Fuel Tank relocation ideas to maximize space ???

[zarillus]

Boat 1967 Larson All-American 166 17 ft 110HP Evinrude The one pictured is almost a mirror of my boat

I currently have my fuel tank mounted in the bow which is around 19 gallons. This is not optimal because sometimes the long run back to the motor requires several pumps of the primer bulb.It also takes up all my storage and I am left with the little space under the back to back seats. Underneath the splashwell I have the battery and oil tank so no room there either.

I was thinking however using a gas tank as a rear seat; basically building a box around the tank with seat cushions.Has anyone did this or something similar. The sides are not high enough for saddle tanks so that's out as well and I really do not want to cut into the deck to add a belly tank.Google Image Result for http://donutboat.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/p1040389.jpg

I just need a bigger boat !! hahah

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Fuel Tank relocation ideas to maximize space ???

How does the boat ride w/ the tank in the bow?

Unless it plows at the bow, I don't think I'd move the tank 2/3rds further back in the boat. Losing the 120lbs +/- in the bow may have more impact then the extra 120lbs closer to the stern.

I'd suggest you make your rear bench seat & use the area inside it for storage.

Moving the fuel to a box inside the boat will require plumbing a new fuel fill & venting the new tank to the EXTERIOR of the boat. I'm guessing the bow tank 'permanently' mounted & iis currently vented to the exterior of the hull.

Rear bench storage also allows someone to access the storage while you're still at the helm.