Installing gas tanks for outboard on Pearson 26

[jimjava]

What is the best/safest way to install two 6-gallon gas tanks on my 1971 Pearson 26 for use with my 9.9 HP outboard motor? If I install the two portable gas tanks under the cockpit, is there a risk of explosion due to gas vapors venting from the gas tanks? I want to make sure that the gas fumes are vented properly, and I want to make sure that the gas tanks stay level while operating the motor.

I don't want to keep the tanks in the cockpit itself since that will take away from the leg room in the cockpit. The previous owner kept multiple gas tanks under the cockpit. On the 1971 Pearson 26, there is just a big space under the cockpit, and there aren't any special cavities or cabinets or spaces that are designed for keeping the gas tanks.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jim Gershfield

[davecheslow]

I purchased an Attwood gascan, 6 gal without gauge, item # 5900689 from J & M Hunting and Marine shotnhunt.com. The tank fits perfectly into the cockpit compartment in post 1975 P 26's. Last year I paid 20.82 + 8.30 shipping to NJ.

Dave Cheslow
P 26 Prime Time
Red Bank, NJ

[jinjyr]

I also have a 1971 Pearson 26. I have two wooden blocks glassed into the hull under the starboard locker. One is foward of the locker hatch and one is aft of it. Sitting on top of the blocks is a plank of wood screwed onto them acting like a shelf. I rested my gas tank on it, lashed it down and drilled a hole for the gas line into the side of the engine well. Just air out the locker before you turn on any electric and you will be fine. If you want to get fancy, you can put a piece of molding around the hole in the engine well.
Where do you sail? I sail my ancient Pearson on the Long Island Sound.

[mfgurish]

Hi- I have struggled with the same problem. When I bought the boat, there was a 6 gallon tank in the area under the cockpit. I used it the first 2 months I sailed the boat and it often smelled of gas in the cabin. So I bought a 3 gallon tank (Tempest) that almost fits into the transom well. WHat looks like a better fix is the U shaped tank that you can buy called a Dinghy-Mate but i haven't tried it yet to see if it would really fit. What I also have considered is doing the mod that was done on later models where the tank is in a separate locker that is under the cockpit seats. I have also considered widening the transom well by cutting the front out and sealing the 2 inch space between the front wall of the transom and the rear of the cockpit. This would allow the 3 gallon tank to sit in the tansom well comfortably. I would be interested in knowing how you deal with the problem. I don't think having the tank under the cockpit is a good alternative because of the fire danger. I go camping with my son on the boat and I don't wnat to take the chance.
Mike