Outboard gas tank in bow... long gas hose?

CGeminski

CGeminski

Well-known member
I want to put the gas tank in the bow of my duckboat... the added weight in the bow will help trim the boat as well as save room in the stern. In order to place the tank in the bow, I need at least 15ft of hose including the bulb to get to my 15hp Johnson.

The longest gas hose I could find locally was 8ft, which I purchased for the meantime as nothing else was available. I have searched the internet and still have not found a solution to this problem.

I know many of you also have your gas tank in the bow... did you find a long gas line somewhere commercially available, did you purchase a hose extension kit.... or did you rig something up yourself. Any advice, tips or information would be appreciated.

Chris
 
Chris

I've bought bulk line and run it as long as 14' with no problem. To be on the safe side buy 5/16" instead of 1/4". The larger dia. decreases resistance and thereby increases the distance your fuel pump can pull fuel.

Eric
 
I just bought bulk gas line from McMaster-Carr @ $.94/ft. Hose link

Scott
Low-Pressure SAE Fuel Hose
54605k341p1s.png
  • Use with diesel fuel and gasoline with up to 15% ethanol
  • Temperature Range: -29° to +257° F
  • Color: Black
  • Hose: Buna-N (nitrile) rubber
  • Cover: Blended Buna-N rubber/PVC
  • Reinforcement: Polyester yarn spiral
Designed for inline connecting of fuel lines, this hose meets SAE 30R7 standards. Hose interior is smooth for unrestricted flow. Can be used indoors and out. Vacuum rating is 24” Hg @ 72° F.
To Order: Please order in 5-ft. increments up to the full coil length of 100 feet.
 
If you don't have the means to zip tie the fuel line out of the way, or just for extra protection, run it in some PVC secured conduit under your shelf
 
The gas line is actually going to run under the floor boards in the boat... I have a void there big enough to fit the gas line between the hull and flooring, but yes... I am going to run it in some tubing where it isnt protected by the floor boards, thanks for the suggestion.
 
You can buy fuel line at your local NAPA store or other auto parts stores. I have my tank in the bow of my BB3 so the hose must be at least 12 ft. The only potential problem is getting the gas pumped all that way with the one bulb. You may need an extra in-hose bulb up nearer the gas tank. That's what I need to do in the next month and will likely put it between the gas tank and the fuel/water separator. If you don't already have one, think about putting a fuel/water separator in your gas line - they run $30-35 and will prevent water in your tank from getting to your motor.
 
Pete

I run mine the length on the cockpit plus a little more like you do. By keeping the bulb near the tank I haven't had any problems. Using the bulb to push the gas over that distance works better than trying to pull it. A hose under pressure doesn't collapse like one under suction.

Eric
 
Hmmm that's interesting, never thought of putting the one bulb that far from the motor. Always had one withing reach so I could check it if the motor wouldn't start right away. Makes sense though.
 
Pete

I don't need to prime the line very often. With the plunger primers on the carbs these days they usually have enough gas left in the carb to get the motor running and pumping fuel from the tank.

Eric
 
Eric, I've got water separators in both boats and though I'll admit I don't check them often, it sure is peace of mind knowing I won't have a water problem. Most of the time we are filling up at a gas station so the chance of water in the fuel is remote - not necessarily so at a marina. An outboard mechanic years ago told me the two biggest problems he saw were water in the gas and improper/wrong kind of oil in the gas (2 strokes).
 
Pete,

I started listening to Harker's very sage advice years ago and I started adding Sea Foam to EVERY tank of gas I ever burn. Lee rode that arguement pretty hard a couple of times and pointed to IBoats more than once and those guys are Sea Foam Freaks I tell you. Anyhow, local gear guys that are patients I have asked them what they all do and they all smile and ask if it is for the company or their own stuff. They all say Stabil is ok, but if/when the gas evaporates it leaves a film on everything and it doesn't do much for the ethanol gas. They so far have all told me that they personally use Sea Foam. Just took my motor to PAMPS outboard in GB and the wrench there of over 30 years says he loves that stuff and my carbs are fine, I was having a power pack issue (reason I kept the old 35 instead of the 70, also the ins. issues) Anyhow, long winded way of saying since changing to Sea Foam at Lee's recommendation, I have never had one issue with gas or carbs etc. I run it now in lawn motors, weed whippers, snowblowers, everything. Pour it in the gas can, then pour from there into the smaller tanks so I know it is always done. I guess that is my delusional way of thinking I have addressed SOME of the moisture issue.

Eric, good point on push/pull and siphon issues. Thanks!!
 
Eric,

I've used SeaFoam on occasion but not all the time. Good points though and I'll try and remember to pick a bunch up the next time I'm out. Where have you found it the cheapest?
 
Stabil has a marine formula now that's supposed to deal with the @%$# ethanol.
I've been using that or Startron's enzyme formula religiously since the repair bill for the corrosion in the carbs.
I also upgraded my water separator to a higher micron filter.Two years now and no gas issues.
 
I got 18 foot from a marine store.It's best to get a larger diameter for a long run like that.
You can cut and put the primer bulb anywhere it suits you best that way.
 
This is a timely post for me. I am doing the same thing relocating tank to the bow and had the same questions.
Thanks for the question and the advice.

Paul
 
I want to put the gas tank in the bow of my duckboat... the added weight in the bow will help trim the boat as well as save room in the stern. In order to place the tank in the bow, I need at least 15ft of hose including the bulb to get to my 15hp Johnson.

The longest gas hose I could find locally was 8ft, which I purchased for the meantime as nothing else was available. I have searched the internet and still have not found a solution to this problem.

I know many of you also have your gas tank in the bow... did you find a long gas line somewhere commercially available, did you purchase a hose extension kit.... or did you rig something up yourself. Any advice, tips or information would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...


If you want to be USCG compliant if you ever get boarded for a safety inspection you need marine hose, not the cheepie stuff - it will say "USCG TYPE ..."
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top