Gas tank replacement 170

[Martin t]

Is there anyone in ct that would replace my gas tank and rewire the complete boat thanks marty

[Capt. Bob]

Martin,

Are you willing to try any of this yourself?

Nice DIY projects. Lot of help here.

[Martin t]

I think I am going to end up doing it,I am self employed so not a lot of time plus I have to do it outside but if I have to not use the boat for one season so be it because I love the boat just got it last year and I don't see anything else that I like as much all the help that I can get here will be greatly apreaciated thanks for responding ,newbie marty

[RickK]

Hi Marty, the fuel tank should be a piece of cake provided you don't have to replace the fill and vent hose.
The wiring, depending on what you have accessory wise should not be hard to do. The engine has it's own harness = so it's self contained.  Look under your console and mark the wires leaving the harness and where they land, like the key switch.  You can remove the whole keyswitch and not unwire it.  Of course there is a tach connection and fuel guage. 
The rest is lights for the most part on a basic boat plus a bilge pump (mine didn't even have that).
If you have a stereo and special under gunnel lights, underwater lights and such, it's still really only a pair of wires at a time to each.  You should be fine.  Spend a day drawing out what you have, mark the exiting wires and that'll demystify it.  Then add what you want to the drawing.
We can help you.

[Capt. Bob]

Wiring is pretty straight forward. The proper type wire and connections are important of course and if you have a fetish for tie wraps, you can use all you want. Neatness counts but remember, you're self grading so.....

The tank, is more labor intensive but not rocket science. We have had several (maybe more) done over the years.

You can start reading here if you like.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?board=35.0


What year is your hull?

[Martin t]

Thanks again for your replies my hull is a 1986 I think the engine is a 96 Yamaha 90 the only reason  I think that is the first trip out the shift rod from power head to lower unit broke ( think previous owner new) and the mechanic told me it was a 96, but getting back to gas tank  issue the wiring looks like a ten year old was practicing  they added wires to replace bad wires without taking out existing ones, so I was planning on starting over would appreciate any thought on type of wire and where do I start thanks again marty

[Capt. Bob]

I'll need to search a bit to see if we have pics for your 86 tank. I know some earlier and later years are talked about so give me a little time and I'll see what I can dig up.

Here's a start:
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=3850.0

First, are you running one or two batteries and where is/are they located?

Would you give us an idea as to what you wish to keep or add?

I suggest you use tinned wire. Higher cost but better reliability in the boating environment.

We also have some generic wiring schematics that will help you out.

[Martin t]

There is only one battery and it is in the center console I think I would like to go to two and none of the gauges work ,willing to put some money into this boat to make it right last owners neglected it I will be using boat mostly for fishing in ct .thanks marty

[Martin t]

I can get knew tank made from neighbor who owns a metal fabrication shop and he needs a knew septic system which I do.

[Capt. Bob]

You can't beat the "barter system".

Marty,
I added a link to the last post showing a tank replacement.

I'm leaving the office but I'll find more and we can start working on the wiring layout soon.

Good luck.

[Martin t]

So glad I hooked up with you guys here

[Martin t]

I would like to keep it simple fish/depth finder billage pump,lights and maybe a live well the engine has power trim

[RickK]

Hi Marty, take a look in this forum and scan for wiring diagrams and harnesses - lots of examples in there for you to "consume"
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?board=46.0

[Martin t]

Thanks Rick still trying to figure out how to post pics but I'm  persistent

[Capt. Bob]

IIRC, your model 170 has the wire trough in the deck. You can move the battery to the console and providing you have space, add a second. The 170 console isn't huge but hopefully you will have room if you decide to go that route. No matter, you will still need a few tools to do the job properly and the learning curve on wiring is not steep so.........

Let's assume you do.
You have a decision to make.
Two schools of thought.

1. A battery dedicated to cranking the motor (start) and the second dedicated to powering your accessories (house).
2. A combo battery to do both.

Since you only have one now, #2 is what you are currently doing so....
 
I would suggest you use two deep cell batteries to perform both starting and running of your electronics. I have used this system for years and with the same type size and style battery, in good condition, it will work fine for you. Think about it because this is going to be your starting point. You can get as elaborate as you wish however so just let us know.

Good luck.