Gas Tank Location Question re: weight distribution

[bendellee]

Trying to figure the best place to put my gas tank. My boat is light, and the sides aren't particularly high, I push it with a 1970 6hp Evinrude, so weight disbursement is key to running through the water the most efficiently.

I'm switching from a 6 gal, to a 3 gal tank, and I was wondering if it is best to leave the tank just behind the middle foam bench seat, or to put it just ahead of that seat.

By way of other information, my trolling motor battery is located either just ahead or, or just behind, the forward chair, and the trolling motor will be near the bow. A small ice chest usually is situated near the middle.

See the following pics for reference. I appreciate any help.

edited for spelling

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Gas Tank Location Question re: weight distribution

I would purchase a long enough fuel line so you can move your new 3 gallon tank forward and aft to find the sweet spot for your particular boat. Its really hard to say where to set it due to differing weight in the boat...gear, number of people, weight of the ice chest throughout the day, weight of the days catch....the list goes on.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas Tank Location Question re: weight distribution

Try all positions. On a light boat like yours the number of people you have with you will determine load balance anyway. If you are alone, put everything center to forward. If you have another person with and he/she rides up front, center is probably best. Too many variables to make specific recommendations.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Gas Tank Location Question re: weight distribution

I think you'll find with the 3 gallon tank it won't make a whole lot of difference--but it will be a big improvement. As others said, best to keep the weight along the center line, but if you find you always sit a certain way, balance your weight first with the trolling battery, since it's weight is constant (as is yours no matter what you promised at New Year's!) but the tank obviously lightens with use.