Got the outboard, got the boat, which fuel tank?

Welsh91 · 12 May 2019, 21:01

Daft question I know... but our outboard came with a 25l metal mariner fuel tank and a leaky fuel line... any recommendations for a fuel tank and line ready to go sort of bundle? Mercury 15hp 2-stroke. Seen a few on eBay but can’t decide on 12l or 20 to be on the safe side... should be getting out on the water bank holiday, can’t wait.

Mikefule · 12 May 2019, 21:28

If you can afford it, consider 2 x 12 litre. That way, you can take 1 for short trips, and if you do a long trip, you'll have a definite warning when you've used half your fuel.

Fenlander · 12 May 2019, 21:31

Personally I like the genuine Quicksilver 25l tank and line (top handle model with fuel gauge).

If you want decent range with the 15hp 2-stroke I'd stick to a 25l.

https://dale-sailing.co.uk/chandlery...ank-25l-model/

Edit: Of course it's an option Mike but I tried this a couple of years back when our new Suzuki 20 came with a 12l tank and we bought a second... thinking it would be ideal.

What I found was against logic 2x 12l took up possibly 60% more floor space in the SIB than one 25l... similarly in the car. Also in many cases we'd use all the first 12l and at sea there wasn't always a suitable time to stop the OB and wallow while swapping tank connections. So we bought a 25l as linked above.

ShinyShoe · 12 May 2019, 22:20

Fenlander - any reason why the Quicksilver and not the Trem:
https://dale-sailing.co.uk/chandlery...ltr-iso-13591/

Or the Suzi:

https://dale-sailing.co.uk/chandlery...ard-fuel-tank/

None of those come with a line - the OP needs a line...

There is not a universal connection for fuel is there? So he needs a correct connection for the engine side and the correct one for the tank?

Its quite common on a SIB to want to move the tank about to improve balance - e.g. put it up front - so make sure the line is long enough.

Most tanks these days are plastic - lighter, less likely to rust, may cause less condensation so less water. Some may say metal is less likely to be damaged and so less of a fire risk. But most cars have plastic tanks so perhaps not a major fire risk...

Fenlander · 12 May 2019, 22:32

When I bought the quicksilver 25l it was with a line... perhaps Barnet marine via Ebay? But it was expensive for the both.

I only like top handle tanks and the 4 screw clamped down outlet connection on the Quicksilver is way better than the plastic elbow outlet of the cheaper tanks.

Poly · 12 May 2019, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Fenlander - any reason why the Quicksilver and not the Trem:

Or the Suzi:

He said he likes the handle on top and the quicksilver gauge (I’ve never used that one but certainly wouldn’t bother with the other dial in cap style).

Quote:

. Some may say metal is less likely to be damaged and so less of a fire risk.

Who says that about boat tanks? I’d happily hit mine with a sledge hammer.

Welsh91 · 12 May 2019, 23:00

Thank you all for the fantastic replies, with a mixture of advice I think I will go for this?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F152693580942

Seems to tick all the boxes from what I can see?

ShinyShoe · 13 May 2019, 06:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

He said he likes the handle on top and the quicksilver gauge (I’ve never used that one but certainly wouldn’t bother with the other dial in cap style).

The handle is on the top of all designs when being carried

Quote:

Who says that about boat tanks? I’d happily hit mine with a sledge hammer.

The metal is best people... I NEVER said they were right.

Fenlander · 13 May 2019, 10:09

To explain re handle...

I find a full 25l tank quite heavy and it's easier to lift into places when it's already the right way up. For example if you want to re-trim the boat when out by moving the tank it's easier to ease some of the weight by the handle and slide it rather than rotating through 90deg to lift and put down.

Just how I prefer to... errr... handle them.

Max... · 13 May 2019, 10:53

25 litre with the 15 hp Merc for sure. A thirsty motor IME. A bladder is best if you can rig it as it frees so much space and distributes the weight better.

gpsguru · 13 May 2019, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

The metal is best people...

From many years experience I wouldn't use a metal portable tank ...........

Weeping seams, weeping fittings, heavy, and the quality of them vary a lot, after short amount of time if they are left less than full, condensation causes small rust areas inside the tank and fuel contamination can be an issue ........ often the internal passivating leaves a lot to be desired.

Ali & stainless tanks are Ok, but expensive ............. some of the modern plastic tanks are seriously tough .............

Its another vote for quicksilver from me ......... very good quality and a nice screw cap / vent system

Poly · 13 May 2019, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

The metal is best people... I NEVER said they were right.

I don't recall anyone here ever saying metal was preferable for sort of portable cans under discussion here, and if anywhere has awkward types willing to argue a point for the sake of it, surely it is here!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

The handle is on the top of all designs when being carried

...talking of cantankerous (pun intended!) types...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

To explain re handle...

I find a full 25l tank quite heavy and it's easier to lift into places when it's already the right way up. For example if you want to re-trim the boat when out by moving the tank it's easier to ease some of the weight by the handle and slide it rather than rotating through 90deg to lift and put down.

Fenlander - I completely get what you are saying. It does look like a potentially more useful shape for lifting.

jeffstevens763@g · 13 May 2019, 19:29

I like this type especially when not in use it will stand up using little space when secured to the hogging rail or similar

Ron Hale Marine Ltd - Suzuki 25 Litre Fuel Tank

Fenlander · 14 May 2019, 10:10

Quite Jeff... horses for courses. My course is daily setup/outings and travelling as light/clutter free as possible... my horse is sorted for that. Like your use other's needs may differ.

jeffstevens763@g · 14 May 2019, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Quite Jeff... horses for courses. My course is daily setup/outings and travelling as light/clutter free as possible... my horse is sorted for that. Like your use other's needs may differ.

yep allsorts of configurations, fuel cans are a pain in any sib the best is what Max has if you can justify the cost [bladders] the best i've had mine is as now with the 43 ltr up front with my kit boxes pulled back and resting on it the 25ltr just ties up at the stern opposite me stood up, it's a pity it's pickup isn't longer to keep it stood up in use the price you pay for the long trips.