Regan Brown
Pontoon boats are watercraft known for their open space and versatility. When it comes to the placement of fuel tanks in pontoon boats, there are a few things to consider. The location of the fuel tank depends on the manufacturer, but most tanks are towards the stern portion of the boat on the left-hand side. The size of the boat and weight distribution are also important factors to consider. Some owners opt for portable tanks installed under the seats or between the pontoon tubes, while others prefer to have the fuel tank at the back of the boat to maximise space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank location | Towards the stern/rear of the boat, on the left-hand side |
| Fuel tank placement considerations | Weight distribution, space optimisation, and personal preference |
| Fuel tank installation | Under the seats, behind the playpen/fence, or in the back |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded E10 gasoline with a 10% ethanol additive |
| Fuel recommendations | Avoid ethanol, use non-ethanol fuel, and do not exceed E10 |
| Fuel safety | Refill portable fuel containers on pavement/dock to prevent static electricity sparks |
| Fuel storage | Store portable tanks out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place like under seats or center toon storage |
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Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a pontoon boat is critical to its performance and safety. Unlike other boats, pontoons require careful weight distribution and loading to ensure proper and safe performance. If weight is localised in one spot, that part of the boat will tend to dip lower into the water, which can be dangerous when waves crash against the boat.
When considering weight distribution, it is important to think about what a typical load will include and where the movable parts (e.g. people and ice chests) will be. The fuel tank and battery should be placed in a way that complements the weight distribution, rather than having it mostly on one end or the other. For example, moving the playpen forward and putting the fuel tank and battery in the back will increase usable space.
Another option is to get a tank that fits under the seats but is short enough to leave some storage space above it. A remote filler will minimise the inconvenience of having the tank under a seat. A third tube can also be added to keep the boat more balanced, allowing greater buoyant force to push up against the deck. Similarly, a heavier, bigger motor can be installed to pull the back of the boat down, allowing a more 'chin-up' performance that is helpful for streamlining.
The rudder of the boat can also be affected by weight distribution. When there is too much weight on either side, the rudder tilts and is subject to stress as it moves along, which can loosen the hinge and make it more sensitive to movement. This can also cause the engine to use more fuel as it tries to force its way through the water with more weight than it should carry.
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Under seats
When considering where to put your pontoon fuel tank, one option is to place it under the seats. This is a popular choice for portable fuel tanks, which are often installed under the seats or between the pontoon tubes. This setup allows the boat to be fuelled via a switch on the command centre, which tells the boat's motor which tank to draw from.
There are a few things to consider when placing a fuel tank under a seat. Firstly, weight distribution is important, especially on a smaller pontoon boat. The fuel tank should be placed in a way that complements the weight distribution, rather than having it all on one end or the other. For example, placing the fuel tank under a rear seat may not be ideal if the playpen is also at the back of the boat, as this puts too much weight at the back.
Another consideration is ventilation. Some boat owners are uncomfortable with the idea of placing a fuel tank in an enclosed space under a seat without adequate ventilation. This is because fumes can build up in such an enclosed area, which could be dangerous. One way to mitigate this issue is to install vents to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fumes building up.
Finally, the size and shape of the fuel tank should be considered. The tank should be sized to fit under the seat while leaving some storage space above it. A remote filler can also minimise the inconvenience of accessing the tank under the seat. Additionally, if the tank is too tall, it may not fit under the seat without raising the seat, which could affect the overall aesthetics and comfort of the seating area.
Overall, placing a fuel tank under a seat on a pontoon boat can be a convenient option, especially for portable fuel tanks. However, it is important to consider weight distribution, ventilation, and the size and shape of the tank to ensure safety and maximise the use of space.
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$464.25 $514.57
Behind the playpen
The placement of the fuel tank in a pontoon boat is crucial for weight distribution and overall performance. While some manufacturers place the fuel tank towards the stern portion of the boat, typically on the left-hand side, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some insights on placing the fuel tank behind the playpen:
Firstly, consider weight distribution. Placing the fuel tank, battery, and motor at the very back of the boat can impact weight distribution, especially on a 20' pontoon. Even though moving the playpen forward might be inconvenient, it can significantly improve the boat's handling and overall space. If moving the playpen forward is not an option, you might want to consider a tall, thin fuel tank that can fit behind the playpen without compromising weight distribution.
