OK to move Fuel Tank forward?

[PriceTR24speed]

Any issues moving fuel tank to the front of a Jon Boat (1542)? I would like to clear out the area in front of the transom and move some weight forward to balance out the boat. I know the battery is easy, but what about the fuel tank? Here are the questions or potential issues that come to my mind.

Can my motor physically pull fuel from an extra 6-8’ away - ‘06 Merc 15hp 4 stroke?

What about fuel vapors - tank would be under the casting deck would it need to be vented?

Fuel hose shielding/protection?

Thanks

 

[TheGrandestPoobah]

as far as the pump is concerned, vertical distance from the pump is what matters, not horizontal.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I had a 12 gallon tank in the front of a 1436 with about 12' of 3/8 fuel line going to my Mariner 25 hp motor without any issues.

 

[PriceTR24speed]

Any input on the fuel tank being placed inside forward storage compartment? Any worry about gas fumes or needing ventilation?

 

[FuzzyGrub]

It can not be fully enclosed or it would be an explosion hazard. The portable tanks vent to atmosphere, and the fumes would build up in your compartment.


Before getting a bow troller in our StarCraft Mariner-V, I moved the portable 6 gal tank under the casting deck I built. It had natural ventilation though. It had an open space at the very front of the V and the back was fully open between casting and floor. The 40hp Nissan had no issues with getting gas.

The fuel hose ran along the starboard edge, out of foot traffic.

An enclosed tank will need to be hard mounted and fill and vent hoses provided and they need to meet a certain spec.

 

[PriceTR24speed]

It can not be fully enclosed or it would be an explosion hazard. The portable tanks vent to atmosphere, and the fumes would build up in your compartment.


Before getting a bow troller in our StarCraft Mariner-V, I moved the portable 6 gal tank under the casting deck I built. It had natural ventilation though. It had an open space at the very front of the V and the back was fully open between casting and floor. The 40hp Nissan had no issues with getting gas.

The fuel hose ran along the starboard edge, out of foot traffic.

An enclosed tank will need to be hard mounted and fill and vent hoses provided and they need to meet a certain spec.

Would vent louvers like these or these be enough to vent the fumes?

 

[RaisedByWolves]

Would vent louvers like these or these be enough to vent the fumes?

No, they are just perfect to let in enough oxygen for an explosion.

Any deck or floor that your tank or fuel line run through need one entire side/end open or you will need a fan.

The risks of this imo greatly outweigh the rewards.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

I don't know all the design criteria but what RBW said sounds reasonable. Not mentioned so far, is any electrical or spark generating items within the compartment are specialized or will need to be removed.

Maybe you have some mid-ship options if you need the additional weight distribution?

FWIW: Here is how mine was set-up: Mariner-V Mods

 

[airshot]

You would be OK as long as you have plenty of ventilation, many tank "lockers" have a door made from mesh to allow plenty of air acess to prevent fumes from collecting. If you boat in choppy water, keep in mind that will stir up the fumes and make the tank vent more, so some slooshing out could occur. long fuel line runs are usually not an issue unless steep verticle inclines are used. Make sure you have a good primer bulb to get that fuel moving toward that motor...

 

[airshot]

I don't know all the design criteria but what RBW said sounds reasonable. Not mentioned so far, is any electrical or spark generating items within the compartment are specialized or will need to be removed.

Maybe you have some mid-ship options if you need the additional weight distribution?

FWIW: Here is how mine was set-up: Mariner-V Mods

Cool boat, I had an 18' version of that, great boat!!

 

[Attwanl]

I moved my to under the bow seat on my 12/36. I put a hinged door in it, just open it up while launching the boat Incase of any fumes. Gave me more room in the back and distributes the weight. Leveled out the boat for a smoother ride. It really was one of the things I did that saw the biggest change on how the boat performed.

 

[Pothole]

Would vent louvers like these or these be enough to vent the fumes?

I have them on both of my boats. Very common on many of the aluminum duck boats being built today