Replacement Fuel Tanks for a 1984 Angler

Murrelet

We've been regular guests to this site for the past couple of years but finally bought a C-Dory and joined up (not #1000, but close). We took our new boat out into the Sound this past weekend on its shake down cruise and happilly, everything went great (except for the weather). Like any new boat owner, I have a ton of potential projects in mind. One however, is slightly more pressing. A previous owner replaced the original fuel tanks (tank?) with a custom metal tank that sits in front of the splash well. Unfortunately, this blocks access to the batteries and drain hole. I am assuming the original tanks sat against the transom on either side of the splash well and would like to return to this setup. I've looked around on the web and at marine stores but haven't found anything suitable. Ideally they would be shaped to fit the sides of the hull but I'd settle for tanks that were more cube-shaped that the rectangular ones I've seen so far. I'm thinking 15-20 gallon tanks. Does anyone have any leads on where to look or who to call? Anyone with similiar experiences or advice they'd like to share?

JEFF

rogerbum · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 11:32 pm Post subject:

Call the factory - they have the tanks custom made to fit the hull -I don't know if the hull shape has changed signficantly since 1984 but my guess is no. If not, the tanks the factory gets would be the best option and they are quite good about selling parts. Also, they recently came out with some newer, higher capacity tanks (25 gal instead of 20). If you're going to put some new ones in, might as well get the larger capacity.

Also, you are correct - the std. setup is two tanks on either side of the splashwell.

Roger on the SeaDNA

Anita Marie · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:14 am Post subject:

Jeff, I had an 82 Angler and used three 13 gallon Tempo tanks. Two under the engine splash well and one on either side of the splash well. I know C-Lou also uses these tanks in his 85 Angler.
I liked these tanks for a couple reasons. You could easily move them to balance the boat and you could also fuel them off the boat.
Having three tanks also made the 1/3 rule easy to keep track of.
Here are some pictures:
Tempo tanks
More tank shots

Luna C · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:38 am Post subject:

I have a set of the 20 gal tanks that ued to be on the 2004 CD's. I upgraded to the 25 gal tanks. Not sure if they will fit the older Dory but they are yours if you want them!

Anita Marie · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:57 am Post subject:

The factory tanks for a new 22 will not fit a pre 87 Angler. The transom and deck are totally different in the older boats.
Jeff, you might want to take a look at Red Fox's setup. He has added tanks along the gunale.

SENSEI · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:15 am Post subject:

check out the Red Fox for pics of side tanks that Greg mounted recently. they are plastic and mount on the gunnels on either side.
They might be in his web site " Sound Dreams"
http://groups.msn.com/sounddreams

I installed a pair of 18 gallon tempo built ins on either side of the splash well in my 1983 . not as happy with them as I thought I would be though.

Patrout · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:42 am Post subject:

Hi Jeff,

The C-Farer has saddle tanks similar to the ones on red Fox. They were that way when I bought the boat last fall. Now, the filler openings have standard stainless steel screw-in caps that come up through the gunwhales. Someone did a nice job on them when they were put in. When I get the boat back from the canvas shop here in town, I'll post a few photos in my album.

Pat

Waterball · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:13 pm Post subject:

Another option is to have someone fabricate some 25 gallon tanks out of aluminum. Its not that big of a deal to have done. I have two 25 gallon aluminum tanks that were fabricated and work nicely. Not sure of the big pros and cons on whether plastic or metal would be most preferable.
Shaun

C-Otter · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:

My 1985 Angler has the original metal tanks. Each is 12 gals. and fit under the splash well. My two cockpit drains are in each corner of the transom. The tank's still look like new inside and out. Twenty years, not bad. (in sweet water only.) C-Otter

jflug · Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:39 pm Post subject:

My '81 Angler came with two 12-gallon tanks that fit under the splashwell, but I replaced them with a single 26 gallon Moeller tank that fits in the same place. Its the model 950 and is 19" W x 29.25" L x 12.25" H. Cabelas has them for $120 I can still carry the original 12-gallon tanks outboard of the splashwell to give 50 gallons for a long trip.

Jim F.

Murrelet · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:49 pm Post subject:

Thank you for all the replies. You've all given me a number of options to consider.

Much appreciated,
Jeff