mphdws1

Hello everyone- looking for some input to those with experience or knowledge of adding a smaller 25-30 gal aux gas tank to this style (or similar) boat....I've tried without success through calling Triton/Mako to obtain blueprints for this boat, but was told they're unavailable. I have attached a picture of the same model of boat that I own. It has a 150 gal gas tank running down the midline of the boat.
I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a location to add a smaller permanent emergency tank to extend range- WITHOUT cutting up the deck. Ideally I'd like to plumb into existing system, and be able to select from main or aux tank. But I'd be opening to some how having aux tank drain into main when space available.
I also attached pic of the layout of the deck and console. I was specifically wondering about adding a 25-30 gal tank to either: 1) the transom live well (2) one of the fish boxes located in the rear-facing jumper seats aft of the captain or co-captain seats; if you flip the lid on either jumper, there is a shallow fish box under each that runs irregularly towards the buddy cabin (3) replace the 30 gal water tank with an alum gas tank- I believe it's located under the co captain chair in the square console..... OR (4) under the gunnel saddle tanks, which I'm not sure are even used anymore?
Please let me know what you think. I would have a fabricator make the tank to fit, and a fiberglass guy install....not sure who would plumb bc I'm not inclined to undertake this type of project!........I was thinking about a small fuel bladder, but typically some crew smokes on the boat, so was looking for a safer option.....Thanks so much- Mike

mphdws1

Bump/ttt..... Thanks guys- looking for any advice!!

Bamaskeetshooter

I suggest you look into a bladder. You can burn the fuel out of it and then wrap it up around your bow rail so it's out of the way.

mphdws1

Thanks Bama- I've been considering a bladder, but don't know how I feel if the bladder is sitting on the deck against transom, and one of the crew decides to light a cigarette? I've read that bladders don't emit fumes, but not sure how I'd trust a bag full a combustable liquid on the deck? Any advice? Thanks again-----Mike

captdz

I use the 50 gallon bag in the back of my pickup to fuel my boat. Works great and saves lots of cash. No fumes easy to fill, I feel they are very safe. You can run your motor off it then roll it up when it empties. Commonly used on long range trips

mphdws1

Thanks so far; the thing im not sure about is the level of danger of bladder on deck when cigarettes are on boat. I assume the bladder material is spark resistant, lets say. But im not sure how sig the smount of fumes/vapor the bladder releases is. The fill neck cap i suppose vents fumes? Also- they say bladders can be stored or used in a vented container/box.... I guess one would hav to be sure whater bladder stored in, it has a vent to outside air? Would that be a dangerous source of fumes? I mean, below deck permanent tanks vent to outside, right, and u dont hear of explosions from cigarretes due to this?

mphdws1

Also- any thoughts of where to add a small perm aux tank on boat? Thanks

mphdws1

Weekend, ttt!

guppyii

Ask your buddies not to smoke!

I've been in that mold, I think my brother may have some pictures, he was there for a couple years when Brunswick owned them. I will look around or ask him. Could you pull the inserts on the sides where the rod racks are and get anything under or behind them? Worse comes to worse a good glass man can cut the deck out and reinstall it and you would never know. I will let you know if I can find anything.

Biohazard1

I have the 2690 WA and was thinking of the same thing and the middle box between the seats is huge and probably directly in front of the existing tank

mphdws1

Thanks guppy- would be great if he had some info.....

mphdws1

Bio- id b interested to kno what u think about that middle storage box, and some ideas; wondering if the floor rests on stringers???? If there could be some modification to that area to put in a custom smaller tank? The box does hav that drain though, smack dab in the middle of floor..

mphdws1

And guppy- are u alluding to gunnel saddle tanks? Are the still legal/commonly used?

Biohazard1

Yup that drain puzzles me, it's different than the ones on the side fish boxes which I fill with ice, I plug those up easily with a plastic stopper. The middle box has an actual drain plate.
If you tap the sides of the box it's hollow sounding. I'm so tempted to cut a section out to get a look. I'm guessing, just guessing that the drain just empties into the bilge area but who knows and so far I can't find pictures or diagrams of the build for this boat anywhere. I sure love mine though

mphdws1

Bump- heya guppy or anyone else- any thoughts on gunnel saddle tanks?

LeakinLena

The gunnels don't appear to have a lot of room but the jump seats are a candidate for stowing extra fuel. The existing capacity is pretty good and 25-30 gallons is going to add the weight of another person so I would try to reduce weight and/or slow down to conserve fuel before I would try to add more fuel capacity.

mphdws1

Well, appreciate that thought, but would like to still know if gunnel saddle tanks are still doable/legal..... And to conserve weight id just reduce some gear/extras, plus there are trips when we re short a man or two.....

adriano

Captdz, can you please let us know what exact Brand/Model bladder you are using and how long you have been using it? Also, where do you normally store it when not in use? And are you able to empty it dry?

I am just trying to understand durability and practicality.

Thank you in advance for your input.

LeakinLena

Not sure what you mean by "gunnel saddle tanks" but it sounds like any system that's exposed to the crew may be a fire hazard and there doesn't appear to be much room in the hull behind those rod racks. You can probably fit a couple of custom 15-20 gallon aluminum tanks almost anywhere on the boat but you will have to figure out how to plumb it into the existing fuel systems and the fabrication, hoses, installation etc. will cost a minimum $700/tank.

IMHO 25 gallon bladders will fit in almost any compartment(s) or even the floor of the cuddy and will be protected from your crews smokes (http://atlinc.com/rangeextender.html). You can can withdraw fuel from the bladder with a fuel hose and primer bulb then switch to tank(s) or pump out bladder(s) to fill your existing tank(s).

mphdws1

Thanks again for the replies; still considering a bladder, but want to also find out about small custom aluminum tank options....Any more ideas?