Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

customvs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 23, 2009
Messages
44
Hi All,

Just picked up my new/old 15ft centre console.

I have a small problem in that,the area behind the back seat is not wide enough to fit your traditional long/wide and flat fuel tank.So its currently chewing up good fishing room on the floor of the boat,

I dont have the funds to get a custom ordered tank at the moment so i was wondering Can i buy a upright Plastic jerry can and change the fitttings over to this,which will then allow it to fit where i need it to,Will the motor still be able to overcome gravity and pull fuel 2 ft up to the connector and if so,What glue/resin can i seal the fittings to the tank with that wont react to the plastic.

Thanx
Adam
 

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

I don't believe your jerry can will be vented properly to allow the fuel to flow to the engine.

Safe boating!!!
 

customvs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 23, 2009
Messages
44
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

I don't believe your jerry can will be vented properly to allow the fuel to flow to the engine.

Safe boating!!!

thanx for the replies,

I was thinking of also putting a breather screw on the lid,would that allow the air to pass through,

has anyone done this before ?

Thanx
Adam
 

heyyou325

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 17, 2011
Messages
649
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

The plastic fuel tanks at Wal Mart don't take up much more room than a Jerry can. And for about $30 for can fittings and hose you can be going. Just find the fitting to fit your motor , the boat motor fuel tank, and a fuel line. Put a fitting on both ends of the line, one for your motor, one to plug into the tank, with the opposite fitting in the tank. Under $30 and safety approved. and probably takes up maybe 1/3 more room than a jerry can, and a lot harder to tip over.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

If they are out of business then why are they still paying to keep their website up?:rolleyes:
 

zagger

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2010
Messages
191
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

First off the fuel cans are made of Polyethylene and you will not be able to glue them. They can be thermo welded but should be pressure tested afterwords. You don't want any vapors leaking and collecting in the bilge area, unless you want to be a center of attention at 4th of July firework display ;o). Seriously, save some money and do it right with proper tank. There are many inexpensive options out there, may take some time to find but much safer than alternative. Good luck.
 

scanman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 29, 2010
Messages
370
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

First off the fuel cans are made of Polyethylene and you will not be able to glue them. They can be thermo welded but should be pressure tested afterwords. You don't want any vapors leaking and collecting in the bilge area, unless you want to be a center of attention at 4th of July firework display ;o). Seriously, save some money and do it right with proper tank. There are many inexpensive options out there, may take some time to find but much safer than alternative. Good luck.
Good advice! don't cheap out & catch fire! Any leaks below decks might just ignite with a boom, if you're not actually runnin across the water to make wind for ventilation.
 

444

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2010
Messages
704
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

If you go to ebaymotors.com and type in 'boat gas tank' I'd be really surprised if you couldn't find something to meet your needs. Save yourself the effort of cobbling fittings together and buy a prebuilt. They make them in several different shapes.
 

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

Homemade tank will not meet necessary approvals. When you get inspected, they will shut you down.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,036
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

Plastic Jerry Cans are quitte flimsy in comparison to real marine fuel tanks. They can get punctured quite easily. There are some different choices in pre-made 3 and 6 gal tanks. See if you can find one that fits your space.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

Geez, Adam! When I was younger I did much the same as you want to do. I was lucky! Now I am a little older and hopefully wiser and consider other options.

Consider this: You are carrying in your boat the equivalent of at least a couple of sticks of dynamite--wouldn't you be extra careful with them?

Then consider the cost of fuel: You always have enough money to run the engine. So: take one tankful and don't burn it. Put the money into buying a proper tank. I know--heaven forbid you don't go fishing one weekend but look at the alternative: You may end up fishing for all eternity with jerry rigged fuel tanks.

In the end, You have received a lot of good advice from others here, weigh it and do what you think best.
 
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
1,179
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

ive seen it done with a jerry can but it was above deck and was a sketty thing. wouldn't trust it. iboats sell gas can's pretty cheap 20-30 for 6 gallon gas tanks
 

eli_lilly

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
435
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

There's also a huge difference in UV resistance between portable boat gas tanks and regular jerry cans, particularly the cheaper jerry cans.
 

customvs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 23, 2009
Messages
44
Re: Homemade fuel tank - is this Ok

Thankyou all for your replies,I will leave it currently where it is until i can afford a professionally manufactured fuel tank that will fit.

Adam
 
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