[dabnis]

You didn't say what kind of motor you have, but most small outboards ,even 2 strokes, don't burn much fuel. From your description, 2 gallons or so would probably be more than enough. I have a 6HP Tohatsu 4 stroke which has an integral tank of a bit over a liter, which would get you about 30 minutes at full throttle. When fishing with about a 10 minute full throttle run, plus trolling, we burned about a pint per day.

I carried an extra pint can of fuel but never had to use it. No external tank required.:

Tohatsu Outboard Motor 6hp 4-Stroke

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

I would agree that a 3 gallon tank would be more than large enough. We currently have a 6 gallon tank for the 8hp 2-stroke Johnson on our P26, and we don't burn much more than a gallon each trip. Each trip consists of maybe an hour total of motoring at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle... maybe a bit less time.. who knows.

If I can hijack this thread slightly, I would have room in our engine well for a small three gallon tank if it could be oriented VERTICALLY. Is there such a thing? These new plastic tanks take up a lot of real-estate unnecessarily when they're horizontal.

Thanks...

Barry

Try this:

Moeller's Tempo Ultra3 Gas Fuel Tank 620003LP

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

Looks as horizontal as all the rest.

Maybe try a Google search on "Plastic outboard motor fuel tanks"?

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

OK... it won't be EPA legal, but is there any reason why I can't convert a regular 2 gallon red plastic gas tank? After all, it won't ever be stored in an enclosed space, so there is no reason why it has to be have one of those terrible vapor seals. I have no locker in my boat. The gas tank has to sit on the floor of the cockpit stealing floor space from the Helmsperson.

It is possible that you may not pass a Coast Guard or Sheriff's safety inspection test with anything "home made"? Also, an insurance claim, either liability or property might be effected? My guess is that anything that is not "certified" by some over kill agency could be a liability?

If you can use a smaller, motor, many of them have integral tanks. As mentioned, our 6HP 4 stroke Tohatsu has an integral tank & can also use an external tank.

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

Don't know what your transom arrangement is but the "Dingy Mate" might work, or perhaps it could sit on the cockpit floor?

Scepter Marine - OEM and Topside Fuel Tanks

I suppose you could retrofit a one gallon anti freeze bottle, which is tall & narrow? All kinds of possibilities. Could be that all/most of the commercially made tanks are broad is that they are concerned about the tank tipping over?

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

Here's an idea you may be able to find a smaller one but this is a step in the right direction I hope. IMTRA Portable Outboard Fuel Tanks-6 Gallon Just Gas Tanks.com

Oh my, $500, after tax & shipping, for a 6 gallon tank. They are really proud of their product. For a little more he could buy a motor with an integral tank, & sell his existing motor.

Paul T

 

[dabnis]

One more time, integral tank motor, either new or used on Craigslist, then sell the old motor on Craigslist, easy.

Paul T