Ok I found a new aluminum tank 32 gallons never been installed. It was bought from a boat dealer that went out of business, and still has the plugs in it. The guy bought it thinking he might need to change his out someday, and it has been in his garage ever since. I am buying it, but I need to know can the fill be relocated to the end of the tank instead of the top? This tank is 1 7/8" taller than the old and if not then I will have to redo the deck and raise it. My other option is to have a fabricator cut the fill and vent as one piece and recess it into the tank 2-3" on the top. I will be saving about 3-400 dollars on a new tank

Thats a tough one. How well will the tank fill from the side?
If you put the fill on the side can you bring up a section above the top of the tank. That way its a better chance it will fill correctly.
I'd worry fuel will push out the fill or vent hose while your underway, and you can't put a vent too low as it just won't work. :confused:

You got some figuring to do, maybe a good shop can tell you straight.

You would probably need to have a bladder and a check valve in there if you did that, Bill. You will be ahead of the game if you got one that fit. Think of the hours of work and materials that would go into redoing the deck to accomodate that tank. Keep looking. Sorry. Just my .02

Maybe I can turn the tank around and put the fills up near the front where there might be more clearance..

Maybe I can turn the tank around and put the fills up near the front where there might be more clearance..

If the front of the tank is under the console, you can add a tall lip around the fill/vent/pickup that protects them and keep the same deck height.

I'll do some checking Bill but I don't think you can on paper at least do that. It would physically work fine as long as the tank is vented properly. I just don't think it is allowed under the coast gaurd regs for small boats. I think they worry about the hose clamps to hose barb area weeping overtime causing gas fumes. Not that you didn't have any fumes last year.......... Plus now your paying to modify when maybe if you look around you can find a better fit. You didn't see a poly Moeller tank with a good size for short money?

If the front of the tank is under the console, you can add a tall lip around the fill/vent/pickup that protects them and keep the same deck height.

I do have my batteries under the console not sure if that would be a problem...

I'll do some checking Bill but I don't think you can on paper at least do that. It would physically work fine as long as the tank is vented properly. I just don't think it is allowed under the coast gaurd regs for small boats. I think they worry about the hose clamps to hose barb area weeping overtime causing gas fumes. Not that you didn't have any fumes last year.......... Plus now your paying to modify when maybe if you look around you can find a better fit. You didn't see a poly Moeller tank with a good size for short money?

You might be right.

Seriously there is a soft spot in the deck forward, it hasn't gotten any worse over 5 years. The stringers are spongy near the rear so removing the deck and raising it might be the way to go. I just am not super confident with the glass layup...

I do have my batteries under the console not sure if that would be a problem...

Batteries + gas fumes = bad juju.

There are a lot of things on a boat I would do to save money, I would not cut corners on the gas tank.

Batteries + gas fumes = bad juju.

Well, only if you like being alive

Well my buddy just came by, and we dug some more foam out from the top of the tank under the deck forward. We were able to get the tank out without cutting any more deck. The old tank is 60" long, the new is 40" long, and if I slide it fully forward, the height should make it. If it doesn't, the fill will end up under the leaning post, so I will raise the deck 1 1/2" under the footprint of the leaning post and it will definitely fit. The leaning post will be a little higher. If anyone has any 3/4" okume , marine ply, glass or epoxy left over from any projects let me know....

Make sure to coal tar epoxy the tank before you put it back in.
It'll outlast the boat that way.

And wear good protection when putting that crap on.
Its not... nice...

Make sure to coal tar epoxy the tank before you put it back in.
It'll outlast the boat that way.

And wear good protection when putting that crap on.
Its not... nice...

That has cancer written all over it.... :biglaugh:

Welcome To Hamilton Marine (http://www.hamiltonmarine.com/)
they were the cheapest for bulk epoxy and free shipping ends today. West marine will price match also.
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Thanks Mike

Jamestown Distributors is $10 cheaper and within driving distance for a gallon.