Small Boats, and Fuel Tanks

[capn_billl]

I have a problem I don't have a good solution for. Where to put the fuel tank?

On MY boat, and I have seen many boats in this size range with the same problem. There is no place to put the gas tank for the outboard.

Putting it in the cockpit takes up space, someone has to step over, trip, or it occupies someones seat. Putting it into the cabin is a no go, because of the fumes, also the one small locker opens into the cabin, and is not vented to outside.

I was looking for a locker like a large glovebox, that is completly sealed, except at the door, and mounts into a hole with a flange, and is big anough for a small 3 gal gas tank.

Most boats of this size range just buy an outboard that has the gas tank molded into a cowling, and holds 1/2 - 1/4 gallon.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by capn_billl

I have a problem I don't have a good solution for. Where to put the fuel tank?

On MY boat, and I have seen many boats in this size range with the same problem. There is no place to put the gas tank for the outboard.

Putting it in the cockpit takes up space, someone has to step over, trip, or it occupies someones seat. Putting it into the cabin is a no go, because of the fumes, also the one small locker opens into the cabin, and is not vented to outside.

I was looking for a locker like a large glovebox, that is completly sealed, except at the door, and mounts into a hole with a flange, and is big anough for a small 3 gal gas tank.

Most boats of this size range just buy an outboard that has the gas tank molded into a cowling, and holds 1/2 - 1/4 gallon.

I am guilty. The integral tank in my ob will run the motor for anout an hour. I bought a six gallon tank. Fortunately I have a locker the spans the transom. I hate putting the tank in there, especially leaving the boat. I close the gas tank vent but there are still fumes to smell when I arrive at the boat. I open the boat up completely including the locker and vent it while I make the boat ready.

Leaving the tank on deck is a non starter as it will surely get nicked.

I hate this setup...

[barnakiel]

Yep. E.g. the sail-Tohatsu (6hp looooong shaft) has an in-built tank and an option to connect an external tank should you be heading for a longer trip. That's a nice solution IMHO. It sells with a prop optimised for a sailing boat rather than for a rubber duck - so the in-built tank lasts easily to go out and back into the marina.

Cheers,
b.

[capn_billl]

I wonder about the propane powered outboards, at least those tanks don't stink.

[bobconnie]

I made small vented box with a lock. mounted it on the aft deck. It just fit a 6 gallon outboard tank. worked for us, altho we did have a 42 ft boat at the time. Don't know if ya have the room.

[capn_billl]

That is probably the best solution. Although a 3 gal would be the size. There is one cockpit locker, but it is open to the cabin.

I thought about glassing off a section of it. That will most likely be my final solution.

I am shopping for a molded drop in box, but West Marine was out of them.

[Sailmonkey]

What about a small built in tank, like somewhere under a settee, vented to the outside?