Fuel tanks

[johnebquick]

Took the boat out probally for the last time this past saturday and had a great time. I was waiting for the season to end before I did any more work on the boat. I wanted to upgrade for larger capacity fuel tank. I have a 18 Gal and would like around a 28 Gal or so. I wanted to know the difference between a portable and a below deck fuel tank other then the color and the obvious? Is the tank UV safe? Also other then the sending unit for a fuel gauge is there any difference? Where I'm going to mount the tank it won't see daylight. I already have a fuel guage in the dash that is not hooked up. It was abandond when the original tank was discarded by the previous owner. I would like one with a sending unit if possible.

Any Help would be great!

Thanks


JBQ

[chumtini]

Sounds like a big job for an extra 10 gals. Below deck tanks have a built-in float with a separate sender. You'll need an access hatch. The senders tend to get gunked up and need replacement. Then, when you replace them, the aluminum screws tend to break, as did mine. Next is an anti-siphon valve. Since the tank is lower than the engine, there's a tendency for liquid to drain back to the tank. Check with your engine mfg for recommendations. From there, you'll know if/what primer pumps are recommended. Since your already there, check out a fuel mgmt system. I find mine are indispensable and they're dead nuts accurate. The tank senders are approx but a good back-up. Filters…filters…and more filters...Fuel/water separators are a must. However, the new ethanol fuel mix is tough to combat. I assume it's vented, otherwise, you would be having all sorts of problems. Good luck.

[johnebquick]

Sence I have a guage in the dash and the wire is already run to the back under the deck is why I was considering a below deck tank. I will not be installing it under the deck because I have a C/C with a foam filled hull. I will be mounting it on top of the deck and constructing a box around it and having a lift lid with a seat cushion on it for additional seating. The tank is
30" long x 20" wide x 16" tall, which is about the size of a perfect seat. Venting is not a problem and there is still a fill hole cut into the boat that I could reattach to fill the tank or just lift the seat/lid and fill directly into the tank. Sort of a portable tank with a sending unit. The tank would be less than a foot below the carbs and less then 3 feet away. Would this still pose the problem that you were talking about. I already installed a water/fuel seperator in line.