Securing my fuel tank...

[ill13]

This was one of today's projects...

My third inflatable boat called temporarily titled "new boat", a West Marine/Zodiac SB- 320 -the other two are "'little boat" [Achilles SPD4AD], and "big stupid" [Chinese 430].

"new boat" has a wider beam than "little boat", it's also 6" longer, but does not have either a pointed bow or long cones, so there is much more interior space. The drawback to this is cargo shifts too easily...

...So with a couple of D-rings from my local big-box home improvement [this time, the blue one vs the orange one] screwed into the floor and some spring cord, off we go!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

New ideas to make your boating life easier are always welcome, another alternative, glue 2 small D'rings to sides and secure/strap tank...

Happy Boating

 

[ill13]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

looks like we have different brands molded on the same tank!

Do you know of a way to rotate the fuel connector on these types of tanks? I'd like it facing 180 degrees as right now I need to add 8" to my fuel line to have the tank mounted "tapered side towards the bow".

With the floor based D-ring mounting, I am able to stack a duffle bag full of gear on top of the fuel tank using the same spring cords that secure the tank.

Tested this past Sunday and we were very pleased with results, all the gear and 36 lbs fuel stayed in the bow and my fiance was able to use it as a back rest!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

All tank nozzles are screwed CW onto tank, can rotate CCW to suit your hose direction needs, like to secure tank at bow along a bow bag on tank top, the extra kilos compensates well the rocky bow condition when you boat alone. Seem both tanks are same brand, if so, being a quick disconnect system, better roll some duct tape once hose is connected to pick up nozzle, sometimes at choppy seas, fiance resting against tank will help free the connector stopping engine suddenly and probably panicking thinking it's an engine issue Pic configuration with rotated nozzle to accomodate my needs.

Happy Boating

 

[paulpost]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

May be a stupid idea but why don't you rotate the tank 180 degrees (gas tank handle toward transom)?
I hope it helps
Paul

 

[diman11949]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

I like your idea with the D-rings! What was the length of the spring cord that you used? I have the same gas tank...
Thanks!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

It's preferable to have the pick up nozzle towards transom to have better gas level, with other tank position, boating with small amounts of gas leftovers with upright bow will give starvation fuel issues. ill13 has already set it that way, can't remenber how long the double rope was, probably 1.5 meters long. Other tank securing method, glue a small d'ring at bow matching same tank handle height, secure with strap, lock, whatever. Check whichever method suits your interior sib/rib bow deck needs.

Happy Boating

 

[ill13]

Re: Securing my fuel tank...

I have the handle facing towards the transom now, but for aesthetics, I'd prefer it facing the bow. However your point referring to fuel pickup is something I'd not fully considered and is quite valid in retrospect.

The tank has what looks like stainless pneumatic line quick connects installed [previous owner], so the connection is pretty sturdy. If she stalls, I'll know where to look [behind the fiance!]

For the spring cords, I used adjustable ones from the orange box store as I wasn't sure what I'd need, I'm not a real fan of spring cords for any load -I'd much prefer 3/4" or 1" poly straps with double-d/slip rings, but the spring cord is very convenient, especially for testing a new install!

I will be adding a similar rig to the "little boat" before the next excursion.

...Also gluing d-rings to the boat requires more math [and hypalon glue, MEK, and $12 d-ring patches than I have laying around the house] but overall, the aesthetic appeal of tube mount points is better than floor based mount points.