Need help with a late 60's 20 cc I/O

[jkully]

I just picked up a late 60's (I think)20 cc with a 4cyl Merc I/O. and an external fuel tank. I have read most all of the post here and it's a great site, but I several questions on my refurb job ahead. 1. any one out there with a old 20 cc install a below deck tank? and Where did you place it(fore/aft/midship)? 2. Because of the tail weight of the boat with the I/O, would it be better to convert to an O/B configuration for 25" shaft and 130 to 150 O/B. The weight saving should be around 200 lbs. Would like to hear feed back from anyone with any suggestions.

PS. I love the 4cyl I/O, but could use the space better.

[stevebrownell]

I'm planning on installing a new tank below deck this winter, increase the capacit a bit, but more so to install a modified console (narrower) in my 20 i/o. I think moving the tank from above deck to below would serve two purposes: lower the center a gravity a bit, and more important, free up some space. One does have to cut a perfectly good deck to do this though....

It's doable, considering some of the other projects board members have done here. You can also rest knowing that your tank is clean and shiny-new, and replumb your fuel fittings and sender. Not a bad time to inspect and work on the foward bilge and check stringers and other items.

By the way, any pics? where do you hail from? I'm on the south shore of Massachusetts, and would be interesting in comparing notes with any other 20 I/O owner out there. I think that model is one of the best looking boats in the fleet.

[sailcat]

Deepsea, Not sure how much room you have to work with, but this is what I did on a 20'. Added a 75 gallon tank starting from the C/C forward to the casting platform. Hope this helps.

[LoveMySeacraft]

Dang!...DeepSea! Major surgery!

[jkully]

Sorry guys for the long delay in replying…I’ve been out of town for a while. I plan to start my major surgery on my 20’ cc in October. I have decided to shoot for a 55 gallon below deck tank, like Bobber, I think I will look at placing the tank under the console to just aft of the fore-deck (very similar to Bobbers 20”). I also plan to raise the deck 1 ¼”, replace all stringers and remove the I/O in favor of a transom bracket with either a Evinrude 130 V-4 E-TEC or a 150 V-6 E-TEC (should save about 200+ lbs on the stern). Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.