Fuel tank questions
 

My 16' runabout currently has an above deck fuel tank, on floor in back. I
would like to reconfigure to a below deck tank in the bow.. I've found some
tanks online, but I'm having trouble with parts, especially the filler
neck/cap assembly. Any clues as to where to look online?
Also, how close to tank does primer bulb need to be?

Thanks,

Tom Creech

"Tom Creech" wrote in message
...
My 16' runabout currently has an above deck fuel tank, on floor in back.
I
would like to reconfigure to a below deck tank in the bow.. I've found
some
tanks online, but I'm having trouble with parts, especially the filler
neck/cap assembly. Any clues as to where to look online?
Also, how close to tank does primer bulb need to be?

It would seem like moving the tank to the front might have a noticeable
impact on the performance of a 16' boat, as it would be nose-heavy when the
tank is full. It depends on how heavy the boat is in the first place, and
how much power you have. Logic would indicate that the bulb should be as
close as possible to the engine, so as not to pump so much air. You are
intending to use a stiff gas line, rather than running a rubber hose the
length of the boat, right?

Unc

I think your making a mistake mounting the tank in the bow. Balance is a
big issue on a boat. I wound not mount any further forward than the rear
seats.

You should be able to find all the parts at www.overtons.com or
www.boatersworld.com


--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Tom Creech" wrote in message
...
My 16' runabout currently has an above deck fuel tank, on floor in back.
I
would like to reconfigure to a below deck tank in the bow.. I've found
some
tanks online, but I'm having trouble with parts, especially the filler
neck/cap assembly. Any clues as to where to look online?
Also, how close to tank does primer bulb need to be?

Thanks,

Tom Creech

Also Sprach Tony Thomas :
I think your making a mistake mounting the tank in the bow. Balance is a
big issue on a boat. I wound not mount any further forward than the rear
seats.

Moving my tank from the far aft to about 3/4 the way forward was one of
the best things I ever did. Before, I could NEVER get the bow trimmed
down far enough, had a moderately rough ride, and porpoising problems. I
find it much better balanced now, it planes out without staring at the sky
for fifteen seconds, and has a smoother ride. I think many small boats
are balanced too far aft by default.. which is why so many people try to
band-aid the problem with those silly plastic hydrofoils what bolt onto
the cavitation plate.

As far as the primer bulb, mine works fine mounted in the aft near the
engine, but I also added an electric priming pump. Much nicer to hold
down a button for a few seconds than to dig in the greasy engine well for
the bulb, plus I can run the electric pump to get home if the engine
driven pump fails.


Dan



--
The reason that every major university maintains a department of
mathematics is that it's cheaper than institutionalizing all those people.

It's a covered bow aluminium boat (1960 Lonestar)...hardly any weight in
front quarter of the boat...
When I go duck hunting (primary mission of this beast) the open space in
back will be loaded with gear.
I figure this should help get me up on plane, especially in the dark, when
safety dictates lower speeds.

Thanks,

Tom

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:jhM%c.149565$Fg5.133882@attbi_s53...
I think your making a mistake mounting the tank in the bow. Balance is a
big issue on a boat. I wound not mount any further forward than the rear
seats.

You should be able to find all the parts at www.overtons.com or
www.boatersworld.com


--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Tom Creech" wrote in message
...
My 16' runabout currently has an above deck fuel tank, on floor in back.
I
would like to reconfigure to a below deck tank in the bow.. I've found
some
tanks online, but I'm having trouble with parts, especially the filler
neck/cap assembly. Any clues as to where to look online?
Also, how close to tank does primer bulb need to be?

Thanks,

Tom Creech

"Tom Creech" wrote in message .. .
It's a covered bow aluminium boat (1960 Lonestar)...hardly any weight in
front quarter of the boat...
When I go duck hunting (primary mission of this beast) the open space in
back will be loaded with gear.
I figure this should help get me up on plane, especially in the dark, when
safety dictates lower speeds.

Thanks,

Tom

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:jhM%c.149565$Fg5.133882@attbi_s53...
I think your making a mistake mounting the tank in the bow. Balance is a
big issue on a boat. I wound not mount any further forward than the rear
seats.

You should be able to find all the parts at www.overtons.com or
www.boatersworld.com


--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Tom Creech" wrote in message
...
My 16' runabout currently has an above deck fuel tank, on floor in back.
I
would like to reconfigure to a below deck tank in the bow.. I've found
some
tanks online, but I'm having trouble with parts, especially the filler
neck/cap assembly. Any clues as to where to look online?
Also, how close to tank does primer bulb need to be?

Thanks,

Tom Creech





it matters little where you put the primer in your fuel line. put it
where it is most accessible. more weight up front makes for a better
performing hull. i would suggest not using hard line for the fuel
line. just stick with rubber you will be fine, sheath it inside
another larger hose or similar product if chafing will be a problem.