Carl designed his hulls to have the longitudinal CG over the center of the tank longitudinally so the balance does not change. He also had a forward water ballast tank on some hulls so you could trim on the fly with a quick scoop or dump.

Which tank you want to put where probably depends on how the boat is balanced. You probably aren't too stern heavy with an E-TEC unless you have a bracket, so maybe it doesn't matter, but if you need a bit more weight up front for better balance, I'd be inclined to put the small tank that you use most up front. For when you're making a long trip and fill both tanks, just put as much gear as you can up forward to help offset the weight of the fuel aft in the big tank, and burn off that fuel first.

I personally like the ability to carry as much fuel as possible. The reason I suggest keeping the smaller tank empty is that it will accumulate less water from ethanol seperation and condensation than the larger one would

For long distance voyaging; gas is like beer, bait, food, and toilet paper: We all complain more when we ran out, than when we had plenty: I'd keep all of the gas capacity I could tolerate, and size the tanks according to how much I changed the weight distribution. I ran a 23 for years with a single 225 OMC looper with 50/ 100/ 40 gallons, bow to stern. We always had enough gas, and used the forward and mid tanks most of the time- we only used the aft 40 gallon tank for really long (70 mile one way) runs. My current 23 project with 115 four strokes has 50/ 70 gallons- that was all I could fit, and keep a bow fish box, a console step down, and a forward of transom storage area. I would feel more comfortable with 30-40 gallons more. With the 70/ 50, I'm figuring on running on the 70 starting out heavy, and having the 50 as an absolute safety/ get home supply. Using the thirds rule, I'm still short on gas for what I plan to use the boat for.

Bill,

Thanks for sharing...definitely helpful information for me. Based on most responses, I'm planning on keeping both tanks....It's now just down to configuration. I'm leaning on keeping the smaller 60 in front of the 120 but do you have any thoughts there? As I mentioned in a previous post, most of my boating/fishing is in Boston Harbor when I am always close to a pump. For that purpose, the 60 is great. For the longer runs, I can fill both and have piece of mind. Based on that, would you put the 60 in forward or behind the 120?

Thanks again for your helpful feedback
RC

We just added a 105 gallon in our 23 from Sunshine In Miami was perfect, great place too

Nat.....I went with an 80 gallon on my rebuild. No regrets....even when I was running the older Looper motors that sucked it down. With DI motor its plenty for my use.

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/4305317695.html

Saw this on craigslist . . . Might work for you if it's in good shape.

I ran a 55gallon and a 25 gallon tank on my boat. I yanked the 25 this past year, b/c I never used it.

I have a 2nd 55 that I've been planning on adding in . . . but haven't gotten around to it.

115 gallons on my boat. I wouldn't go less than 90 if it were me. If you leave the boat in the water a couple of days it's nice to have the capacity. We go on vacation with the boat and fish every available day. It's nice to fill the tank and not have to fill it again for a couple of days.

With a single 4 stroke I don't think you need the capacity......it's just nice to have sometimes

2 -70 gallon tanks on mine. Having a hard time getting the set in the boat. I wanted them far forward NAD maybe a step down in console but. The forward tank will not go far enough forward.. So debating on putting a baitwell forward of tanks for pitching baits.. Go with short tanks. My tanks at 14" tall from the fill neck... Therfor does not allow me to move tanks all the forward. Good luck