Downsize Fuel Tank

[IlliniDoc]

Hey all hope this post is in the right place. Here goes I have a 2016 Ranger RT178c it currently has a 21 gallon fuel tank obviously for tournament runs way more than I need, and takes up to much space in th e bilge compartment. 21gal will last me nearly all spring and most of fall since I almost exclusively crappie fish on smaller lakes. With all that said has anyone ever downsized the fuel tank? I would like to keep the fuel sender and fuel inlet operable. If anyone has done something on this I would greatly appreciate your input. Wasn’t wanting to spend to much money and not sure a portable tank would be an option.
Thanks for any input.
Illinidoc

 

[mr 88]

Uhh , run it a half a tank and don't open a " can of worms " by replacing a stock tank setup to gain some minimal space in the bilge for crappie fishing . Like what are you going to store in the bilge to begin with that is know stored someplace else on the boat ?

 

[airshot]

Probably not worth the effort for the small amount of space you would be gaining. If your current tank is built in, that could be a job getting it out. Keeping your fuel good for 6 months should not be an issue with today's stabilizers on the market. I get a year from my fuel storage with O issues.
If having a smaller tank is a must, nothing wrong with a portable as they come in different sizes. My built in tank is an 18 gallon but only about 4-5 inches in height at the most, if it were removed, how much would a few inches really make for much storage ??

 

[Scott Danforth]

That's like cutting the roof off your car because you only drive it when it is sunny.

As stated, you don't have to fill it up.

BTW, add up the cost to remove your floor, buy a new tank, secure it, replace the floor...... Since you didn't want to spend a lot of money......

 

[roscoe]

A PORTABLE TANK MUST BE TOPSIDE, IN THE OPEN, EXPOSED.

I WENT FROM 2 STEEL 18 GALLON TANKS, TO ONE 12 GALLON TANK, SAVED A LOT OF SPACE.

 

[IlliniDoc]

Uhh , run it a half a tank and don't open a " can of worms " by replacing a stock tank setup to gain some minimal space in the bilge for crappie fishing . Like what are you going to store in the bilge to begin with that is know stored someplace else on the boat ?

What I was looking at was in the future should I have shallow water anchors installed would be power poles, the extra room would be for pumps. Have heard bad things about Talons.

 

[IlliniDoc]

A PORTABLE TANK MUST BE TOPSIDE, IN THE OPEN, EXPOSED.

I WENT FROM 2 STEEL 18 GALLON TANKS, TO ONE 12 GALLON TANK, SAVED A LOT OF SPACE.

I figured as much with the portables. Thanks

 

[IlliniDoc]

Thanks for all the replies. Just throwing something out there to see if it is feezable.

That's like cutting the roof off your car because you only drive it when it is sunny.

As stated, you don't have to fill it up.

BTW, add up the cost to remove your floor, buy a new tank, secure it, replace the floor...... Since you didn't want to spend a lot of money......

Not sure it is something I am going to do,at least right away, but I think it is removable without taking the deck off
Illinidoc.

 

[briangcc]

Based on the pics I'm finding online, and granted you have a better idea than I being right there, I'm betting that the casting platform covering the gas tank is gonna have to come out. It doesn't appear that there's enough space to wiggle the tank out even after removing the batts.

Then you need to reinstall and probably re-carpet the whole boat as you're not likely to match faded carpet...I'm wagering its getting ripped beyond recognition on the way out as there's probably screws/rivets hidden under the carpet securing the platform to the interior structure of the boat.

I'd leave well enough alone and just add stabil as you need to.

You *might* be better served looking for ways to relocate batts elsewhere - perhaps the nose?

 

[flashback]

Brian makes a lot of sense, put the batteries forward and the talon pump in their place.