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What would be the best gas tank for a 1968 (?) 13' super sport whaler with a 1973 40hp Johnson electric start motor. A very close friend died of cancer and left me the boat and I want to get it in the water soon. A marine mechanic assessed the boat, motor, and trailer. I need an electric starter but the motor started 1st pull (has manual pull start too). I'm getting a tune up etc. and want to restore the boat in the future. The boat did not have a gas tank. I think a 10 to 12 gallon would be best. I have read reviews that have negative comments about the plastic gas tanks. The only "original" Johnson gas tanks are all 6 gallons only. Does anyone use a below deck tank under the thwart seat? I would appreciate any suggestions (size, brand). This is my first whaler and I'm very excited to fix the boat in honor of my friend.

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Moeller makes a 12 gallon tank designed to fix under Whaler seats. It's pretty pricey though, around $200

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$200 is a bit more than what I have in my budget right now. Does anyone have experience or recommendation for the plastic tanks (brand) that sit behind the seat? There is a 6 gallon that can be stacked, and 9 or 10 gallon. Reviews indicate some problems with "swelling" from the sun and cracking or leakage. I appreciate your response.

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I agree that $200 is too much for a gas tank. Many people have two 6 gallon tanks that they alternate from

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A 10 to 12 gallon tank will weigh, when full, between 70 amd 84 pounds and take up too much space in a Sport 13. Do you really need the range such a large tank offers?

I use a six gallon tank and it serves well. I can remove the tank and take it with me when I buy fuel at the "no ethanol" gas station without fear of a hernia. It also fits well in the 13. and can be partially placed under the thwarts. If you must have greater capacity consider two 6 gallon tanks for easier handling and storage on the boat.

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Butch thank you for your feedback. I honestly don't know what my range is. I assumed a 1973 40hp Johnson would not be too efficient. Do you use a plastic or metal 6 gallon tank? Sally

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shelton:

Take a look at my personal page. The 13 foot standard I had, had a 30 hp Johnson on it originally. I could certainly go through 6 gallons in half a day, and would recommend carrying two six gallon tanks.

I do agree for that boat, I'd rather have two 6 gallon tanks than one 12 gallon tank.

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I have averaged 8.7 mpg in the 300 miles I have data for with a 1986 Mercury 35 on my 13. The spread was 7.1 to 10.4 mpg. I carry two 6-gallon tanks if I need the range, the original metal and a plastic, the metal in the stern and the plastic in just behind the forward locker. I just use the plastic if using only one since it can go in stern or forward and metal tank and tank pad are starting to show wear after almost 30-years in fresh and saltwater use.
Tom

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The really correct tank for the 13's or 15's is the Moeller red long and low tank, Moeller #31615, which nicely fits under the thwart seat and keeps the already limited interior deck space of the boat open for use. I would highly recommend this tank inspite of the cost.

http://www.usaboatstore.com/moeller-1...ed=Froogle

I would pick one of these up while you still can, since the new EPA regulations are going to have these off the market soon, replaced with the new BR (barrier resistant) models that cost TWICE as much.

These red on-deck fuel tanks are about to become a real headache for smaller Whaler owners because of these new emission laws. The new tanks will have the two stage vent cap, which holds pressure build up and causes to tanks to bulge out like they are going to explode, and requires special non-spay connectors and a special in-line valve. Generally a total pain.

So get your tanks now, and get a supply of the still available manually vented caps.

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I have the "new" plastic 6 gallon tanks. They are easy to use and not a pain. Just read and follow the instructions. When the tank bulges simply vent it by pressing the vent valve "in". That will relieve the pressure and allow for safe connection or disconnection of the fuel hose from the engine.

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Agree about the Moeller #31615. Fits perfectly under the front seat and gives me the range for my regular runs from Ft. Launder dale to Nassau. Well, not really but I don't have to stop for gas very often. Also I store the tank full with ethanol free gas and stabilizer. Never had a problem, never worry about running out of gas.