fuel tank size on a flats skiff

[richg99]

I'm rebuilding a 16 foot '89 El Pescador (www.elpescadorboats.com) and she is havinga 50 hp Yamaha 2 cycle installed today. I can easily fit a 12 gallon tankunder the console, but wonder what size tank most owners of small flatsskiffs have in their boats?I can probably get double that capacity in, if I buy one that is configuredcorrectly, and I will have to raise the console to get it in initially.At this time, my usage is only for short runs, not too far from the launch,but more fuel capacity might open new vistas for fishing.comments?RichG

[Knightgang]

Just remeber that fuel is about 6.5 pounds per gallon. Keeping that in mind, consider your normal load weight and then judge whether or not you can handle the extra weight of fuel. If you are normally by yourself, this should not be a problem.Another thing to consider is how much fuel you use on a normal outing. What you do not want to do is get in a situation were you can't use all of the fuel with a couple of months. Even with stabilizers, fuel is only good for so long, and bad fuel will reak havock on your engine.Having said that, if it were me, I would go to a larger tank, but make sure it fits your boating style.Good luck and post your decision.Knightgang

[JasonJ]

My main tank is only 12 gallons, and I have a 6 gallon portable tank as well. That has always been enough capacity for my purposes, and my motor is a bit larger than yours at 125 horse pushing roughly 1600 pounds including my 200 pound carcass. Definatley think about how you will use the boat. If there are some long hauls, then more capacity is the ticket. If you are doing short hops or know for a fact that you won't use 12 gallons in a day, then go with the smaller tank. As has been said, if you carry too much fuel, you burn more fuel due to hauling the weight. You can always do like I do and run the 12 gallon and if you think you are going to go farther you can bring along a portable 6 gallon. Good luck and post pics if you can....

[snapperbait]

In my 15' flats, it's either a 15 or 18 gallon built in tank.. (brain fade ) Full tank gives me at least 30+ mile range with the 60 merc...