On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:49:51 -0500, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:56:33 -0600, observer penned the following well
considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:16:54 GMT, "Tom G"
wrote:


observer wrote in message
...
I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

Looks like the smaller motors come with 6 gallon plastic tanks which I've
not had good luck with. They expand during the heat of the day, which tends
to permanently deform the bottom of the tank so it doesn't fit flat to the
floor of the boat. Then at night, they'll suck in, further deforming. All
of this expanding and contracting seems to pull in air from outside with
it's moisture which the alcohol in the fuel then pulls into the gas mixture.
Also, I've noticed little cracks in the plastic at the edges from the
movement. Steel tanks are still available to purchase at some of the big
boating retailers (catalogue and on line). I picked up a couple of used
ones the other day for $5 each and they're going to replace my plastic ones

Tom G.



Thanks Tom. I guess I have a lot of catching up to do but
somehow I think I can still handle a similar boat. At that time, our
last outboard was a Evinrude 125 hp 2cyl, if that matters.

Thanks again!!

ps-- I didn't mean to start a flame over this. Just trying to update
my knowledge/memory . Sorry about being the cause of the flames.

ROFL..... if you think those are flames, you don't visit here much!

Seriously, though.... as Eisboch suggests, keeping the tank full is
the best solution.... but short of that, I think there is no real harm
in leaving the vent open in such a small tank.... unless the boat is
stored for a longer period of time, in which case if it isn't premix
I'd put the surplus into the car or lawn mower.

Since my son is not the most responsible in keeping the tank full, I
just make sure the vent is open. That is easier to deal with than fuel
dripping out of the garboard drain.

Just to continue a sec....
Not to brag but 99 % of my memories were on a small runabout but I was
also fortunate enough to also have some on a 53' Hatteras several
times and to be honest, I'd rather have the small boat but I'm glad to
have had the large boat memories because I can speak from experience
(without the cost g) .