Fuel tank alteration

[Bob Wilson]

All, I have a '94 Seafarer 22 and have upgraded the original Yamaha 225 HPDI to a 2010 Suzuki 250 four-stroke. In doing so, I have also added significant weight to the stern of the boat. To start with, the boat has an 8hp 4 stroke kicker on a manually adjustable bracket, located on the starboard stern. The boat has duel batteries, one on each side under the stern seats. I purchased the boat used and the owner said he didn't use the non-functional fuel gauge.....I questioned that. He also said he had never used the spare tank (56 gallons, located between the helm and passenger seats) it is up against the cuddy bulkhead. The main/rear tank is 92 gallons and located about 30" aft of the forward tank and stretches aft to about 30" forward of the transom.
Upon launching with the new engine and the stern tank about 3/4 full, the boat was sitting stern heavy, the motor-well drains were at the waterline. I added about 35 gallons of fuel to the forward tank and it helped level the boat very, very, very slightly. Since that time I have run on the rear tank until it only has about 30 gallons remaining and then filled the front tank to capacity (the full 56 gallons). Doing this has rendered the boat sitting just about exactly at the float line (level) and the rear scuppers are about and inch and a half from the waterline. The boat performs much better: planes earlier, engine trim is more accurate and trim tabs are almost not needed (load and wind not withstanding), also, my fuel consumption is almost 1/2 that of the HPDI-as another plus, I can hear myself think!!!
So, the question comes, why do I need the forward (spare) tank at all? Wouldn't it make more sense to remove the forward tank and move the main tank forward to about mid-ship? Removing the forward tank reduces the weight load, levels the boat nicely and still gives me about 9 hours of cruising speed at 29 mph-4,200 RPS's, this seems to be the sweet spot for this boat.
Anyone try this or have thoughts?
Thanks
Bob

 

[Don Davis]

Hi Bob, I have 1999 228 Seafarer that I put a 2012 Suzuki DF250 on last year. I have the same fuel tank setup as you but I have decided to run and fuel the front 56 gallon tank only for the same reason as you mention. I really don’t need the extra fuel capacity of the 92 gallon main tank for the type of fishing I normally do, at least not at this point in time. I also have a 10 gallon fresh water tank that sits just behind the front auxiliary fuel tank that I may use in the future so I don’t want to move tanks at this time. One day I might just remove the rear tank to get more in floor storage, my thoughts, Don

 

[leeccoll]

I have an older hull on my 228, and it is in the forward coffin. There is room for a aux tank if I wanted to add it, but I wouldn't use it. My question is on my hull there is a fiberglass bulkhead between the two coffins, and I would think it could be of structural importance not to mess with it, wondering if your years model has the same?

I really like my tank being mid ship.

 

[Bob Wilson]

Hi Bob, I have 1999 228 Seafarer that I put a 2012 Suzuki DF250 on last year. I have the same fuel tank setup as you but I have decided to run and fuel the front 56 gallon tank only for the same reason as you mention. I really don’t need the extra fuel capacity of the 92 gallon main tank for the type of fishing I normally do, at least not at this point in time. I also have a 10 gallon fresh water tank that sits just behind the front auxiliary fuel tank that I may use in the future so I don’t want to move tanks at this time. One day I might just remove the rear tank to get more in floor storage, my thoughts, Don

OK, seems like you know the issue, thank you! I do want to keep a bit more than 56 gallons when we fish in Nootka Sound.....a long run with almost nowhere to get fuel. The 92 gallons would last me for a week of getting there, fishing and getting back. I also thought it would be worth the effort to install a small water tank to rinse hands and fish gear. Thanks for your comment!

 

[Bob Wilson]

I have an older hull on my 228, and it is in the forward coffin. There is room for a aux tank if I wanted to add it, but I wouldn't use it. My question is on my hull there is a fiberglass bulkhead between the two coffins, and I would think it could be of structural importance not to mess with it, wondering if your years model has the same?

I really like my tank being mid ship.

I don't think I have a bulkhead between the two but thanks for the tip, I will be sure and take a look!! Thank you for your comment, better to look than be surprised!!!!

 

[SkunkBoat]

idk if these are V belly tanks but make sure the shape of the 92 gl tank is going to work if moved forward.

Another possibility is to replace the 92 with a shorter 50 gl tank

 

[Bob Wilson]

idk if these are V belly tanks but make sure the shape of the 92 gl tank is going to work if moved forward.

Another possibility is to replace the 92 with a shorter 50 gl tank

Thank you, I will take a look and then see..........I will post the year and shape of the tank, then the chances of making this work. I appreciate you comment and help!!!

 

[blindmullet]

I ran into the same issue on my boat. I don't have the water issue but IMO is rides like shit. I was going to add a 120-150 gallon and move it forward.

