72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

[dicktaber]

Looking at buying a 1972 Crestliner, 17' v-hull. Looks as if it had a built-in fuel cell in the bow (filler cap and vent are still present) but it has been removed sometime in the past. Right now it has two six-gallon plastic tanks in back. No idea on the size of the original tank or it's material (any ideas?), but it sems that it would make a huge difference in the weight distribition of the boat. It has power t/t and planes nicely, but how much of a difference is this going to make handling/safety wise? Is a light front end going to be squirrelly? Should (can?) I try to reconfigure as original? Where can I get some info on max weight, rated HP (currently 115HP Merc), etc (data plate missing). Thanks again for all your help!

 

[12Footer]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

That's alotta motor for that hull. A 115Merc isn't light. But 30lbs of fuel will not throw off the wieght distribution enough to not be controled by power t&t.<br />It will help to have the tank up front, but is it worth it? And getting that perfect tank that fits the space just right will be hard. And the original owner must've had his fill of the perminent-mounted tank to rip it out. They are a chore to keep clean.<br />Just nosey here,but how does the boat sit in the water? Does it act back-heavy?<br />I've seen a 115 on an old Starcraft bass boat, but it was 19ft,and 3000 pounds, and looked more like a floating dock.

 

[dicktaber]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

Man, that's a good question. I'm not experienced enough to give a credible answer. I'm a novice, buying a 15 foot tri-hull w/a 50 HP Johnson in May of this year, now thoroughly addicted and yearning for more HP, and looking at this Crestliner as my second. What does a boat act like if it's tail-heavy and nose-light? Is it skittish, squirrelly at speed? This one doesn't sit noticeably nose high--even at idle, you can see over the bow with ease...it gets on plane RIGHT NOW and rides level, but this may be a function of power T/T...during our brief test on the Mississippi (I so much want to go down that river and back up--maybe next summer?) we got up to speed but didn't try crossing wakes are high speed turns--I was a little nervous. My previous boat topped out at 25 and felt very stable, if strained, at that speed. <br />My concerns are as follows...I work on airplanes and I'll tell you what, if you move 30-60 pounds from the extreme fore to the extreme aft of a 1500 lb airplane, it's a lot more than notable...it's potentially catastrophic. I know the magnitude is different on a boat but the principle should apply...like I say I'm new at this and don't want to add to the list of stories about dumb mistakes...especially one with a tragic ending. All input welcome...

 

[saltwateranglin]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

If the fuel tank area is accessible, why not take a few measurements and see if any standard stock tanks carried by marine suppliers might fit. It may take a little alteration and some foaming but just might work out. I had a 55 gallon custom tank built for a Grady and shipped to me setting me back less than $300. That may be a little more than you want to spend for a 72 boat but it is another option.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

I don't think that boat is overpowered. The new 17' Crestliners are rated for 150HP on their web site.I don't know the layout of that boat do you even have safe access to run fuel lines etc. from the front to the back of the boat? Is it worth the hassle? Do you really need it?

 

[Firewood]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

I presently own a 1970 crestliner. It had a 12 gallon tank mounted in the front. The tank went bad so now I have a low profile 12gallon in the rear, and would likek to mount a larger on back in the front. The front take was originally plumbed by using rubber hose from the tank to a length of copper pipe to get to the rear of the boat and then back to rubber hose which went to the outboard. I had a 70hp and I now have a 90hp Johnson,I hit 30-35mph loaded for fishing with 3 or 4 people.My plate on my boat says 130hp max....I couldn't imagine it.<br />Good luck

 

[dicktaber]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

Once again, you guys are the greatest! Thanks 12footer, saltwateranglin, MikeF, Firewood for your replies and knowledge. I think I'm going to have some fun with this beast. Last question, Firewood, where is the data plate on yours? I can't find mine. Is yours a 17 footer? What does it say for the allowable weight loading? And was the original tank fibreglass or aluminum? Thanks again all, I think I have a(nother!) winter project now...

 

[dicktaber]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

Hey, there is a guy on eBay with an identical boat, and he has a 150 on it; now I'm wondering what the max rated HP is..

 

[Firewood]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

I'd say my Crestliner is 18'-19', never really measured it.Anyway, my plate is located up front on the starboard side.Its screwed to the side.If I remeber correctly its 1100lbs cargo, 130hp max. I'll double check. I'm gonna borrow my father-in-laws digital camera and get some photos of it. I'll have to e-mail you some.

 

[Hooty]

Re: 72 Crestliner 17' fuel tank--is it safe?

Yo, Knot2,<br />You'll not have a problum with gas tank aft. In fact, with power t/t it' better there. With racing/highspeed outboards we work to keep the weight back there. You may have to tuck the lower unit to get up but after that, trim it out and enjoy an extra mile or so an hour.<br />c/6