The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

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jimh
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The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

Postby jimh » Wed Aug 26, 2020 8:56 am

A frequent topic of discussion is the choice of an on-deck fuel tank. If the tank is to fit under the reversible pilot seat of a Boston Whaler boat, the preferred choice is a Moeller tank. Rather than bury all this information in other threads asking for advice on a choice of on-deck fuel tank, I have created this separate topic.

Here are two views of the Moeller white on-deck fuel tank designed specifically to fit under the reversible pilot seat (RPS) that show the tank in place under the reversible pilot seat (RPS):

MoelllerWhiteFuelTankRPS.jpg
Fig. 1. Aft view of Moeller white tank under RPS showing fuel hose attachment. The blueish hue of the tank may be due to unusual lighting when the photograph was taken.
MoelllerWhiteFuelTankRPS.jpg (34.35 KiB) Viewed 10765 times


    Note: in the above illustration I am not sure exactly what added fittings are being used at the point of attachment to the tank; perhaps an in-line check valve was used. Use of an in-line check valve may be descretionary. Also the fuel hose appears to be an older-style gray hose. Use of modern fuel hose of proper inside-diameter and rugged rubber outer coating is preferred. Follow the recommendations of the engine manufacturer for rigging of the fuel hose. The fuel primer bulb should be located near to the engine and installed so the flow arrow points skyward.

MoelllerWhiteFuelTankRPSfront.jpg
Fig. 2. Forward view of Moeller white fuel tank under RPS. The mounting uses the Permanent Fuel Tank Hold Down Kit.
MoelllerWhiteFuelTankRPSfront.jpg (26.29 KiB) Viewed 10765 times


Photo credit: Jeff Rolfing. I rescued these images from a GOOGLE cache of Jeff's original post that linked to his Photobucket site which unfortunately is no longer available.

This fuel tank is described as follows:

24 Gallon White Topside Fuel Tank
  • Durable 24 gallon rotomold white topside tank.
  • Manufactured in high density polyethylene with UV-stabilized resin.
  • E10 Ethanol compliant. Will not delaminate, rust, or experience galvanic corrosion.
  • Specifically designed for use in Boston Whaler Montauk 15' and 17' consoles.
  • Molded fill neck with side angle orientation for ease of access.
  • Exclusive PL3 pickup design with 360 degree swivel.
  • Also includes 395009 twelve inch Kelch fuel cap with site gauge and vent.
  • Can be used with 035711-10 Hold Down Strap Kit or 035710 Permanent Fuel Tank Hold Down Kit.
  • CE Certified and both ABYC & NMMA compliant.
  • Fuel line assembly hose not included.

Dimensions in inches:
Length 29.25
Width 20.50
Height 12.25

When buying this fuel tank be aware there are two variations offered: one for boats made prior to 2011 and a second for boats made after 2011. Here is further explanation:
Going forward, it's important that you understand the changes Moeller made to their above deck topside tanks over 12 gallons to be used on boats built after 2011. Changes include a new EPA-compliant 2-stage fuel cap that clicks when it closes. The BR (Barrier version) tanks are pressurized to a minimum of 5 lbs. of internal pressure. These tanks comply to the 5% open headspace requirement for both EPA and non-EPA tank models. Each tank has a full fill line molded into it to remove the guesswork.


The volume capacity of this tank has been described as 24-gallons, but sometimes a slightly lower volume of 22-gallons is mentioned in regard to this fuel tank. My inference is the five-percent open space requirement in the tank has resulted in the variation in tank capacity from the original 24-gallon volume rating to a newer 22-gallon volume rating in order to provide the five-percent open space.

One vendor shows these part numbers and dimensions:

MOE-031626 Before 2011 22 Gallon 29.25" L x 19.00" W x 13.58" H

MOE-031626BR After 2011 22 Gallon 29.25" L x 19.00" W x 14.00" H

The "BR" denotes barrier version tank. This version is about a half-inch taller. The BR version is a RED TANK--do not order this version if you want a white fuel tank. The BR version is EPA-compliant. The non-BR version has the slanted filler inlet and cap, is molded in WHITE, is listed under "International Use Only" and under "Boats before 2011", and is apparently not EPA compliant on boats made after 2011. See the MOELLERMARINE.COM website for more information:

22 Gallon Topside Fuel Tank 031626
http://www.moellermarine.com/moeller-ma ... nk-031626/.

A recent listing at JAMESTOWN DISTRIBUTORS website showed these retail prices:

MOE 031626 before 2011: $347.74
MOE 031626BR after 2011: $475.55

Cf.: https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=64162

The tank is widely available from many retailers. JAMESTOWN DISTRIBUTORS is not the only source, nor is any endorsement to be inferred from its mention.

kipkeller
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2020 11:28 am

Re: The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

Postby kipkeller » Fri Aug 28, 2020 4:14 pm

Thank you for the information.

FAW3
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2020 3:51 pm

Re: The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

Postby FAW3 » Tue Sep 08, 2020 12:10 pm

[This is an] informative article.

I installed this tank on my Montauk about five years ago. [The MOELLER on-deck fuel tank designed especially for the Boston Whaler MONTAUK and its reversible pilot seat] fit perfectly under the seat. The included hardware such as the fuel inlet fitting and the hold down feet are very good quality. [The MOELLER on-deck fuel tank is an] excellent replacement.

jimh
Posts: 11670
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

Postby jimh » Tue Sep 08, 2020 3:34 pm

FAW3 wrote:[This is a] nice, informative article.


Thanks for the kind endorsement of the article and the fuel tank.

The website has been in operation since 1997 with the goal of collecting, organizing, and archiving useful information in clearly written and informative articles.

The MOELLER tank is a popular choice for a MONTAUK or other boat that needs an on-deck fuel tank that can fit under a reversible pilot seat.

Ridge Runner
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Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 12:12 pm
Location: Florham Park NJ / Punta Gorda FL

Re: The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats

Postby Ridge Runner » Thu Nov 19, 2020 7:03 pm

Here is the [Moeller 24-gallon on-deck fuel] tank mounted under the reversible pilot seat (RPS) on a 2005 170 Montauk. It was installed in 2010 and has performed well for over 10 years.

12a.jpg
Fig. 3. Moeller tank under RPS on 170 MONTAUK.
12a.jpg (34.23 KiB) Viewed 9983 times
Member since 2005
2005 170 Montauk, 2010 E-TEC 115 H.O.
2016 210 Montauk, 2017 E-TEC G2 200 H.O.

"Red sky at night, sailor’s delight - Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning”