84 23' Center console tank size

[CHANCE1234]

X2 on the starboard 5200 combo.

[Billpotter]

FYI- If you raise the weather deck (floor) more than 2.5", don't say I didn't warn you. I have raised the deck on my 1986 23' project 2.5" by raising the whole liner up- liner flare begins to pull away from the hull beyond 2.5"- difficult to re-join the two- but possible. Also, gunwale height is about 25" aft at that point: getting close to stumbling overboard.
Regarding reducing tank size, fuel weight placement is key. If you have one tank that goes forward from the aft between stringer bulkhead, fuel weight will still be aft when you are underway above idle. Consider two tanks to better control weight placement. This will also maximize resale value.

[Seacraft84]

Thanks Bill.
Plan is to completely remove the inner liner and deck and go with a level deck so we can move the tank even farther forward to keep the weight from being aft. These 4 strokes get such good mileage I can't see going with anything over 90 gallons. As you know these boats were built back when motors only got 1 to 1/2 mpg.

[Billpotter]

Understood-
On my current project (23 CC, twin suzuki DF115s on the transom- 850 lbs. approx.), I ended up splitting 120 gallons into a forward 50 in front of a console step in, and an aft 70 behind the console step in, behind which is a forward of transom storage area that's long enough to store long diving fins and gear. I also built a 15 ga. oval quick trip live well in the starboard stern because I like fresh fish. With the two tank set up, I can place the fuel where it is best for the circumstances; keeping it well forward when I want to.

Note that before taking the boat apart, I trial ran the boat for 6 hours in conditions up to washing machine 3-4' seas with the Suzuki F115s to verify my plans. The aft rushing fuel weight was obvious.

26 years ago, I set up a 3 tank (195 gallon total) 23 for a friend: it was very handy to be able to change the balance of the boat with different fuel placement for different circumstances.Just make sure you have a good idea as to how she'll sit and run with the different set up.

Keep in mind that as soon as the bow rises, no matter how many baffles there are in the tank, all the fuel goes to the rear of the tank.