Has anyone installed a permanent fuel tank in a CD 16?

T

tparrent

New member
As easy as I have found the CD16 to tow, launch and use, one thing still bothers me - fuel. As a longtime sailor with diesel engines, I haven't had much need to fuel up and no need to use plastic tanks.

I keep two six gallon tanks on the 16 - both fitted with quick connect fuel line connections (I tried refilling a tank on the lake once using a spare tank - never again). These tanks bloat, hiss and leak - and that's before I even launch the boat!

I think I would like to have a good sized tank (20 gallons? more?) with a deck fill pipe. I would prefer a vented metal tank.

I don't know if any stock tanks are available that would fit the 16. I am also not sure if the tank should be positioned in the bow or stern. It seems like the bow would be a good location as it would be out of the way but I imagine installation would be more difficult (for the installer - I would never attempt such work myself). Putting a single tank in the stern could also present problems with the bilge pump. I suppose I could have two tanks installed but then I might have balance problems.

Speaking of balance, where do people have their battery installed? Mine seems to be in the worst possible location - starboard side, stern. Since I nearly always go out solo, the battery placement just amplifies the inherent trim problem I have with me sitting to starboard.

Thanks for any suggestions
 
tparrent,

I bought my 16' Cruiser "Cachita" with a 15 gallon permanently installed fuel tank and a 3 gallon portable. Stern was heavy, but not a real issue for balance.

Most everything else could be stored forward to counter the stern weight.

Passengers had to be a bit careful on moving around & entering/leaving the boat.

Brian
 
92_16_Angler_2_002.jpg


This is the 16 gal tank that came with my first 16 and had a deck fill. You can't get to the bilge pump.
 
The ideal type and location of fuel tanks on a CD16 is saddle tanks located under the gunwales on each side. I do not know of anyone who manufactures or sells these, but Oldgrowth Dave installed them on his stretched CD16 Cruiser. I will see if I can dig up a picture. I think he either made them himself or had them custom manufactured.

On edit: This is where the photos of Dave's saddle tanks are located. Too many to put in this post.
 
In this day and age with ethanol blended fuels, being able to take the tanks out and empty them completely is a huge benefit. You can also move the fuel tanks around to affect trim which can be a benefit.
 
If you do go for saddle tanks, talk to Dave about how to properly vent them with an "anti-burp" vent. Apparently on his stretched 16, he had a leakage issue the first time he towed uphill with full tanks. With any long skinny tanks, it doesn't take much angle to get one end well above the other. On the Marinaut, this problem is solved.
 
12/21/10 Tom-

FYI...see fuel tanks in"@C" photo album.
Factory put my house battery in center of stern floor under gunwale (forward of bilge pump) btwn to 6.6 gal/25 litre Honda red fuel tanks. In addition to quick fuel line connection, tanks should have (open/closed) vent buttons to vent fumes.

You could opt to replace one or both 6 gal portable tank(s) w/ 12-15 gal
tank(s) to give you more range. Not sure >12-15 gal portable tank will fit
under stern gunwale and clear cockpit floor space.

Add'l stern weight/drought may be a consideration esp. if boating in lakes.

John Roark
R&R
2008 C-16 C w/Honda BF50
Upper Potomac River (VA) Flotilla
 
Those saddle tank installations look great. Wish I had the skills to do something like that but I don't and never will :( I will look around for someone who might be able to fabricate them or fit some stock ones.

Whenever I look at pictures of owner mods, I see all kinds of possibilities for improvement on my boat. Really wish I could tackle some of those projects but ... well, the stories of my mechanical adventures are epic :embarrased
 
Are we by some remote chance, you know, related? :lol:

tparrent":1xqefu3n said:
Whenever I look at pictures of owner mods, I see all kinds of possibilities for improvement on my boat. Really wish I could tackle some of those projects but ... well, the stories of my mechanical adventures are epic :embarrased
Click to expand...
 
It's a naturally occurring virus. I failed to get innoculated and suffer from it too. But it's nothing some careful thinking and a pile of money won't cure.
 
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