Larger Fuel Tank for Outboard?

[PrudenceCP23]

I am hoping to extend the range of my CP23 when I have to use my outboard.  The 3 gallon tank I currently use (it lives in the small fuel locker under the tiller) is fine for getting in and out of the marina, but I know that there are times when I feel the need for a larger tank for my Honda 8hp outboard.  Other than bringing along extra cans to fill the tank as needed, does anyone have any nifty solutions that they would like to share?

[brackish]

This one will fit the fuel locker.  A little pricey, but much better quality than those inexpensive 3 gallon tanks.  Shop around, you might find it for less, I did.  Additionally those old six gallon steel tanks will fit and you can find them used on Ebay for not too much.


http://shop.evinrude.com/product/343543/5008623/_/6_-_Gallon_Dura-Tank_Fuel_Tank_EPA_Compliant

[HeaveToo]

Brackish steered me towards the tank that I bought.  6 gallon is the max but that is pretty good.  I think that Brackish has a post on here about it and what items you need for it.  You need to change some of the fittings on the fuel line because you go from a Johnson Tank to a different motor (Tohatsu in my case)

[PrudenceCP23]

Thank you, that will double my fuel capacity! I knew this was the right place to ask that question :-)

[HeaveToo]

I am still re-learning the outboard stuff after coming from a boat with a 20 gallon tank and a diesel that burned about .5 gallons an hour.  I carry the 6 gallon tank and a 2 gallon jury jug of fuel.  This gives me at least an 8 hour day of motoring.

Like I said, I am re-learning having an outboard.  I have learned that I can motor at almost 6 knots with the Tohatsu 8hp long shaft outboard.  I try to keep the cruising speed lower since that really drinks fuel.  I am probably motoring too fast and I base the engine speed on the sound and not the speed since I fight current often.  I think that I am still motoring a bit fast as I should probably be doing about 4.5 knots in flat water with no current. 

Either way, I carry 8 gallons normally.  I created a dowel rod that you can twist to create a tension rod.  I put it at the back of the cockpit to keep the jury jug in the back of the cockpit .  The jury jug is secure and it doesn't move around that way.  I keep two of the mini propane tanks beside the tank (they are for the grill).

Good luck!

[PrudenceCP23]

HeaveToo, that sounds interesting.  After the previous posts I was thinking of adding a second 6 gallon tank (the first one in the fuel locker) just forward of the fuel locker and under the tiller.  I think I may make a removable cover that fits at the height of the cockpit seats just forward of the fuel locker cover and under the tiller.  I would then add a round hatch to the forward side of the fuel locker cover to provide access to tank #1 and to run the fuel line to tank #2 when it comes time to switch tanks.  I haven't done any measuring yet to confirm that my idea will work, but currently I never find myself using that area.

[HeaveToo]

I have a second Jury Jug but I never fill it.  I don't see the need for 10 gallons of fuel.  8 gallons is a day of motoring or more for me.  I tend to be in an area where you can fill your tank daily.  I hate doing that because it gets expensive and I would rather sail.