Opinions wanted - 20cc with 50gal fuel tank
 

I just pulled the tank on the new to me Tracker 20cc i picked up. The original tank was 70 gallons. My power is going to be a Zuke 140 4-stroke. I want to shorten the tank and push it all the way forward to counter balance the boat. Shaving it down 24 inches in length will take me down to about 50.xxxx gallons of capacity.

Resale is in the back of my mind, although not a priority as i intend to keep this boat for a while. Also - i already have a fully restored 23 Seacraft with new 4 stroke power for offshore use.

For me - range will never be a problem as i won't be going far enough in this boat to push it.


How would YOU feel about having a 50 gallon fuel tank?

I think you're fine. You figure averaging 3+ mpg that's plenty range for a 20'

I have a 1970 20', with a 46 gal tank, with an OX66, it works for me, but, I can never get far from a gogo juice station when running hard. Running at 3400 rpm, I make it 50+ miles and burn 20 gals, I put fuel on over there to be (very) safe coming home. At times I do wish it was bigger, a four stroke would certainly help.
op

You could always set it up with dual tanks to maintain close to the original capacity.

50 is plenty . . . I have never burned more than 38 gallons (121 miles) in one trip and you'll get much better fuel economy with the zuke. Push the tank as far forward as possible.

I put a 20 gallon under the console. With a 100 hp 4 stroke, that's a 90 mile range. And another 20- 25 miles of range per 5 gallon can of gas. Probably the same range as a 45 gallon tank and a older thirsty two stroke. Plus if the main engine quits, I can use the 5 gallon jug to refuel the topside kicker tank, so I can still get home.

I have a 35 gal tank and went 25 mi. offshore last summer. Ran at 3600 rpm for 1.5 hrs., trolled for 5 hrs., then ran back for 1.5 hrs. and only burned 27 gals. My 18 is a little heavy, (I think I have some wet foam in the stringers), but had no problems.

50 gals will be plenty for the Zuke 140 4 stroke. I get better than 4 nm/gal on my 20SF. I put a 60 gal tank in mine before I knew how efficient the four stroke would be.

I have completely filled it only once, the first offshore trip after the restore. We traveled over 50nm, and the fuel gauge showed over 3/4 when we got back. If/when I have to replace my tank, I'm going with 50ish gals.

And yeah, keep it forward.

Lloyd

Says 47 here
seems right
http://www.classicseacraft.com/20.htm

Fifty should be plenty for almost anything. I had a 20 Seafari with 40 gallons and a mid1970s 150 merc gas guzzler. Only needed more than 40 when we were diving 40 miles offshore of Bayport. 50 would have been enough even for that. Given today's fuel economy, more than enough.