Portable Outboard gas tank

[sspencercj]

Ok, get ready to laugh. This may be a really good question...or very dumb. I have very little space between my rear bench seat and the back of the boat in my jon boat. I am looking for a 6-12 gallon gas tank that is slim to fit. I am only finding tanks that are skinny height wise. My question is this...Can I stand a portable gas tank on its side and it function properly? That would make the filler hole/gas cap, gas outlet fitting, and gauge (if equipped) be on the side. Will this affect performance? If so, does anyone know where I can find a slim tank to fit the following proportions...25"LX12"WX12-14"H (MAX)?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

Moeller makes 6 gallon tanks that are 12.75" wide.

 

[F_R]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

Don't think about standing one on end. #1, danger of leakage out the filler or vent. #2, it will only draw down to the level of the hose fitting.

About any size and shape you could want (except yours) is shown at http://www.marineengine.com/products/accessories.php?g=500

Are you sure you want a tank back there anyway? 12 gallons of gas weigh almost 100 pounds, + tank weight.

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

Whaler, thx for the reply. 12.75 wide is 3/4" too wide.

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

F_R, I understand what you are saying, but I don't plan on getting one that has a vent and doesn't the filler cap seal, so gas doesn't escape? If the gas only goes down to the hose fitting, how does the gas get to the fitting when its in the roof of the tank (laying down)? I'll look at the website you listed, but it doesn't sound promising from what you have said. Now you see the problems I've been running in to. As to putting the tank behind the rear seat, I don't have much choice. Its a small (14') jon boat, with a middle seat. Not much room to put it any where else. Ideas?

 

[F_R]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

They all have a vent somewhere. You couldn't get the gas out if air couldn't get in. As for the fitting, there is a short piece of hose or pipe inside, from the fitting, extending down to the (normal) bottom of the tank.

Yeah, I have a 14' jon myself and understand the lack of room. I put my tank ahead of the middle seat and live with it. Six gallons is way more than I ever use in a day.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

for a jon boat you are often better off with more small tanks that one big one. You can move them around to balance the boat, leave one home on a short trip, etc. Really, the second can doesn't even have to be a boat can.

I agree, too, that the transom area is usually not a good place for fuel tanks in a jon boat, for operating, stern wakes swamping, and most important lack of access to the drain hole--you have to be able to run the water out.

You don't say whether you also have a battery back there, too.

Experiment with some water jugs.

And no they can't function standing up, and they must be vented to work.

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

F_R, thanks again. Ya, guess i am still ignorant about some things. didnt know about the hose going down inside the tank. guess i need to study physics. i thought the vacuum created in the tank under operation pushed the fuel up to the fitting. guess its DUH to me huh? you're right about the 6gals...anything more would prob just create unnecessary weight. but i duck hunt...with the limited room, i am going to try to keep the floor space i have now open. maybe i will just try 2 small 3gal tanks...esp. if i can't find a 6gal to fit. thanks for your help.

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

Home Cookin, thx for reply. I didnt think about getting 2 small one's instead. i had another 14' jon last year and kept the tank and battery in the transom area. that boat had a 20hp...plenty to push it, even full of decoys, gear, etc. i now have a 25hp back there. prob going to keep the same set up for the room. good point about the drain plug...but it won't be inaccessable. guess i will keep searching.

Thx to everyone for replying. If anyone comes up with other ideas, please let me know. I am even thinking about cutting out the middle seat...though i have heard pros and cons on loosing the floatation. Hmmmmmm...

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

I have a 10' inflatable with a 15 hp OB. About half of the 6 gal fuel tank fits under the rear seat. Do you have some space under your seat?

Sea ya...

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Portable Outboard gas tank

No, the seats (rear and middle) are solid and foam filled i believe. no way to get anything under there. but seriously thinking of cutting the middle seat out.