More Range?

[Spec Op]

Bought a 96 Outlaw 20 last year, I love the boat(Its my first glass boat), I just wish it had more than a 26 gallon tank. Lake Michigan is pretty big, and it takes a lot of gas to go anywhere. Do I have any options other than getting a bigger Baja, Im not going to go to a newer 20 just to get the 50gal tank I would just get a 24 or 25 outlaw, but other than that can you mount an extra tank (metal) in the engine bay, or a plastic tank for long trips under the seat to take out when not needed. When I ask this I ask knowing it would have to be done correctly (plumbed and mounted), just wanted to find out from you guys if this is ever done, or stricktly forrbiden for obvious saftey reasons. Thanks!

[bajacraig]

Lake Michigan is pretty big

YES IT IT
how far do you want to go? :rolleyes

SORRY :biggrin

Welcome and I have no idea 0]

[Spec Op]

I took some friends out to Washington island on the Door County peninsula last summer, it was about 75 miles round trip. I was on fumes at the end of it, it didnt help that the girls wanted to do some skiing while we were out there, as you guys know stoping and getting back on plane eats the fuel. Thats why I am looking for some options.

[bryan275]

There are plenty of marinas in Chicago. We run from Indiana over there, goof off, and fill up before heading back. Even at 95 gallons I don't have enough to round trip AND play, the procharged 496 likey fuel! :biggrin

[Spec Op]

Thats my problem, here in michigans upper peninsula there are not a lot of places to get gas when out on the lake.

[Bajaman81190TC]

I feel your pain. I only have a 24ish gallon tank in my older baja. Luckily I can get pretty good mileage cruising. But I still have to stop and get gas on long trips, when everyone else doesn't. I've just learned to live with it. I've though about a second tank but I don't travel enough to really worry about it.

Brian

[Spec Op]

Thats the other problem with a small tank is that you have to cruise 35mph to save fuel when you know you could be going 60mph passing slower boats. Sometimes you can see the look on the other guys face when youre taking it easy, like he knows the boat goes faster. I geuss its still nice to know you have that speed in reserve. If I had more fuel on board I could go farther or run wide open longer, maybe when I get older I wont worry about the speed so much(right!).

[bajatroublemaker]

I dont know if you can do anything for your tank size.

But what I do know is if you filled up at a marina with 150 gallons you would love to have a small tank.:spineyes

[BDannecker]

....or 185 gallons. At $2.35/gal it's $435! :eek :spineyes :spineyes :spineyes :biggrin

Bruce...

[bottomless pit]

Just go back to yor Friendly BAJA dealer and have them add another tank.
45 years ago almost all outboards carried those small metal 5 gal cans. . we had 3 .
I am almost sure it is legal and can be done by any good marine dealer. Place it where it can be easily filled.
PIT

[Spec Op]

Ive found a couple of companies that make marine grade tanks in almost every size. Im thinking a rectangular tank for under the bench seat just for longer trips, run a line from the boats filler neck with a quick disconnect to the plastic tank as a vent line, then a valve and quick disconnect off the boats gas line to the extra tank. Run one tank empty switch the valve to the other tank, when not needed pull the quick disconnects and remove the tank. I think one of the companies made a 13gal tank that would fit under the bench seat.

[bryan275]

I'm not sure on the "add a tank" deal. I think that you might run into some serious safety issues. Like no anti-siphon valve for one. I'm not an expert in this field at all, but being stopped by the Coast Guard on Lake Michigan is not the same as your local DNR Officer. Hopefully someone will chime in on this one.

[Spec Op]

I see your point, but whats the big difference between some guy in a 17ft fishhing boat with three 5gallon tanks to run his outboard and the setup I was talking about properly done. Thats the reason I was kicking the idea around here, to get input from you guys, but you made a good point one phone call to the local Coastie station should clear this up.

[kent20outlaw]

Spec Op,

The difference is enclosed vs. open-air storage for the tanks. Most outboards have their tanks exposed so that fumes can't be trapped. In SC, boats with enclosed tanks are required to carry fire extinquishers but boats with the tanks mounted externally are not required (until 26').

If you are only thinking of adding another 13 or so gallons then a couple of good 6 or 7 gal. Jerry cans might do the trick. You would just have to find a way to secure them.

[Spec Op]

Youre right, open air storage does make sense.

[Baja340SF]

....or 185 gallons. At $2.35/gal it's $435!

Yeah..........Im feelin' ya! At 275 Gallons......or $646 at 2.35/gal!!
Id love a smaller tank............granted i wouldnt get very far! :biggrin