I'm going back to a 3 gal portable. My 18hp Nissan only burns 1/2 gal an hour at full throttle.

I remember reading about a home built boat from plans where the gas tanks were built into the boat. The tanks were made by lining two plywood rectangular boxes with glass and resin. Then a glassed over lid was bolted on using a neoprene gasket to seal. Could probably do something similar with glass and epoxy in a box with plastic liner so it can be easily removed. Don't know how the fill, vent, and pickup tube would be installed, but its something to think about. Also don't know if it would pass CG regs.

Moeller has hundreds of tanks in thier portfolio. I wish they would offer them to the public.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Found this article about making your own FRP gas tanks.
http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/8912byofiberglasstanks.pdf

Interesting read. Its another option for a fuel tank.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

I looked into making my own fuel tank out of carbon fiber. Glass would be cheaper and the fuel resitant resin is the same for both.

My dad used a 20 gal water heater tank for a gas tank in a 18' Glenn L boat he built back in the 60's. It was fine then. I think it all depends on how you intend to use the boat as to how many rules and regulations you think you need to comply with.

Safety is the issue that can't be ignored. I think with reasonable caution you can easily make your own tank.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

I looked into making my own fuel tank out of carbon fiber. Glass would be cheaper and the fuel resitant resin is the same for both.

My dad used a 20 gal water heater tank for a gas tank in a 18' Glenn L boat he built back in the 60's. It was fine then. I think it all depends on how you intend to use the boat as to how many rules and regulations you think you need to comply with.

Safety is the issue that can't be ignored. I think with reasonable caution you can easily make your own tank.

Do you know where the fill, fuel and vent fittings that mount in the tank can be had?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Good question, I didn't ever look that far into it. I suspect Moeler has a retail line of them, if not Perko or Todd.

 

[ebear]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

don't forget about e-10 gas. it'll eat a resi n tank. you may be best off getting a custom tank made or building a box for a carry on. with that you could turn the stern into a bench seat

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

I'm constantly turning this problem over in my head. Maybe the best solution is to put the tank somewhere else. The seat bases are full of flotation foam. I could remove the foam and install a large tank in the passenger seat base. Would loose about 2 to 4 cubic feet of foam depending on tank size. Maybe the foam core hard top will compensate for the seat foam loss? The down side is although an 18 gallon tank may fit there, when full there will be an additional 144 lbs of fuel on the port side. I don't want the boat listing to port.

Come to think of it, when I was out in the boat by myself, the boat was loaded with 180 lbs (me) on the starboard side, and I didn't notice it listing at all while running at medium and top speeds. Maybe that much weight is not enough to be noticed on this boat?

I'm going to have to go back inside the boat and take some seat base measurements to check for clearance and hose routing. The fill would probably end up somewere smack in the middle of the side of the boat.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

"No ski locker area"

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

"No ski locker area"

That space is already spoken for. Besides, I can't find a tank that will fit in that space.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Don't over think it. The solution is probably right in front of you. As for floatation loss, gasoline is lighter than water and a gas tank will float. There, you see, problem solved. As for the ski locker, you better be turnin that into a lockable rod locker. LOL.. (I'm a fisherman now, in my younger days, it would have stayed a ski locker).

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Re: Fuel Tank Problems.... AHHHHGG!

Things are looking up! OceanLink.com says they can get me the 17 gallon moeller tank, and shipping is only $17.66!!!

Just cut some cardboard to the dimensions of the front and side of the tank and fit it into the space under the splashwell. It fits with room to spare (not much, maybe 1" all around).

Its the angled fill and vent fittings that make it work with this boat because it gives needed clearance on top of the tank.

If you have a need for special size tank and the regular retail offers just don't fit the bill, check out oceanlink.com and search their tank inventory. Most tanks listed have a diagram like the one above so you can see details like fill and vent placement.