Fuel tank and battery mounting question

[RonKMiller]

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My boat has the same exact party hut rear as yours does just maybe a different year model. Anyway I changed mine from the stock small hinged lid to a fully hinged cover (see green line above) which allows full access to some real nice real estate for storage. Mine also has the battery enclosed but I placed it where the yellow square is located above. Instead of a permanent extra fuel tank when we go on extended outings I place a couple of six gallon fuel cans (red above) in the compartment for extra fuel. Plus I then have portable containers should I need to walk to a close onshore gas station for fuel replenishment which I've also needed to do a time or two. As an added plus there is still room to store a few bumpers on top of everything and still close the lid.

I also modified the other main fuel side with a fully hinged cover and also modified the fuel tank fill to straight up. This way I can just lift the lid and easily pour the extra fuel directly into the fuel tank with far less issues or concerns about spillage. I also had room for and the access to install the fuel water separator in the compartment above the tank also. Plus there seems to always be a bumper or two stowed away in there as well.

Great idea about the straight fill... even though it is probably overkill I'm planning on using water separator/filters on both tanks prior to the 3 way valve - still room to mount them inside as well. I'll have a simple rocker switch on the helm to select main or reserve for the fuel sending wires.

[chill'nthemost]

Great idea about the straight fill... even though it is probably overkill I'm planning on using water separator/filters on both tanks prior to the 3 way valve -

Nothing wrong with a commercial pilot using "overkill" when it comes to fuel systems

[Ike]

There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. But there are no old bold pilots.

Keep up the good work

[GregF]

One thing I do to make fueling faster is to use a big funnel. Get one with a big catch basin and the biggest spout that will fit in your filler neck. (you want it to stay put in there) Then you can remove that stupid CARB certified filler tube and pour the gas is straight from the jerry can. I am using the big red one (plastic)from Ace Hardware but I am still looking for one like my friend has, a big galvanized one from a feed store.

[Ike]

I think you can still get metal jerry cans at some Army/navy surplus stores. That's the only place I've seen thme in the last twenty years.

[RonKMiller]

metal is still readily available...

I've read your site - some great stuff there - answered some additional certification questions, thanks for the effort!

[GregF]

I was really talking about a big metal funnel

[Ron Burgundy]

Are there any CG regs regarding two fuel tank systems for outboard powered boats?

[RonKMiller]

This should do the trick...

All of the power cables emerge from the rubber membrane covered floor (yep, those are stainless steel staples) at the rear of the battery, so there's nothing between the tank and the battery. Since a bulkhead isn't required between the fuel tank and battery I decided not to take the time to engineer one. I'm pretty comfortable that 1000 lb. test Nylon strap with a locking cam buckle will keep that bad boy from moving around and coming into contact with it.

The only thing I need to do now is fabricate a spill tray for the battery. Could NOT find one for an oddball 3ET battery like this one. Good thing I've got a friend that can weld aluminum.

This battery will power the engine, helm, position lights and two Hobbs 4 amp halogen headlights for night running. One is a spot with a 1000 ft. reach and the other a rectangular 25 X 50 ft. flood. All other power is supplied by 2 standard deep cycle batteries with 90 watts of solar panels keeping them happy.

We don't need no steenking generators.

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[RonKMiller]

Are there any CG regs regarding two fuel tank systems for outboard powered boats?

As long as they meet the standards (along with hoses, clamping, etc.) you can probably have as many as you want!

How about a run to Catalina Island?

Oh, wait a minute - you're actually NOT in San Diego! I'm easily confused.

[GregF]

I guess Ron will tell us why he identifies with "Anchorman".
It may be a ground tackle joke.

[Ron Burgundy]

I was born in San Diego, moved away at age two, moved back at age 18, and just moved to Florida last year. I love SD but it was just too expensive. Catalina would be quite a journey in a pontoon boat!!

Guess I should explain the Anchorman references...My wife and I were shopping around for a pontoon boat. We found one that a guy was restoring. He was planning on putting in burgundy carpet and bimini top. He said that burgundy was a "classy" color. My wife and I love the movie Anchorman whose main character is Ron Burgundy. We were planning to name the boat Ron Burgundy since his catch phrase is "Stay Classy, San Diego" Since we were from San Diego and the boat was going to be the "classy" color of Burgundy it made sense. Turned out the boat wasn't worth nearly what he was asking so we didn't buy it. Now I just use Ron Burgundy as my pen name on this forum. I now call my boat Anchor Management.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQUEdm-8 ... re=related

[Ike]

I lovee that movie. So here's to burgundy! Ron that is.

[Ron Burgundy]

Yep, it keeps me laughing. Especially the clips.

Hey RonK, my father flies for American Airlines. What about you? He used to be a USAF fighter pilot. He flew the T-38, RF-4, and F-15. Maybe you know him. Small world...

[RonKMiller]

Here's my current ride - GT bicycles is the sponsor. I also fly 12 passenger balloons and have built several experimentals including a Long EZ.

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