Replacing Fuel Tank

[bubba]

What's up guys. I just found out that my 85 gallon tank is leaking.(origional 1980 tank) Decided to go with a 35 gallon. I figured less weight. The furthest i go is around 12 miles out front.(wreck fishing) My boat has the 470 mercruiser i/o. Do you think this was a mistake downsizing? Oh forgot to mention it's a 22'2 family fisherman.

                               Thanks, ED

[LilRichard]

I would not go to 35 gallons - sure you only run 12 miles now, but it would be tough to get you out 20 miles and back with any trolling or extra running time.  Suppose your boat gets 2mpg - that means you will use 20 gallons getting out and back, and if you motor to a few spots while out, you're getting close to running out.  

Don't forget that the USABLE portion of the tank is about 80-90% of it's capacity, depending on design.

[Mad Dog]

I agree with Richard.  85 is huge but you could easily fit a 60 (standard for 22-2 OB) in its place.  If you ever sell the boat that might be a limiting factor to the buyers who need more range.

[GoneFission]

Phil at Alloy Metal Works can fix you up in a week with an 85 gallon tank - that will make the boat more valuable if you try to sell it.  The Family Fisherman is a pretty popular boat for the overnight crowd - they like range 'cuz they go out for a couple days at a time.  A 222FF with a 35 gallon tank just doesn't make a lot of sense.  I've got specs for the original tank if you need them, or you can just measure your own.  

Here's an idea - how about a split tank?  You would need to add a second filler hose and fitting, but Phil could fix you up with an 85 gallon tank with a separator in the middle - maybe 45 in the front and 40 in the rear.  You could put a Y-valve on the top of the tank (accessable through the deck plate) and then switch if you wanted from front to rear.  You could keep the rear tank empty, or keep 10 gallons or so in there as a reserve.  Might be an idea...