Fuel tank replacement options opinions needed

[Silvermax]

Hello,
I had to throw out both saddle tanks on my newly aquired 1976 V-20.

I have the original 1976 Chrysler 135 and had it repaired and running great now, but was thinking of leaving out the saddle tanks and getting one large neoprene tank to put on the floor along the transom and even place a cushion seat across it, or a tackle/bait cutting tray arrangement? I do not know what else to do, and I wanted at least 40-50 gallons capacity if possible.

Thank you for any ideas and opinions.

[phatdaddy]

I think having that much weight in the stern is going to a problem. Somebody(maybe reelapeelin) had some neat tanks under his front seats, not sure if some sort of belly tank would fit a 76.

[Silvermax]

Has two fish boxes in center of floor with nice teak covers, can't do belly tank. Boat repair place said bow spot (where marine head was) is not a good idea as the bow of these V20's are heavy enough with the fiberglass flare etc. and the stern should be okay. Buttt...I would rather hear from owners as to any workable options, thanks.

[phatdaddy]

I'd take a 35 gallon drum or seven 5 gallon buckets full of water and set it in the stern where you think the fuel tank will go, and run the boat . You can run off of a portable 6 gallon while checking.
Gas 5o x 6 = 300lbs
Water 35 x 8,25 = 289lbs

This will give you some idea of how it will impact the performance running and sitting.

[Silvermax]

really smart idea, thanks, will do first. The old saddle tanks were in the stern but in the gunnels. This probably helped the roll also.

[Destroyer]

I'd personally stay with the side tanks. I always liked the idea of going out on one tank, and when it ran dry I knew it was time to head back in. Never ran out of gas that way.

[Silvermax]

I would like to locate some, but 1976 tanks are suspect. If I go the newer type, I will need all the filler and venting etc. Expensive to boot. But, it is a safe way to go with your method, you can almost forget about gas level and just run around and fish etc. thx

[tsubaki]

Here is one I replaced.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=10134

[tsubaki]

Back then my only choice was the 18 gallon. Probably the FT1894 (port).
There are 24 gallons that might fit in the location. Look at the diagrams and see if they might fit without major modifications.
There are some dimensional differences with the 24 gallon FT2495P (port) and FT2495 (port) as there are also in the FT2495-1 (starboard) and FT2495S Starboard. You gotta decide.
http://www.plastic-mart.com/category/295/moeller-marine-fuel-tanks

[macojoe]

My6 76 was a I/O convert to outboard, I used a 30 gal I belive were the I/O was But there was more room for bigger if I wanted!

[Kracker Jack]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/sandbridgeco/Mobile%20Uploads/20150727_164952_zpsqafzou9q.jpg (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/sandbridgeco/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150727_164952_zpsqafzou9q.jpg.html)
Here is a 30 gallon stuffed under my console. Its not as big as you think. This tank originally came on a carolina skiff. This one I belive can be used above or below deck.

[garbubba]

What's holding that tank down? Looks like it'd go flying in heavy weather.

[Fitz]

When I bought my 1975 V20 it had only saddle tanks (40 gallons total). I wanted additional range for offshore fishing runs, so I added an 18 gallon Tempo Model TP18SC under the bench seat that I added in the rear. I routed each of the tanks into a three-way manual switch that I mounted on the starboard side of the seat. That setup has always worked great for me.

[Fitz]

Here's a photo of the seat: http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album06/H. It opens from back to front to give access to the tank, which occupies about 90% of the underseat area. Unfortunately I don't have a shot showing the seat open.

[macojoe]

Hey there fitz, glad to see a old timer still checking in!!!