Pontoon gas tanks

[Austinblake603]

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and new to boating. This is my first boat project. I have a 18ft 97 Grumman I’m working on getting into the water this year. I’m thinking about getting two 12 gal fuel tanks to mount on the back of the toons and have a Y value to be able to run one tank at a time.

Any recommendations on this?
Anyone have recommendations on tanks with gauges?

I appreciate it!
Austin

 

[legalfee]

I would suggest a 20 gallon tank with the fuel gauge sender included:

Moeller Boat Fuel Tank FT2045 | 20 Gallon 33 x 16 1/2 Inch Poly | eBay

Boat part number 1091502 is a new 20 gallon poly fuel tank from Moeller, part number FT2045. Part Number: FT2045. Part Manufacturer: Moeller. Hosts (1) 1 1/2" OD filler / fuel inlet, (1) 3/8" OD fuel out, and (1) 5/8" OD vent fittings.

www.ebay.com

 

[ahicks]

Have you picked up, or even tried to move a 12 gallon gas tank recently?

 

[Scott Danforth]

A 12 gallon tank full of fuel weighs 82-85 pounds

 

[Rabbit929]

It would most likely be easiest (and cheaper and lighter) to run a single tank. (Half the cost, half the plumbing, no need for multiple gauges or a splitter, half the weight, half the floor space)
On my old pontoon I just carried an extra 1 gallon can as my tank was only 4 gallons. (No gauge) but that was a 9.9 4 stroke evinsrude, so I could be full throttle all day and still not burn 5 gallons.
the best idea is the third rule. 1/3 to get there, 1/3 to get back, 1/3 for unforeseen circumstances.
If you are really determined to have a backup tank I would run the 20 gallon and put like a 5-10 gallon somewhere else. (Wherever balanced weight permits) without a gauge for emergencies, but I guess it all really depends on what your plans are to do with it.

 

[Austinblake603]

It would most likely be easiest (and cheaper and lighter) to run a single tank. (Half the cost, half the plumbing, no need for multiple gauges or a splitter, half the weight, half the floor space)
On my old pontoon I just carried an extra 1 gallon can as my tank was only 4 gallons. (No gauge) but that was a 9.9 4 stroke evinsrude, so I could be full throttle all day and still not burn 5 gallons.
the best idea is the third rule. 1/3 to get there, 1/3 to get back, 1/3 for unforeseen circumstances.
If you are really determined to have a backup tank I would run the 20 gallon and put like a 5-10 gallon somewhere else. (Wherever balanced weight permits) without a gauge for emergencies, but I guess it all really depends on what your plans are to do with it.

 

[Austinblake603]

Thank you for the advice! I’m leaning more towards getting a 18-20 gal permanent tank to mount on the back. Then have a few gal emergency tank on hand.

Anyone have suggestions? I’d like to get something with a gauge set up that would come with it. I’ve seen some aluminum ones on line but not all specifically say for marine...

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

I wouldnt mount the tanks in back, however that is me. wrong location for weight distribution

put the 'toon in the water and have two heavy people at the back to see how the logs squat

 

[ahicks]

I wouldnt mount the tanks in back, however that is me. wrong location for weight distribution

put the 'toon in the water and have two heavy people at the back to see how the logs squat

This is a point (weight distibution) that can make or break a pontoon project, and doesn't get near the consideration it should - prior to seeing the back of the boat sitting WAY low in the water. Unless this boat has some great big pontoons (25"+) a 20 gallon tank on the back is likely a terrible idea....

 

[Austinblake603]

Okay, now that I’m second guessing my ideas my original plan (Thank you all for the input). It’s only a 18ft pontoon so adding something on deck would lose a lot of space.

Has anyone had luck using a transom style tank?

 

[Rabbit929]

My 2021 pontoon on 25” tubes has a tea some style tank.

 

[ahicks]

I had a later model 22' 'toon with 25" tubes for a while. It came with a 18 gal. tank mounted in the engine pod. I didn't use it as there was no gauge, it was difficult to fill unless I was at a gas station (ours was kept in the water), and when full, the back of the boat squatted noticably. I converted to a pair of 6 gal. tanks. The one in use located in the back, and the reserve located forward.

 

[LundAngler1650]

For the extra gas, have you consider a rotopax gas can? I use a rotopax, mounted to the side, standing on its edge. Doesn't take up as much room, and isn't loose in the boat either. They are available in many different sizes, and can be stacked. I usually just use 1, but if fuel will be in question, can easily take another along. They vary in thickness by size, the ones I use are probably a little bit more than 4 inches thick is all. Can also be used for many other applications, such as on an ATV, or in the back of the vehicle to carry gas for anything else that you may take along, like a generator or dirt bike. My preference in size are the ones that hold just over 3.5 gallons.

 

[Austinblake603]

For the extra gas, have you consider a rotopax gas can? I use a rotopax, mounted to the side, standing on its edge. Doesn't take up as much room, and isn't loose in the boat either. They are available in many different sizes, and can be stacked. I usually just use 1, but if fuel will be in question, can easily take another along. They vary in thickness by size, the ones I use are probably a little bit more than 4 inches thick is all. Can also be used for many other applications, such as on an ATV, or in the back of the vehicle to carry gas for anything else that you may take along, like a generator or dirt bike. My preference in size are the ones that hold just over 3.5 gallons.

I’ve never heard of these that is a awesome idea! Thank you!