1978 196 fuel tank move.

[Mike_Seaman]

Hello, I'm Mike. New to the site. I have a 1978 196. I've had the boat for a while and am replacing the 20" transom with a 25". I want to go with a four stroke and was considering moving the fuel tank forward to compensate for the increased engine weight as i would also like to add a jack plate. Thinking of moving the tank well forward so I would still have access to the tank.The floor has a couple of soft spots so may as well replace now. Would appreciate any advise!

[djbinding]

I replaced my 88 200xf 70 gallon tank with a 42 because I now have a 115 suzuki four stroke
 I kept tank in same position as original tank and foamed in the void up front. Try doing the math with the difference in motor weights. Tank position is important. I had a boat we here the tank was replaced and moved too far forward. Tied up to the dock, she never drained correctly. All the wacollected below deck forward not in the buldge. Almost sunk after a heavy rain

[RickK]

That would suck but I see how it could certainly be a problem.

[mshugg]

There is a guy over on Classic Seacraft who posted a formula for calculating center of gravity shifts.  Might be worth looking up.

[Capt. Bob]

There is a guy over on Classic Seacraft who posted a formula for calculating center of gravity shifts.  Might be worth looking up.

Lite reading.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9161.0

Best post is toward the end. Rest is nonsense.

[Mike_Seaman]

Thanks for all the info! Leaning towards a Suzuki 140hp. About the same weight as the old 150 pro v. A lot less work.Thanks again!