(2) 6 gallon gas tanks per side 26x

[Sheppie62]

I have searched, but haven’t found anything about having (2) 6 gallon tanks per side on a 26x. I’ve seen pictures of a 26M with them. Anybody done this?

[OverEasy]

Hi!

Common Mac26X and Mac26M fuel tank sizes are generally Low Profile types (like those made by Moeller or it’s predecessor Tempco) in 6, 9 and 12 gallon versions. There are several vendors who sell these like West Marine, Pontoon Supply and others.

These fit the standard fuel locker cubbies with the exception being one would need to remove the side lips of the cubbies to fit the 12 gallon version which is what we did.

Attached cut sheets show the dimensions:








Pictures of our 12 gallon tanks (which replaced our 9 gallon tank for extended ICW cruising range) installed:












Hope this helps!

[Sheppie62]

Thanks over easy! Yes I read your posts and I am contemplating your 12 gallon conversion. I like your fueling access door. Do you notice the tank sticking out on top while moving/ sitting? I have trouble getting around the pedestal as it is. I would like to be able to take tanks with me to fill, and put remainder in vehicle so it doesn’t go bad. I am looking at these No-name 6 gallon tanks that the handle won’t stick out, that might barely fit. Anybody try these in an X model.

[dlandersson]

Yes. Works very nicely.

I have searched, but haven’t found anything about having (2) 6 gallon tanks per side on a 26x. I’ve seen pictures of a 26M with them. Anybody done this?

[Sheppie62]

DiAndersson can you elaborate please.

[OverEasy]

Hi!

No protrusion at all (other than the smooth corner which was the same when the 9 gallon tanks were in place).

Vertical/Width/Depth are well within the envelope of the existing fuel locker cubbies with room to spare vertically.

[dlandersson]

I have two (2) 6 gallon neptune tanks on each side - 24 gallons total.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scepter-Nept ... lsrc=aw.ds

DiAndersson can you elaborate please.

[Inquisitor]

I was under the impression that the M's is just a little bigger space... is it safe to assume all these tank suggestions would also fit an ? I have one 12 Moeller, but was wanting something I might could carry if I had to for the other side (3/9 or 6/6).

[Misha]

I am using 6 gallon Neptune tanks (same as dlandersson mentioned) two on each side on my M. Handles are sticking out but I never considered it as an issue.

[Sheppie62]

Could someone post a picture of the Neptune tanks in the fuel bay, showing how far handles stick out please.

[dlandersson]

Ditto - and they can be lifted, but I have a 2 gallon tank (use for lawn mower) that I use to add fuel, usually once each season.

I am using 6 gallon Neptune tanks (same as dlandersson mentioned) two on each side on my M. Handles are sticking out but I never considered it as an issue.

[Misha]

Sorry. My boat is 300km north of my home and I don't have photos

[Democritus]

@OverEasy: I'm planning on doing the same mod with 2 x 12 gallon tanks. Do you use the hatches for fueling or just to access the fuel connection/breather valve? Do the hatches you got provide adequate support for people sitting/walking over them? If so, do you know which make/model you used? I was looking at some from West Marine that were $50 and some on Amazon that were $20. Of course I'd love to save a few bucks, but not at the expense of someone's foot going through a hatch and hurting themselves.

[OverEasy]

Hi Democritus!

I’ll get the brand and model number of the hatches I used for you tomorrow when I get back in the garage. Yes, they appear to be strong enough to stand upon as we’ve already done the several times.

We find sitting on them is no problem either as they are textured but relatively low profile and a nice match to the existing benches. No sharp edges or corners. No abrupt or substantial elevation changes.

As these are for the fuel locker cubby access we were not interested in a hard latch. These have a spring roller detent type latch to keep them closed and a lift handle that leverages them open. That way we aren’t fumbling around looking for a key or tool to open them when the need arises.
It works for us.

They cost about $50-$60 each.
We looked at more expensive ones but they weren’t appearing to be any stronger and required a tool to open. They protruded more and would have been less comfortable to sit upon.
We looked at less expensive ones and felt they were too flimsy.

We will be using the hatches to access the tanks for filling, connecting fuel line and to vent them.
There is plenty of access to accomplish all that comfortably.

Please bear in mind the cubbies are open spaces accessible to wind and weather so we were not looking for a full aggressively weather tight sealing hatch. The tanks both rest at a slight inward angle and their surfaces self drain. All we wanted was a strong surface that was comfortable, would keep the general weather and sun at bay, were easy to open, stayed shut and gave us the most reasonable access to the tanks. The photos help convey this better.

Tanks are going to be basically stationary and only removed for cleaning and end of season draining.

We’ll get the manufacture/distributor and part number to you tomorrow.

Hope this helped

[OverEasy]

Hi Democritus!

Here is the info on the hatch covers:





I was able to get them locally at Beaufort Boat and Dock Supply in Port Royal, SC but I suspect you can obtain them from various on-line sources or locally as well.

I opened a new topic thread on our modification process to detail out what we did if that might be of some assistance to you and others interested in accomplishing something similar.

Best Regards,
Over Easy