Fuel Tank question

[PeninsulaPaul]

I am replacing the engine setup in my boat from a dual engine 6 cyl to a single 4 cyl turbo diesel. The fuel tank were removed by the previous owner. Looking at fuel tanks they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I have room for one large tank or two medium sized tanks.

My question is, is there a large advantage to having twin tanks or a single tank? The only issue I see is if I had two tanks, one on each side of the engine, the weight distribution would be better. With one fuel tank full on one side it would add that much weight to that side of the boat. Not quite sure if that would be an issue. Thoughts?

 

[MassHayn]

Re: Fuel Tank question

I just replaced my fuel tank (40 Gal. Aluminum) with one of the exact size and shape. It is in the center of the boat, below deck belly tank. I preferred a single large fuel tank over 2 smaller ones (personal taste), it protects me from forgetting to switch tanks, and I know how much fuel I have in the single tank. Forgetting to switch tanks will stall your engine, and then you have to use precious battery to get the fuel back into the carb to get it started again. Do you have an area for a single belly tank? Or are you restricted to areas on each, or either, side of the engine?
If you look at an airplane with dual tanks, you have to be aware of the weight transfer as you use the fuel from 1 tank.
The advantage to 2 smaller tanks is, if one gets water or trash in it, and it shouldn't, the other will get you back home. Just my opinion, hope the pros and cons help you decide.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Fuel Tank question

The diesel will require return lines. I would use one tank unless the weight distribution favors 2

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel Tank question

Single tank for best weight distribution, less complication with the plumbing and associated valve (manual or electric) and with a return line that complicates matters also since valving would be required for it as well.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Fuel Tank question

I am replacing the engine setup in my boat from a dual engine 6 cyl to a single 4 cyl turbo diesel. The fuel tank were removed by the previous owner. Looking at fuel tanks they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I have room for one large tank or two medium sized tanks.

My question is, is there a large advantage to having twin tanks or a single tank? The only issue I see is if I had two tanks, one on each side of the engine, the weight distribution would be better. With one fuel tank full on one side it would add that much weight to that side of the boat. Not quite sure if that would be an issue. Thoughts?

The advantage of two tanks is 1. if you get water in your tank you will have a backup tank. If you need more fuel to complete trip (running low) you will have it. Disavantage is more weight.

 

[reddogg]

Re: Fuel Tank question

I like having 2 tanks personally, redundancy is a good thing I also don't have an automatic switch to swap tanks, i put in manual valves and swap tanks myself to keep the load balanced. I usually run 1/2 tank on one than switch to the other, etc... No problems at all.

Red