Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by jackburt0n on 04/28/12 - 2:56 PM

I've searched the post for this question and haven't found the answer yet . . .

I purchased a fuel/water separator kit and am ready to install to the front of the splashwell of my 1987 17" Montauk. I am uncertain as to the process. Do I drill pilot holes for the stainless screws? Do I fill the holes with marine caulk prior to mounting? I need some direction and (as a Newbie) some pretty idiot-proof step by step instructions.

Many Thanks!!

Jack

Posted by contender250 on 04/28/12 - 5:10 PM

If your tanks are above the deck do not worry about having one... Take the kit back get a refund and spend your money on something else. If you really want one the one to have is a simple spin on type, filters are cheap and easy to replace. You want to mount it out of the way and putting in the splash-well could be in the way of the engine tilting (watch out for this) and getting the filter off. Drill small pilot holes for the screws put a dab of sealer on the hole and on the screw itself (I like 4200/5200 to use) I would be more worried about the crap gas (ehtonal) than water in the fuel...take care

Posted by freeportd on 04/28/12 - 5:19 PM

A boat that I just purchased has a fuel/water separator - and I'm glad it does. That's not because I've noticed anything yet with my boat, but rather because I tore down a friend's Mercury carbs after symptoms of not starting/running well. The carbs were actually pretty clean, but I did find droplets of water in the bowls. And this guy had 'above the deck' i.e. portable tanks. My recommendation to him, get a fuel/water separator!

Posted by jackburt0n on 04/28/12 - 7:36 PM

MAny thanks for the replies! Does anyone know if there is wood on the forward side of the splash well? I am taking the advice to drill pilot holes and tipping the ss screws with 5200 before mounting. I am thinking the forward / port side of the splash well is kind of out of the way (the battery is stored there). I've seen it mounted inside the splashwell just under the motor. Any other suggestions on location?

Many thanks,
Jack

Posted by Phil T on 04/28/12 - 8:01 PM

I am staying out of the pro/con debate.

To mount it on the inside wall of the splashwell:

-Tape off the area with painters tape.
-Use the filter mounting bracket as a template and trace the holes.
-Drill two pilot holes slightly smaller than the screw size. Test the drill size in a scrap of wood, the test the screw. It should be a snug fit.
-Remove tape.
-Bevel the edges of the hole slightly [just the gelcoat layer (1/8")]
-Apply a small dab of marine sealant (NOT adhesive) into the hole and the threads of the screw. Tighten screws till snug.

Edited by Phil T on 04/28/12 - 8:03 PM

Posted by SeaLevel on 04/29/12 - 5:29 AM

I bolted my filter to an oversized piece of 3/4" Azek then used Velcro to mount it to the starboard side of the well. I left the bolts a little long and made a T-shaped handle with two holes in it to go on the two bolts. This holds everything steady while I change the filter. Ultra Velcro is available at Home Depot. This system has worked well for the last two years. No holes in my boat and can be easily relocated if necessary. See photos on my personal page.

Posted by Bake on 04/29/12 - 6:25 AM

Don't worry about wood backing for this install. There will not be any pull on the assembly except when you spin the filter on and off.

Posted by Guts on 04/29/12 - 8:13 AM

I have one mounted on the outside of the splashwell Look at my personal page and yes I used a sealant before putting the screws in don't worry about wood backing like said above there's not enough weight to cause a problem at least I've never had a problem with mine

Posted by butchdavis on 01/29/24 - 7:35 AM

#11

A good reason to have a fuel/water separator on any boat is bad fuel. There is a risk of buying bad fuel at any outlet.