Fuel Tank for 20 footer

[napadave]

The aluminum tank in my 76 20 footer went on to a different life a couple of years ago and I replaced it with a smaller plastic tank. Is having a new tank fabricated my only option or is there someone out there that might have the original one still available? I am trying to decide whether to invest the dollars to do a nice restoration or sell the boat. It has a 87 150 oil injected Merc on it and sits on a 1990 Continential galvanized trailer. I just had the carbs rebuilt, new steering cable and shift and throttle cables installed so the boat runs well but trying to decide which way to jump. Here in the Midwest most people have no clue how a great a boat it is but it is definitely not a bass boat.

[ScottM]

Dave,
Welcome to CSC. I believe your the first Midwest member! You're right, the folks out you're way only know Ranger, Skeeter, and pontoon boats [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] , not SeaCrafts. Don't let them hassle you any, tell them you've got a "real" boat! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Regarding your tank, you'll most likely have to go custom. Even if you knew the original manufacturer (I don't, but someone on the board might), they probably won't have one sitting on a shelf ready to ship.

[Ed]

Dave-

There is a aluminium tank manufacturer in FLorida (I think they're called RTS or something like that) that has most tank dimensions from the big manufacturers on microfiche.

I will see if I can get their full name and number for yor tommorrow from my buddy. He just ordered a big tank from them.

My only question is......was your original tank under the console or below the deck? You'll need to know that when you order it. In the 1970's the USCG changed their regulations on gas tank locations.

[napadave]

Thanks for the input guys. To answer the question on location the fuel tank is below the deck. I had all the dimensions when I pulled it out but lost themduring the move. I can always go back and remeasure but thought the tank inlet vent tube and oulet locations might be somewhat critical. Your right that we have alot of Rangers and Skeeters around here as well as quite few pontoon but you see alot of performance boats on Lake Of The Ozarks. More 100 MPH boats than there should be. If I keep the boat I want to bout a T-Top on it and update the motor down the road. First step will be to have the gel coat redone. That's an $8,000 investment that if I make I want to be sure that I am going to keep the boat. I talked to guys about painting it but they all said gel coat was the best way to go.

If you find out the vendor on the tanks I will give them a call.

[Strider]

Hey Dave, That tank builder in Florida is RDS Manufacturing. Their number is 850-584-6898. The guy I delt with was Gerald and he did a great job on my tank. Mine was a custom tank but they are a big supplier and may have the info on the one you need. Good luck.