Fuel tanks

[1-Tntimbo]

I read somewhere that the compartments in the rear of the cockpit on a 26x will hold up to a 12 gallon tank.

I would like to find a the largest tank possibile that fits these compartments. I bought a 12 gallon Mouller "low profile" tank that would fit the compartment if......you could get it in there. I am considering enlarging the opening a bit, but before I go cutting on the opening, I thought I would check to see if anyone knew where to find one that fits the stock oppening.
T

[mc2]

I installed the Moeller 12 gal tanks in mine last year (one on each side). I had no problems sliding them in through the opening with the cap off and with the filler neck toward the inside. I installed a round inspection hatch over the fill cap so that I didn't have to keep pulling the tanks in and out to fill them up.

the bottom fits just inside the fuel locker nicely, but because the tank is straight up and down and the seat is not, it does protrude out about 1/2-3/4" up top outside of the locker.

[Tomfoolery]

Moeller says those tanks have built-in handles, but I wouldn't want to try lifting a full one into the boat at 78 lb of gasoline plus the tank itself.

Those new tanks have CARB-compliant vents now, don't they? Lots of pressure build up when they warm up.

[1-Tntimbo]

The tank I bought is 24 5/16"Lx18 1/16"Wx10 3/4"H. BWY says the original 12 gal. design fit just fine, but the new design has a problem fitting the opening. I will try removing the cap, and putting the filler toward the outside of the boat.
T

[Sea Wind]

I used the dremel to reduce the upper and lower lip, also installed a hatch for easy filling. Make sure that you leave the vent open during the summer.

[mc2]

Those new tanks have CARB-compliant vents now, don't they? Lots of pressure build up when they warm up.

I do not like the new EPA fuel caps, when it does get hot outside, it doesn't seem to vent the fumes out properly and the tanks swell up from square to round, I have tried to mess with the springs in the cap, but in the end the only way to let the air out is to remove the cap and put it back on.

[Tomfoolery]

Those new tanks have CARB-compliant vents now, don't they? Lots of pressure build up when they warm up.

I do not like the new EPA fuel caps, when it does get hot outside, it doesn't seem to vent the fumes out properly and the tanks swell up from square to round, I have tried to mess with the springs in the cap, but in the end the only way to let the air out is to remove the cap and put it back on.

The EPA may beg to differ, as I think that's the whole point. Not that I agree with it when it comes to plastic portable tanks, mind you, but I think that's what they intended. Checking those tanks online, it seems many folks just leave the cap loose when the boat is unattended.

[Whipsyjac]

I'm not sure there is a specific "factory" opening. When I got my boat there was only one 6gal tank per side. After spending time on this site I thought I'd put them both on one side but they wouldn't fit. I checked and checked for reasons, then I just opened up the face a bit. Before I started I could see that the edges weren't machine straight and the corners weren't very round, it looked like they had been cut or trimmed by hand. Opening them up more and moving the tanks around gave me so much more cockpit storage I regretted not doing it earlier. Now I've added a third 6gal tank and still have more useable space than I did before with the undersized openings. Cover your skin and use a vacuum and dust mask while you cut.

Willy

[Tomfoolery]

Opening them up more and moving the tanks around gave me so much more cockpit storage I regretted not doing it earlier. Now I've added a third 6gal tank and still have more useable space than I did before with the undersized openings.

Got any pics of the modified openings? I'm intrigued by the use of more than two 6 gallon portable tanks. Mine came with two such tanks, but for certain trips it would be really nice to increase the capacity at minimal cost.

[Whipsyjac]

I hope I haven't overstated my fuel capacity. I run 2 tanks on one side and one on the other. Originally I couldn't put both tanks in one locker. I opened then up with a hand file hoping that would keep the dust down. About an hour or so to get them to fit. The new tanks are Neptune 6 gallon. They are very easy to get in and out. The old tanks are mercury quicksilver with top handles that have been cut down, they're not so easy in and out with tank vents opposite connectors making switching and opening vents tricky. One quicksilver tank is out of commission with a broken fuel connector. I think I'll stay with 6 gallon tanks as I can go up or down in fuel capacity depending on the length of the cruise. They're also easy to transport allowing me to avoid expensive fuel docks when there's a gas station near by or a vehicle going to town. Here's pics





Willy

[Tomfoolery]

Thanks, that's useful. I have a pair of these 6 gallon Scepter tanks, which are slightly different than yours, but I'm sure they're original and therefore much older. I'd like to be able to do exactly what you've done, for extended range when it would be handy.

[nedmiller]

We often travel in unfamiliar waters and have had to carry a tank from shore to a nearby gas station more than once. Keeping at least one six gallon tank (or a 3 gallon) is a good idea if you are exploring! Usually we fill 3 six gallon tanks & I'm planning on adding a 3 gallon. I still have two old quicksilver tanks that sit side by side & don't stick out--but they don't make those any longer.

The best tool to make the tank opening larger is a multi-tool with a diamond blade. It is way faster than saber saw or dremel--use dust mask!

[1-Tntimbo]

I measured my fuel locker openings today on my 2000 model 26X. (23 3/4" lg x 101/2"). Need a least 1" all around, thankfully plenty of room in every direction.
T

[1-Tntimbo]

I now have a fuel capasity of 24 gallons!

[Boblee]

I read somewhere that the compartments in the rear of the cockpit on a 26x will hold up to a 12 gallon tank.

I would like to find a the largest tank possibile that fits these compartments. I bought a 12 gallon Mouller "low profile" tank that would fit the compartment if......you could get it in there. I am considering enlarging the opening a bit, but before I go cutting on the opening, I thought I would check to see if anyone knew where to find one that fits the stock oppening.
T

Not sure what you mean by this as ours have plenty of room length wise and don't really protrude outside, the actual lid curves in.
When they get hot you need to release the valve but NOT while cooking on deck or where there is a fire risk, I also cut the top of the relief valve off a bit and took some off the edges of the cap so that it doesn't push the seat up or the seat pushes the valve down, unlike the OEM tank if the relief is closed you can get a vacuum in the fuel line especially when the tank is full causing the motor to starve.
Also be careful which type of connectors you use, some of the after market ones can suck air and also give annoying misses or starving.