Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

[USN8303]

I am considering purchasing my first boat. The 2010 model has an internal fuel tank while the newer 2011 has a removable external tank that sits in the center console.

All things else being equal with a boat...which is preferred, internal or external fuel tank?

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I am considering purchasing my first boat. The 2010 model has an internal fuel tank while the newer 2011 has a removable external tank that sits in the center console.

All things else being equal with a boat...which is preferred, internal or external fuel tank?

It would be convenient when on the water long enough to refill, to take it in the back of a pickup and refill at a gas station. But really - who cares....? I know I wouldn't.

I guess if I have to pick it will be the cheap one.

 

[USN8303]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

With respect to water intrusion or other potential maintenance issues related to fuel...which is safer bet...the internal or external tank?

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I really don't think it will make a bit of difference for either of those issues.

It wouldn't for me anyway.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

How large are the two tanks? The external under the console might make for better weight distribution so if they are similar in size that's probably the way I would go..

 

[bekosh]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

How big are the tanks? Gas weighs approximately 6lbs per gallon. A small 6 gallon tank isn't bad to carry but get much bigger it would be a real pain.

My choice would be which ever has the biggest tank and not fill up as often.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

The biggest inprovement in fuel tanks for me was when I got rid of my 30 year old 2-stroke and bought a new 4-stroke. No more mixing oil. Yay and HoooooRay. I also decided to dispense with 3 portable 6 gallon tanks I had install two 12 gallon tanks with a deck fill. It worked out good for my rig.

 

[109jb]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I had a 16' Starcraft with 70 hp Johnson that had the 6 gallon external fuel tanks. My current boat is a 16' Sea Ray with 115 Mercury and it has a concealed under deck tank. I had the Starcraft set up so that the tanks were under the splashwell out of the way and they were no problem. As a matter of fact, they were pretty darn convenient for taking into town to get fuel while on fishing trips. It was also convenient if you ever have to drain the tanks due to suspected contaminents or water contamination. I had 3 cans on board and that allowed me 1 can out, 1 can in, 1 can reserve . Easy.

The Sea Ray is convenient because the tank is larger but you have to rely on the gauge and its accuracy to determine how much fuel you have (ie: 1/3 out, 1/3 in, 1/3 reserve). I had an occasion where I had some contamination in the tank and it was a pita to take care of, but overall it is fine.

I did not vote because it depends on the boat. On my Sea Ray I would not want external tanks, but by the same token, I wouldn't have wanted concealed tanks on my Starcraft.

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I did not vote because it depends on the boat.

I should mention I didn't vote for the same reason. For me it would depend on whether the boat stayed at the marina or was trailered. It would be nice for a boat that stays in the water to buy the cheaper fuel somewhere else, but since I trailer I do that nearly every time anyway. I have only very rarely bought fuel at the marina.

 

[tbird175]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

Really I should vote for both. I favor the internal tank but I also use a portable tank for backup. As stated earlier the gauges on an internal tanks are not real accurate, so a portable tank can be handy sometime. I always trailer my boat so refueling is no problem.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I also have both and they both have their pros & cons.

I carry a portable tank for the kicker. This way if there is a problem with the main tank or it's fuel it won't affect my kicker. I fill the two tanks at different times or from seperate sources.

 

[Scottimus]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I like my internal 25 gallon tank, but if you need to drain it it would be a problem, in that instance I wish I had some smaller external tanks...

 

[Ebola]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

I need to replace my tank on my 98 Starcraft. It's leaking. I have to cut a hole out of my fiberglass deck to get it out. There is no access panel. Just something to think about. I rather the internal tank, but wish it had an access panel.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

Invalid question without stating the boat under consideration.

I have both: two boats with external and two with internal. I wouldn't change either one of them.

 

[USN8303]

Re: Internal vs External Fuel Tank - Poll

Invalid question without stating the boat under consideration.

I have both: two boats with external and two with internal. I wouldn't change either one of them.

Fair enough....its a 16 foot center console Key Largo model......

I should add this: the 2010 and prior models had a vented cap that allowed water intrusion....this was told me to by a guy selling his 2007 model, he was upfront about it and said the dealer installed a mod (changed to sealed cap with side mount loop vent). Anyways..the 2011 model comes with a 15 gallon portable. My feeling is that if the the manufacturer re-designed the fuel system...it was due to ongoing problems.

Now..for this boat...which of the two fuel storge sytems would you select.

thanks to all for the advice and input.