Gas tank, opinions needed

[gran398]

Guys, the only thing salvageable from Miss Marco beside the engines was the tank. So, get the tank out, take it to the welder to have a second pickup installed (want to run two pickups, with two engines).

I was told by the former owner the tank was 5 years old. We see now the tank is ten years old, fabbed in '01. The tank appears to be in excellent condition, minimal light corrosion (maybe 20 square inches worth)  primer still looks good/fresh. Bottom of the tank looks perfect. Rear of the tank looks perfect.

So...would be putting it back in what will basically be a new boat. What would you guys do? Keep it or replace it. Have gone this far, whatever the majority advises, I'll do.

Thanks guys!

[RickK]

How big is it Gran?  Will it truly be big enough for twins? I know it was in the boat that had twins but is it big enough for you?

[gran398]

Its 55 gallons, which I'm good with... I may use it for kings within ten miles...so that should be fine.

Fitz runs twins on his, would guess his is the same capacity. If were to replace it, would probably jump it to 70 or 80 tho.

thanks!

[MarshMarlowe196]

Gas Tanks are expensive.

Luckily, the tank in your Aqua is easily accessible and replaceable.  I don't think your twin setup will use much more fuel than the thirsty old single 2stroke power that most of the members ( not me  :tongue:  ) here are using.

I say set it up to work with what you have.  If it suits your purpose- great - you just saved a whole lot of money.  

If it doesn't, pull it and sell it to me.  I'm still using the original 70's tank which I will have to replace eventually.

[seabob4]

Scott,
I wouldn't worry about the corrosion, as you and I discussed.  Seeing as it's a light powdery substance, and no evidence of pitting, it is minor surface stuff.  Tanks are either .090" or .125" wall thickness, therefore the surface stuff has not affected the integrity of the tank.  You can always get the tank S/N of the manufacturer's plate (FL Marine tanks), give them a call with your S/N, and they'll tell you the wall thickness.

Clean the affected area well, re-apply a couple coats of protective sealant, and you're good to go...

[fitz73222]

Mine was replaced in 95` and increased to 68 gal. its plenty for what I do with twin 115`s, like gran mine is a beach runner for Kings, Cobia, Tarpon, etc. Who needs a big tank, you cant bottom fish on the east coast of Florida anymore!!

[RickK]

Who needs a big tank, you cant bottom fish on the east coast of Florida anymore!!

Why not?  I realize it drops off quickly over there but....  You just need a bigger reel    
Unless you're talking about regulations.

[Mcdiver]

Gran,
Ellyn-Ruth has a 50 or 55 on it.  JD and I take it out to 30 miles.  We figured out that it would go out that far and come back to shore and leave us with about 1/4 tank.  Hope this helps.  If I were to replace the tank, I would put the largest tank in that I could get.

Since you will be running twins, I would again, put in the largest tank that would fit.  You can never have too much fuel when on a boat.

Mike

[John Jones]

Scott,
I wouldn't worry about the corrosion, as you and I discussed.  Seeing as it's a light powdery substance, and no evidence of pitting, it is minor surface stuff.  Tanks are either .090" or .125" wall thickness, therefore the surface stuff has not affected the integrity of the tank.  You can always get the tank S/N of the manufacturer's plate (FL Marine tanks), give them a call with your S/N, and they'll tell you the wall thickness.

Clean the affected area well, re-apply a couple coats of protective sealant, and you're good to go...

This ^ if you are happy with the capacity.

[gran398]

Hey thanks guys! Exactly what was looking for, good advice.

Confirmed yesterday after work the wall thickness...its .110", approx. 1/8ths. Condition good to excellent.

We pulled it to clean/inspect, the welder stuck a garden hose in it and flushed it with dawn detergent added for about 2 hrs. yesterday. He said right much black/brown junk/goop was flushed out. Also, a big black "leaf" of some kind.

I was wanting to add a second pickup, for safety reasons. Welder suggested I call the maker, Florida Marine Tanks, and get their opinion, and if recommended, their pickup and fittings. So gonna do that first thing tomorrow, will report back.

In the meantime, ya'll enjoy your Sunday. (Fitz, ck. it out...It's 7:30...I'm awake... )

Thanks all for the great posts!

[jdupree]

Drop it in

[seabob4]

Scott,
Cut the 2nd pickup hole, have your welder weld in the new pickup (keep the end of the pickup about 3/8" off the bottom), then plumb separate lines to each separator to feed each engine.

A good thing to do when welding on a "suspect" tank is to fill it with water, then pump dry when welding is complete...don't want to go BOOM prematurely! :o  :o

[gran398]

That was my idea as well. Two engines, two pickups. If one pickup fails...for whatever reason....there is duplicity.

The welder however believes that the single pickup will suffice for these 75 hp twins....has in the past...so basically the reason for my call to FMT tomorrow.

He says that upon inspection their single pickup goes towards the rear, then does a circle hook about 3/8ths inches above the bottom. Much as you've described.

Bob, on twin outboard installs from the factory....are twin pickups standard/status quo.... or not?

Tx

PS...the tank is now full of clean water. But prior to welding, he will fill the tank with CO 2, eliminating O, therefore as he explains eliminating any chance of explosion.

[seabob4]

Scott,
On boats where twin engines are a factory option, 2 pickups are installed in every tank, period.  When optioned as a single, the second pickup has a plug in the outlet fitting...

[gran398]

Thanks SB...two it will be. Will call them a.m., and advise. Thanks guys.