posted 11-14-2003 12:36 PM ET (US)        

Which Tempo 12 Gallon Tank will allow for 2 to fit under RPS? Is it the one that measures 10 3/4 inch(H) x 18 inch(W) x 24 inch (L)?

Anyone familiar with the Moeller 12 Gallon tank (#36865) that measures 11.5(H) x 18(W) x 24(L)? Can I fit 2 of these under RPS?

Any preferances/advantages between Tempo and Moeller?

posted 11-14-2003 07:13 PM ET (US)            

My problem is figuring out what 2 12 gal plastic tanks will actuall fit under my seat (RPS) on my 1975 Montauk...

I've been assuming that the space below the RPS is consistent on all Montauks (probably not a good assumption)...

I only have 12-13 inches in clearance in height. I have about 32 inches from side to side, but need to leave about 2 inches between tanks for tunnel access for fuel line...which means I can handle 14 to 15 inches in width. Anything longer than 20 inches sticks out beyond back of seat.

That being said, the "for BW" tanks I've considered:

1. Tempo Ultra PBW13 is too high at 15H x 20L x 14W
2. Tempo LPT12 is too wide at 10.75H x 18W x 24L
...
3. Moeller was also 15 inches high

I'd be curious to know if you Montauk owners have same RPS clearance as mine...and if the same, what 2 12 gallon cans did you get under the seat.

posted 11-15-2003 12:24 AM ET (US)            

The Mirax tanks are 12" x 14" x 18.5". They will fit under your RPS.

All the classic Whaler RPSs should have the same clearance, more or less. The only difference in clearance would be the plywood mounting/locating blocks that hold the stainless steel pivot frames in place on the early RPSs. Later plastic legs held the pivot frames in notches cast into the top of them and the plywood blocks were ommitted. Thus there is a littlr more vertical height.

posted 11-16-2003 10:03 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for reply...my RPS legs are aluminum...

posted 11-16-2003 07:46 PM ET (US)            

43"Lx15"Wx8"H WITH CAP @ $ 89.99
or
20-5/8"Lx18-1/2"Wx10-3/4"H WITH CAP @ $ 39.99

and one Ultra 13 gallon tank

20-1/4"Lx14-1/2"Wx15"H WITH CAP @ $ 39.99

Maybe Tempo has dropped a 12 gallon tank in favor on the 13 gallon Ultra. I don't know about you classic clearance, but you can lower your tank top elevation by going to a yard tractor type cap. These are 2-1/2 inch caps found at Home Depot. Using these is the only way to get the 13 Gallon Ultra to fit on the post classic. The two 12 gallons listed on the Bass Pro web site do look like they would not fit under my RPS in pairs as well as the Ultra.

posted 11-18-2003 08:01 PM ET (US)            

I don't have the Temp Catalog and don't find a 100CDS on their website for above deck tanks...

Could you please share the dimensions for that tank...

I seem to be dealing with height or width issues with every Tempo tank so far...Only the Mirax tanks sound like a fit...and I don't want to spend that much...

posted 11-18-2003 08:33 PM ET (US)            

I have installed a pair of Temp PBW 13 Ultra in a friend of mines Montauk. They fit in the original Mats but we had to do 2 things.

1. Buy the newer low profile gas caps from Wal-Mart etc.

2. We raised the RPS 1" in height using risers... He is now going to raise the RPS 2" for comfort and a little more room to slide the tanks in and out.

I recently sold a couple of pairs of RPS risers on eBay..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=26455&item=2437008843

These risers were made of starboard but you could also make them out of Teak... I have a pair of 2" Teak risers that I now use on my Outrage 18 to raise the RPS to a more comfortable height for me... These risers don't really have to be the shape of the RPS even though that's what I did...

I can send you a photo of the riser I made out of 2" Teak if you are interested in looking at it...

posted 11-19-2003 09:54 AM ET (US)            

Thanks Joe...Please send me the pic of teak risers if you could...I'm not very handy with wood, but father-in-law is retired carpenter...

If going to the trouble of raising seat, it makes sense to raise it 2"...for space, comfort and even a little improved visibility...

Now if I do remove RPS to install risers, what is the best way to reinstall to insure that it holds and deck is sealed?

posted 11-20-2003 05:15 PM ET (US)            

The largest tank they have (to use in pairs) that will fit under my RPS is a 9 gallon tank that's 11 3/4 inches high.

As an FYI, she says they will introduce a the new low-profile cap in January/February timeframe which will reduce height on their Ultra 13 to 13 3/4 inches.

Regardless, my only options for the Tempo plastic tank in pairs is to go with 9 gallons or install 2 inch risers under the RPS. I'm going to go with the risers.

posted 11-20-2003 07:31 PM ET (US)            

I have to admit though that this is not my original idea... Many people here have risers under their RPS... lhg was kind enough to send me photos of his last year...

What goes around, comes around....

I think the RPS will be much more comfortable when raised 2 inches or more if you are taller than 6 feet... I used to feel like a low rider until I raised my RPS... Looking over the console is also easier....

Good Luck with your project....

posted 11-21-2003 01:05 AM ET (US)            

I'm glad you've worked out a workable solution.

That's interesting information you provide about the vertical clearance under your RPS. You say you have only 12 inches? I just measured the RPS in my living room made with the plastic Z-legs I had made last year and there is 14.125 inches of vertical clearance.

I had always thought the plastic legs were merely plastic versions of the aluminum ones. With the addition of the extra plywood blocking to locate the pivot frames there should only be a net loss of about 3/4 inches bringing the vertical clearance down to abut 13.25 inches.

posted 11-21-2003 10:32 AM ET (US)            

It appears the height clearance is different on the aluminum vs. plastic legged RPS. I don't have first hand knowledge of the plastic version, but obviously you have measured it. The 12 inch measurement under my RPS is from those lower wood blocks...everywhere else I have an additional 3/4 inch.

Based on feedback thru this thread and email with other CW members, I get the feeling there may be other "variables" with the RPS dimensions and designs. For example, the frame connecting the "feet" of my aluminum base RPS is about 1/4 inch higher than the feet and does not make contact with the deck...Whalersman's RPS base/legs make full contact with the deck...

I don't know where that other 1.25 inches went, but I sure wish I had them!

Bottom line for me is that 2 9 gallon plastic tanks is a good option, but since the boat is in the garage for the winter, I'll bump up the RPS with risers and go for the 2 12's (or 13?), greatly improving my range.