Fuel tank sizes for a 23cc
 

So I need to replace the fuel tank in my 73 23cc and I was thinking about downsizing from the 100 gal to maybe 70-ish. I have never used more than 45 gal in a day and dont really want to carry all the extra weight around. I never really have more than 50 gals in there at a time unless im going offshore but even then I dont even use half of it. If I do go with a smaller tank it would give me more room for and better access to my seachest that I use for my under the deck livewell which is under the deck hatch in front of the console.

Has anyone else done this and if so any regrets?

Nat

Nope. 118 here but 50+miles to the ledge from here typically consumes 60-65%. So I'm practicing the 1/3 rule :)

I have a 23 foot Sceptre and downsized to 95 gallons due to a lot of the reasons you mentioned. I have had no adverse effects thus far and really enjoy the added visibility and workability I gained back by the splash well and bilge area where my pumps are located. Since I mainly operate inland on a pretty large fresh water lake, I haven't missed the extra 5-10 gallons. Also, if I was to sell my boat, I don't see a minor reduction in fuel capacity as a negative selling point. Although if you were to go to 50 gallons or less and operate in a salt water application, that may be an issue if you sell your boat

I'm with Old's Cool. I have a 96 gallon and a 40 gallon. Sometimes I wish I had more.

Tank Size
 

I'm really glad you asked this question. I was planning on posting a very similar question. I'll be anxious for peoples responses.

I am in the middle of re-restoring my '75 23 CC. The previous owner had twin two strokes on the back that were thirsty. To help with his long runs, he installed a 60 gallon reserve in front of the 120 gallon tank.

Since taking the boat myself, I have changed over to a single 250 Etec which obviously has improved the gas situation. I'm in the midst of replacing the deck/transom and contemplating changes while its underway. My gut tells me to take the 60 gallon tank out and bump the 120 forward to help with the weight distribution etc. With an estimated burn of 2mpg, that gives me considerable range but I always tend to think...what if? I do chase tuna in here in the Northeast....primarily on stellwagen as well as East of the cape (sword) which can be a 50 mile run...

Up to this point, I will primarily use the 60 gallon tank...unless i am making a long run...to keep the weight forward.

I'd like to hear your opinions on what you would do in my situation. Would you keep the 60 or take it out and bump the main tank forward.

Thanks in advance...and sorry for the hijack.

RC

Bump the main tank forward and put the aux tank behind it. You only have to fill it when needed.

Boatboy,

Thanks for your reply. Definitely an idea to consider..if I use the 60 as my main tank most of the time when I'm buzzing around inshore (and keep the 120 light on gas), wouldn't it be better to be in front? (That is what I have been doing most of the time) My thought process is to have a smaller, more concentrated tank far forward...I would only use the 120 when making long runs? Just thinking out loud... You might be right though...Either way, though, you think I should keep the aux?

Nat, to get back to your question, the outfit that is restoring my SeaCraft typically suggests downsizing the tank when they do these type of restorations. He has a custom 95 (i think) gallon tank that he prefers to use.

I'm still not convinced....I know its probably not as practical but like the option of having more range if needed.

RC

In my opinion a bigger tank is always better
You don't have to fill it up but when you need it it's there.
Here in South Florida and going over to the Bahamas my old 26 Oceanic only had a 100 gal tank and on many times I wish I had the optional 150 gal tank when going over.
1. it would have given me more range
2. with the price of gas in the Bahamas ....more money for beer and bait

"2. with the price of gas in the Bahamas ....more money for beer and bait"

Now were talking good, sound reasoning!!!! :)

I've got a 144 gallon on mine, however I do like the idea of a larger tank forward and a second smaller spare tank aft. Fill the back tank only when you need it. That being said, if I was upgrading to a nice 250 eTec, I would probably double my mileage/range and not need as large a tank.

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

I just pulled two 50 (ish) gallon tanks out of my 25 footer. They are like 12" tall. But if anyone wants one, they can have it. I am keeping one for washdown. Bigshrimpin gets first right of refusal on here, though.

Comes with a sender.