Tanks....help

[beachrider99]

I recently purchased a 77v20 and the guy put a portable 15gal fuel tank sliding around on the deck.... I believe it had two side tank due to caps and vents on both sides. Where can I find those tanks or what do you all suggest this is my first venture into a boat project.

[smokeonthewater]

I'd say forget the side tanks and go for a single tank under the floor

[Destroyer]

Beachrider99, what Smokeonthewater just suggested is the proper way to go. Side tanks were discontinued for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to the fact that as you draw down one tank, the weight of the other full tank puts a list onto your boat on that side. It's simply easier to maintain a level boat with one center under deck tank. There are many posts on this site from people that have either converted to a center tank or have replaced one. Just do a search.

Congratulations on your purchase of a fine boat. Stay around this site to get a ton of helpful information, encouragement and advice, as well as just plain friendly folks that love their boats. Welcome aboard.

[tsubaki]

Welcome to the site!
Yes yours did have 2/20gallon saddle tanks.
Look at this thread to see if you have some of the same pitfalls I had.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=10134&highlight=tank
You need to consider if adding the two saddle tanks back are less work/cost than relocating one in the floor.
For the fuel delivery for two tanks see this thread.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=4908&highlight=fuel+delivery
Also see if there is anything interesting to you in this thread.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=2808&highlight=specs

[beachrider99]

thanks guys! what size tanks are most of you running under the deck?

[spareparts]

wait for Reelapealin to come along, he ended up putting two tanks under seat boxes and kept the tanks above the floor, worked out pretty good for him. Look at his gallery for pictures

[smokeonthewater]

IIRC mine is 68 gal

[beachrider99]

So... I cut the deck out ready for a tank before the new deck. What tanks are you all running? off the shelf or custom and such all info is appreciated?

[Larryrsf]

I have the same boat, but with two good aluminum side tanks, 20 gallons. I removed both, cleaned them out, and then replaced all the fuel line and added a big filter with replaceable cartridge like a car oil filter. I replaced the selector valve too. While the tanks were out I replace the electric level senders and added wires from those to the dashboard, where I will add a gauge and selector switch.

So my boat still has two BIG storage spaces over a foot deep under the middle of the walking deck between the seats. I have a place for the anchor and 200 feet of rope, and other bulky things. I have a place for tools, and extra life jackets, etc. I would hate to give up all that valuable storage for a gas tank. I suggest installing two side tanks as originally designed. Its easy to balance the weight by using some from each tank.

Larry

[bradford]

Most run a 60 gallon tank from the factory. Depending on the room available you can fit a lot more sometimes. Figure out your dimensions and watch out for good quality used plastic moeller type tanks. Sometimes they can be had for a steal. Or you could have a shop build you a custom one, usually between 450-600 bucks depending on what you need.

[beachrider99]

Factory 60gal tank? I haven't seen those. Any quick links to getting those?

[tsubaki]

Here is a 60 gallon belly tank with dimensions from Moeller.
http://www.moellermarine.com/sites/moellermarine/files/fta000648-r6_%28032560%29_a_8-13-13.pdf
Cruise through their site and see if you can come up with one close to the size you need.

[jetblue319]

i just order a fuel tank from the original fuel tank factory in Perry Florida, the just changed their name to RDS ALUMN. PAID 575.00 for a 60 gal. includes s/h which was 100.00 to ship to crystal river fla. area.

[spoggy]

I have a '77, just picked it up a couple of months ago. I never thought about the saddle tanks causing issues with weight distribution as the fuel is consumed. I read through the threads that tsubaki suggested. Has anyone run a line between the two tanks at the bottom that will allow them to equalize the fuel level? Seems a lot easier than cutting the decks apart to put in a belly tank.

[Destroyer]

I have a '77, just picked it up a couple of months ago. I never thought about the saddle tanks causing issues with weight distribution as the fuel is consumed. I read through the threads that tsubaki suggested. Has anyone run a line between the two tanks at the bottom that will allow them to equalize the fuel level? Seems a lot easier than cutting the decks apart to put in a belly tank.

Spoggy... I made that same suggestion several years ago in a few different threads. It's a viable solution to the problem. Good thinking. The only (and I stress only) downside is that some people like the two tanks as a de facto fuel monitoring system. They run all day on the first tank, and when they have to switch to the second tank they know it's time to head back to shore. Actually, with my first V (almost 30 years ago) I did exactly that. But back to the hooking them up together, again, it's a good solution to the weight distribution problem, just keep an eye on your fuel usage. (I used to carry a portable spare 6 gal tank in the bow for just that reason) :beer:

[spoggy]

There's one all the way at the bottom that's L, R, Both and Off.
http://www.golanproducts.com/fuel_valves.html

[Destroyer]

There's one all the way at the bottom that's L, R, Both and Off.
http://www.golanproducts.com/fuel_valves.html

I like the looks of that one... functional and yet attractive. Good find. :beer:

[macojoe]

Mine was the same with the 2 tanks. Thjey were great shape and as stated I liked the montering aspect so I knew I was getting low. But after I converted from I/O to out board I got a 25 gal placstic tank and put were the motor use to be. I almost never use more then the 25 in a trip so it worked out great.