Saddle tanks

axespino · #1 11-24-2005, 06:12 AM

Going to need to replace the saddle tanks in my 73 V20. Where can I find some tanks I have found some at Overtons but they are 18 gal instead of 20 gallons. I might put a tank where the inboard used to be with a hatch for some trays or something. Does anyone have any ideas about something like that or would it be to much weight in the back?

Mac_Attack · #2 11-24-2005, 11:07 AM

MJ tell the man about yours! MJ did just that to his boat, so it is possible. Bill Mc ;D

reelapeelin · #3 11-24-2005, 10:31 PM

Axe, take a look:

The seat boxes have fuel tanks in 'em...mine are two 40s...might not work for everybody, but it's sure worked for me... ;)...

axespino · #4 11-28-2005, 11:25 AM

Did you make them yourself or did you buy them? Can you send the dimensions? That looks like a good setup. How did you run the fuel lines? Thanks

reelapeelin · #5 11-28-2005, 12:40 PM

Axe, glad you like it...the alum. tanks came from West Marine...as you can see in the pic, the top of the box in back is higher, maybe 2'' than front where seat is mounted...extra hieght is to make room for fuel-line connections...plus had welding shop replace verticle fill pipe w/a 90* elbow on each tank, otherwise back of box too high...depending on what motor you got and how much fuel it uses, you might wanna consider twin 30 gal tanks...will save a little weight/room...I built the boxes outta treated plywood and 2xs, then covered w/white vinyl (lowe's has SS staples)...used 1/4'' rubber as cushion under each tank, ran lines outta box to under the gunwales; fillers direct to new SS caps (ea. side), fuel supply lines under gunwales and back to motor...IMPORTANT; whether you take this route or not, relocate your VENTS from below the rub-rail to above it...below caused MANY heartaches and other PIAs as water went into them and to the tank...if you decide to go this way, let me know and I'll give you some more details...let me know B4 you buy anything... ;)...

macojoe · #6 11-30-2005, 04:55 PM

I have my 20 gal saddle tanks and a 25 gal tank in the old motor well.

Do you still have the inboard cover on your boat, or did you make it floor space??

I Keeped the engin cover, I like sitting on it while jigging and makes a great cut table

I have the 25 gal tank in there with a small home made live well.
I take the live well out when I want to use it. But I have it at all times!!

If you got rid of the engin cover you will need a smaller tank, as the 25 sticks up to high.

I would post a pic, but my computer is dead :'( and all are stuck inside of it!!
I am down to a small laptop 233 with a 4 gb HD Its killing me!!

axespino · #7 11-30-2005, 05:28 PM

The old engine cover got thrown away a long time ago. I was thinking about putting a hatch on there and putting a live well that can be taken off when not needed. I have two V20's one that was an I/O and the other is made for an outboard I am trying to decide which one to go with. The only thing I don't like about the one thats made for the outboard is the opening in the back that would allow a big wave to come in. May make a cover that could fit in that space. It also has two small cracks on the transom that need repairing.

macojoe · #8 11-30-2005, 06:34 PM

well if you ask the question I am sure all will agree with there is nothing like a full transom!! No have to worry about the waves coming over the back, pleanty of room and the storage in that full transom is great!!
you can still add a 3 rd tank in that hole. 20gal would fit I bet.

axespino · #9 11-30-2005, 07:10 PM

Yeah, a full transom would be better but I didn't have the money to buy a bracket at the time. Hindsight is 20/20. It would be nice to have a compartment there is the back for something, but who says it can't be put back!

macojoe · #10 11-30-2005, 07:43 PM

There are alot of 2nd hand brackets out there!! you can get them from 50 to 75% cheaper then new!!
I paid $400 for mine and it was $1500 for a new one.

If at all possible go with the full transom.