Bow mount fuel tank. Balance?

[matt167]

My boat could use some stern lift for the 25hp to work better. Would moving 6 gals portable from the stern to 12 gal permanent tank in the bow help?

 

[nola mike]

My boat could use some stern lift for the 25hp to work better. Would moving 6 gals portable from the stern to 12 gal permanent tank in the bow help?

You can try moving your current tank to the bow and add some additional ballast to see how it would do

 

[matt167]

I didn’t think of doing that. I’ll have to try it. I really don’t want to use a whale tail

 

[Scott Danforth]

put the beer cooler in front

 

[nola mike]

put the beer cooler in front

I think this might be more ballast in your boat than in most...

 

[matt167]

I have just a small cooler for a few drinks. But no alcohol on the boat.

 

[KJM]

I have "smart tabs" on mine and found a noticeable improvement.

 

[JimS123]

A bow tank is fine, but don't add more weight. Just move around what you already need.

I had a 14' Starcraft with a 25 Yami. Due to the layout (deluxe model, wood deck, etc) it was not practical to move anything. I added a DoelFin and that was the cat's meow. Awesome performance, low cost, no holes to drill in the boat, etc. Also moved the motor up a notch to optimize the fin's location. I don't like whalestails either but I have used the Doelfin on most every boat I have owned since 1984.

 

[matt167]

I know a doel fin may work but drilling a $6k motor is a last resort. Doing the 30hp conversion is on my mind but voids warranty

 

[JimS123]

The 30 mod may make you go faster, but won't impact your problem.

My current $18,000 150 Merc went thru her maiden voyage with awesome stellar results. (needed a benchmark)

Before ever splashing her the second time I added an Enertia and drilled all the holes for a Doel. Now even awesomer.

I have yet to take one off. If I had to I would fill the holes with chrome plated rosettes and make her look pretty......LOL.

I just have to drill holes in a new boat to add some custom touches....

 

[Jimwhall]

I have "smart tabs" on mine and found a noticeable improvement.

I have those on my '95 Sylvan. I was irritated with the hole shot while towing teenage boys so I went from a 17 pitch to a 15 pitch and added the trim tabs.

My hole shot became 'RIGHT NOW' LOL.

My only complaint is that it didn't help with the porpoising more. I was really hoping for that.

 

[matt167]

I’m not sure the transom has space for tabs. It may really need a whale tail. Even though I don’t like the idea

 

[Jimwhall]

I get it. Maybe try a 4 blade prop and the gas tank move first? More stern lift and better weight distribution? If not a whale tail isn’t the end of the world.

 

[jimmbo]

I get it. Maybe try a 4 blade prop and the gas tank move first? More stern lift and better weight distribution? If not a whale tail isn’t the end of the world.

Placing the tank at the front will bring the bow down, but as the Fuel is consumed, the weight is reduced