 

[Don Davis]

OK, seems like you know the issue, thank you! I do want to keep a bit more than 56 gallons when we fish in Nootka Sound.....a long run with almost nowhere to get fuel. The 92 gallons would last me for a week of getting there, fishing and getting back. I also thought it would be worth the effort to install a small water tank to rinse hands and fish gear. Thanks for your comment!

Interesting as I also fish Nootka Sound for 4 days every July and usually top my fuel off at Critter Cove, it’s a little more expensive than in town but saves a bunch of weight in the main stern tank. It’s always a trade off I guess.

 

[wrxhoon]

I think you will find there is a fiberglass bulkhead between the two coffins. My old boat had it and it didn't have the front tank, she did have a 10 g water tank .,
My current 2013 boat has one tank (125 G) as far is it can go forward then the 10 g water tank further to the rear then empty space further back. On the later models the scuppers are a little higher as well, not sure if the floor is higher , I don't have the old boat to compare. The4.2lt Yamaha is not much heavier than the old 2 strokes.

 

[doug228]

I'm getting ready to my replace my 228 tank with a plastic 99 gallon tank this fall. Plan is to remove bulkhead and water tank and install tank in the front location to try and balance to boat better.

I'll try and get lot of pictures when I get in there. Should be on it late November.

I also fished Nootka this summer and enjoyed the use of the large tank (I don't have the aux tank). We needed up running from moutcha bay to outside friendly Cove every day as there where no fish inside when I was there. I couldn't imagine having done that on just your small tank, we where putting in almost 50 miles on plane every day...

I actually ran the boat from Vancouver all the way to Nootka, hauled across to Campbell River then ran home. Boat is a gem and takes everything. I just need more living space ..islander or sailfish in my future. Maybe a small express if I can find one.

 

[Bob Wilson]

I ran into the same issue on my boat. I don't have the water issue but IMO is rides like shit. I was going to add a 120-150 gallon and move it forward.

I think you are on the right track. After playing with my boat for awhile, I have to say, it wasn't designed to carry as much weight as I was led to believe. I have had about 20 boats and two of these boats were too stern heavy-one was a 22' Seasport with a 350 cid Volvo duoprop and my 22 Grady 226; they just didn't handle well. I think the Grady was designed for less weight in the stern but the "Sales" guys over-rode the "Tech" guys to sell more boats. Changing the for/aft weight has made this boat a pleasure to operate-it no longer feels sluggish. The ride going thru rough water has not changed, it is still very good-the SV2 hull works with or without weight going into the seas but works much better when lightened in a following sea. I think that being said, redistributing the weight away from the stern really, really helped me. Now I am working for a permanent solution!

 

[Bob Wilson]

I think you will find there is a fiberglass bulkhead between the two coffins. My old boat had it and it didn't have the front tank, she did have a 10 g water tank .,
My current 2013 boat has one tank (125 G) as far is it can go forward then the 10 g water tank further to the rear then empty space further back. On the later models the scuppers are a little higher as well, not sure if the floor is higher , I don't have the old boat to compare. The4.2lt Yamaha is not much heavier than the old 2 strokes.

Great info!

 

[Bob Wilson]

I'm getting ready to my replace my 228 tank with a plastic 99 gallon tank this fall. Plan is to remove bulkhead and water tank and install tank in the front location to try and balance to boat better.

I'll try and get lot of pictures when I get in there. Should be on it late November.

I also fished Nootka this summer and enjoyed the use of the large tank (I don't have the aux tank). We needed up running from moutcha bay to outside friendly Cove every day as there where no fish inside when I was there. I couldn't imagine having done that on just your small tank, we where putting in almost 50 miles on plane every day...

I actually ran the boat from Vancouver all the way to Nootka, hauled across to Campbell River then ran home. Boat is a gem and takes everything. I just need more living space ..islander or sailfish in my future. Maybe a small express if I can find one.

Ok, sounds like you know the Nootka issue. Gold River to where you stay to the fishing grounds daily and then back to Gold River, it a lot of water covered and I think 99 gallon fix would work. I used to have an Aquasport 21 with a 200 Merc (2 stroke) and we did the Nootka thing for a week and still came back with 25 or so gallons-the tank held 105. I think my DF 250 burns fuel at about the same rate as my old 200 Merc so the 99 gallon figure makes sense! Thanks for the post!

 

[Hazel’s captain]

Hi,
I have a seafarer 22’ 1995. ( 1st post ever so apologize a head of time)
I have the 56 gal Aux fuel 10 gal h20 tank & 96 gal main fuel tank. I would like to replace the 96 gal to a 50 gal to as fare forward as space will allow an not change any structure or water tank ( plastic preferred)Because of stern weight problems. Ref: oil tank three batteries and soon to replace 225 Yamaha salt-series 2 stroke 1999 1040 hrs.
My questions are finding a fuel tank and advise on 4 stroke motor with knowledge of mileage or fuel consumption.
Thanks
Hazel’s captain
Sointula, BC

 

[Bob Wilson]

