Increasing Fuel Capacity

LiveBait · 01-25-2006, 11:01 AM

Hi Ifishers,
I have a 91 Alumaweld Formula V that I want to eventually increase the fuel capacity in. On nice days I want to be able to venture further out in the ocean. For some reason they only put a 38 gallon tank in the boat. :-( Has anyone had any experience with installing either two tanks or one larger tank? Im thinking around 80 gallons would be nice if its feasible. How difficult of a job is this, and any idea on costs? Thanks...
LiveBait

Mr_sturgeon · 01-25-2006, 11:23 PM

I have been thinking about this myself. I have 65 gallons on 1 side and the other side is empty with enough space for another 65 gallon. I was thinking it could be done like a truck with a switch to switch tanks when one is empty, shouldn't be to difficult if that is what needs done.,
I would like to get more input on this by the Ifish pros first though
anyone?

BiteFactory · 01-26-2006, 03:50 AM

Not quite the same, but maybe in time for this summer...

On long sailing trips we used fuel bladders (do a google search on "fuel bladder boat"). They worked pretty well.

Orca · 01-26-2006, 07:42 AM

http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat....;Number=213712

http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat....;Number=594009

http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat....;Number=603806

LiveBait · 01-26-2006, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. However, I was really looking for more information about what I would find for space after taking up the floor boards. Is there usually room for two tanks, say one on the right and one on the left? Or is it designed so only one tank can run down the middle? Maybe each boat manufacture has there own hull design. Thanks in advance for any more insight to my questions.

LiveBait

Boat Doc' · 01-27-2006, 08:35 AM

There is room for one or more tanks down the middle only. You could remove a bulkhead if necessary to install a bigger tank. Make sure you take weight distribution into consideration with tank placement. There may be foam that needs removed.

Tinman · 01-27-2006, 08:37 AM

There is a lot to be said for the portable 12 gal red plastic tanks. They are cheap, durable and stay in the garage when you don't need them. I lay them on a piece of heavy plastic floor runner, and strap them down with 1.5 inch webbing and clips from Andy and Bax. No fuel valves...I just plug 'em into the outboard fuel hose connection as needed.

Orca · 01-27-2006, 12:20 PM

Make sure you strap portable tanks down as Timman does. Anything over 7 gal. is required to be restrained by the USCG.

LiveBait · 01-27-2006, 11:09 PM

It has a 351 inboard with an american turbine jet. Would you want to splice into the gas line somehow to use the 12 gallon tanks you were suggesting? Where did you find your tanks? Fishermens, Boaters World? What type of valves and other materials would you recommend to make this work. If someone has done this and could post some pics that would be very helpful! Thanks...

Catching Nemo · 01-29-2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

It has a 351 inboard with an american turbine jet. Would you want to splice into the gas line somehow to use the 12 gallon tanks you were suggesting? Where did you find your tanks? Fishermens, Boaters World? What type of valves and other materials would you recommend to make this work. If someone has done this and could post some pics that would be very helpful! Thanks...

LiveBait,

Tempo Products Click on the link and have fun with the possibilities :grin:.

These guys make pretty much everything you need and can be found at GI Joes, Fishermans and other marine stores. I went with a couple of 12 gallon low profile storage tanks and plumbed them with their own quick disconnects (and filter) to the outboard(s). I just found that it worked better, for my setup, than having it plumbed into the main system. In your case, however, it should be pretty easy to install a 3 way valve and hook into it from there.

Hope that helps.

Tinman · 01-30-2006, 07:05 AM

During boating season, GI Joes has the 12 gal tanks (Tempo Part #630012, "Ultra PBW") for $50. This is much cheaper than West Marine. Dimensions on the tank are 14 1/4" wide x 20 3/8"L x 13 3/4" high.

150aintenuff · 01-30-2006, 08:36 PM

since it is an inboard build or purchase 2 boxes to slide in to the sides of the engine hatch and install 2 27 gallon in floor tanks and plumb to the top of your coaming gunnels with a in filler vent.. and to plumb just run all 3 lines to a 3 way selector switch and to your separator.. anchor the boxes and if the tanks are a tight fit you wount have any USCG problems.. and it will give you a nice step for fighting fish around the motor box.. and just as an FYI your gauge if factory alumaweld burrys at 38 Gallons but unless you totally ran out 99% came with a 50 gallon tank my alumaweld is a 90 and stock fuel tanks were 50 Gal..

LiveBait · 02-01-2006, 09:10 AM

Thanks everyone for helping give me some ideas. I'm still thinking which route I want to go. So if anyone else has some ideas that they have found to work lets hear about them. Thanks...

fish_on · 02-02-2006, 09:10 PM

I remember Cabela's having custom made tanks avaiable.