Secondly, the placement of the fuel tank should also consider passenger comfort and safety. On a pontoon boat, adults often prefer the rear seats for comfort and shade, so placing the fuel tank behind the playpen might impact their seating preference. Additionally, fumes from the fuel tank in an enclosed area could be a safety concern.
Lastly, the fuel tank's placement should provide easy access for refuelling. Installing the fuel tank behind the playpen might require creative solutions for refuelling, such as running the fuel filler along the floor joist and up into an armrest or a fence-mounted fuel filler.
In conclusion, while placing the fuel tank behind the playpen is possible, it is important to carefully consider the implications for weight distribution, passenger comfort and safety, and refuelling convenience.
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In the back
The placement of the fuel tank in a pontoon boat is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding where to put the fuel tank in the back of your pontoon. Firstly, weight distribution is crucial. Consider what a typical load will include and where the movable parts, such as people and ice chests, will be. You'll want the fuel tank to complement the weight distribution rather than having it mostly on one end or the other.
If you're looking to maximise space, moving the playpen forward and placing the fuel tank in the back can increase usable space significantly. This is a common feature of newer pontoons. Additionally, when considering the back of the pontoon, you may want to explore the option of installing the fuel tank under the rear seats. This is a common location for fuel tanks in pontoon boats, providing easy access for fuelling. However, if you're restoring an older pontoon, you may prefer to explore other options to avoid placing the fuel tank under the new seats.
Another possibility for the back of the pontoon is to install a tank that is sized to fit under the seats but is short enough to leave some storage space above it. A remote filler can minimise the inconvenience of accessing the tank under the seat. Alternatively, you could consider a tall, thin tank that fits behind the playpen. This option would place the weight of the motor, fuel, and battery at the very back. If you choose this option, you may need to move the playpen forward slightly to accommodate the tank.
Finally, when placing the fuel tank in the back, ensure that it is easily accessible for refuelling. Follow the safety protocols and guidelines provided by the manufacturer when refuelling your pontoon boat.
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External fuel tanks
When considering where to put an external fuel tank on a pontoon boat, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Firstly, weight distribution is important, especially for a 20' pontoon boat. The weight of the fuel tank should be distributed in a way that complements the overall weight distribution of the boat, including movable parts such as people and ice chests.
One option is to place the fuel tank at the rear of the boat. This can be done by moving the playpen forward, which will increase usable space and allow for the fuel tank to be placed at the back. Another possibility is to get a tank that fits under the seats, leaving some storage space above. A remote filler can minimise the inconvenience of accessing the tank under the seat.
If you are looking to purchase an external fuel tank, there are a few options available on Amazon, eBay, and Overton's. Overton's offers a range of Moeller Marine Fuel Tanks with capacities ranging from 19 to 40 gallons, while Amazon and eBay offer V-shaped poly tanks that are 12 inches tall and 15 inches at the fat end.
When installing an external fuel tank, it is important to consider the legal requirements and evaporative emissions standards. Moeller, for example, offers a line of EPA/CARB/ABYC compliant Redi-Tanks that meet current evaporative emission compliance requirements. Additionally, there are above deck fuel tanks and portable fuel tanks available for purchase. For those looking for a more permanent solution, PontoonStuff offers a 12-gallon fuel tank with a gauge that is EPA/CARB compliant and features a low-permeation design to minimise fuel evaporation and loss.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank location depends on the manufacturer of the pontoon boat, but most tanks are toward the stern portion of the boat on the left-hand side. Look for a silver cover/cap that will allow access to the fuel pump’s nozzle. The owner's manual can inform an owner of the exact location.
Portable fuel tanks are often installed under the seats or between the pontoon tubes and are connected to the fueling system. A switch on the command center tells the boat’s motor which tank to draw from.
You'll want to consider the weight distribution of your boat. Think about what a typical load will include and where the movable parts (e.g., people and ice chests) will be. You'll want the fuel and battery to complement the weight distribution rather than having it mostly on one end or the other.
Always clear the area of anyone not directly involved with the fueling. Put out all smoking materials and secure your boat to the dock. Turn off the engine, electronics, and extinguish all open flames. Keep the nozzle in contact with the edge of the fill to prevent a build-up of static electricity and sparking. Don't top off your tank and know how much fuel your tank holds—generally, it's best to fill it to about 90% as fuel expands as temperatures rise.