Hi,
I have a seafarer 22’ 1995. ( 1st post ever so apologize a head of time)
I have the 56 gal Aux fuel 10 gal h20 tank & 96 gal main fuel tank. I would like to replace the 96 gal to a 50 gal to as fare forward as space will allow an not change any structure or water tank ( plastic preferred)Because of stern weight problems. Ref: oil tank three batteries and soon to replace 225 Yamaha salt-series 2 stroke 1999 1040 hrs.
My questions are finding a fuel tank and advise on 4 stroke motor with knowledge of mileage or fuel consumption.
Thanks
Hazel’s captain
Sointula, BC

I had a 225 Salt Water Series 2 stroke, then replaced it with a Suzuki DF250; the difference was well worth the money. My Yamaha was burning burning a displayed 16 gph @ 28mph. My Suzuki is burning (as near as I can tell) 10 gph at 28mph. Seemed like the Yami was working and the Suzuki seems to be loafing at that speed. The Yami topped at 39 mph and the Suzuki at 42-both figures were with 90 plus gallons of fuel and 1 to 2 people aboard. The noise level is significantly less, at idle you hear the "pee-stream" and not the engine. At higher speeds the noise is lower pitched and comfortable; the Yami was loud. Those Yami HPDI's are good engines but sort of old technology and the oil tank is a mess.
Replacing the 96 gallon tank with a 50 makes a lot of sense.

 

[Hazel’s captain]

Tha

I had a 225 Salt Water Series 2 stroke, then replaced it with a Suzuki DF250; the difference was well worth the money. My Yamaha was burning burning a displayed 16 gph @ 28mph. My Suzuki is burning (as near as I can tell) 10 gph at 28mph. Seemed like the Yami was working and the Suzuki seems to be loafing at that speed. The Yami topped at 39 mph and the Suzuki at 42-both figures were with 90 plus gallons of fuel and 1 to 2 people aboard. The noise level is significantly less, at idle you hear the "pee-stream" and not the engine. At higher speeds the noise is lower pitched and comfortable; the Yami was loud. Those Yami HPDI's are good engines but sort of old technology and the oil tank is a mess.
Replacing the 96 gallon tank with a 50 makes a lot of sense.

Thanks Bob so good to know. Did you consider a 4 stroke Yamaha? I to wondered about a Suzuki my troller is a 9.9 Suzuki I am very happy with it!
What about horse power in the 4 stoke? ( 225 vs 250)
If any body has a source for a tank 1/2 the size of 96 gallon tank with measurements that will lay in same area, that to would be great news.
Our fuel source here is once a week I have no problem doing that fishing every day with 150 gallons. But with the better economy of the 4 stroke and no gallon of oil every 50 gallons will be so much better.
Thank for your input

 

[blindmullet]

I think you are on the right track. After playing with my boat for awhile, I have to say, it wasn't designed to carry as much weight as I was led to believe. I have had about 20 boats and two of these boats were too stern heavy-one was a 22' Seasport with a 350 cid Volvo duoprop and my 22 Grady 226; they just didn't handle well. I think the Grady was designed for less weight in the stern but the "Sales" guys over-rode the "Tech" guys to sell more boats. Changing the for/aft weight has made this boat a pleasure to operate-it no longer feels sluggish. The ride going thru rough water has not changed, it is still very good-the SV2 hull works with or without weight going into the seas but works much better when lightened in a following sea. I think that being said, redistributing the weight away from the stern really, really helped me. Now I am working for a permanent solution!

To compound the issue is the poor position of the operator on a cuddy. Being further forward you differently feel the weight distribution issues. I was going to throw some weight up front to offset the motor. I get good fuel burn and don't really push it all that much. Would look a better ride in the quick chop.

 

[doug228]

I'd recommend a 250. my 225 works, but leaves me pining for more. When I'm out in the rough weather it would be nice to plane slower and i believe the 250 would do just that. (Maybe a more modern 225 would help).

When it's calm I have no complaints on the 225.

 

[Bob Wilson]

Tha

Thanks Bob so good to know. Did you consider a 4 stroke Yamaha? I to wondered about a Suzuki my troller is a 9.9 Suzuki I am very happy with it!
What about horse power in the 4 stoke? ( 225 vs 250)
If any body has a source for a tank 1/2 the size of 96 gallon tank with measurements that will lay in same area, that to would be great news.
Our fuel source here is once a week I have no problem doing that fishing every day with 150 gallons. But with the better economy of the 4 stroke and no gallon of oil every 50 gallons will be so much better.
Thank for your input

I was looking for 250hp, wasn't real concerned on brand. While comparing, I found a used Suzuki 250 at a fair price; love Yamaha-just didn't or couldn't find a used one at the time. Oh, and $'s spent was a big issue, seemed sort of harsh to install a 2021 engine on a 27 year old boat. Also, there is a huge problem finding anyone with stock or willing to take my trade, I found my old engine was a little hard to get rid of. All that being said, the dealer's help is what led me down this path.