CONTINUOUSWAVE

I just got a [1979–Always use four digits for year] Montauk 17. I plan to purchase a new [on-deck fuel] tank. I am leaning toward buying a Moeller 24-gallon tank. I understand the Moeller 24-gallon tank is fairly easy to fill and doesn't require any modifications to the cockpit deck.

[Is a 24-gallon Moeller on-deck fuel tank a good fuel tank for a MONTAUK 17?]

Where can pads and strap down kits be purchased?

Thanks—Andy

Take at look at the Moeller part number 35710 Fuel Tank Hold Down Kit.

I don’t understand the qualification for the Moeller 24-gallon tank as being “fairly easy to fill.”

Please explain the variation in difficulty in filling an on-deck fuel tank. I don’t anticipate that a particularly brand or a particular capacity tank will be easier or harder to fill than another. Also, what is stopping the 24-gallon Moeller tank from being considered “easy” to fill and requires the qualification “fairly” to moderate the ease of filling?

I am also confused about modification to the cockpit deck. All on-deck fuel tanks just sit on the deck.

From what I see, the features of an on-deck fuel tank that are advantageous for a MONTAUK 17 boat are:
—its height and width allow it to fit under a reversible pilot seat (RPS);
—the fuel fill inlet is arranged to be accessible while the tank is in place under the RPS;
—the tank is molded in a white polyethylene and is aesthetically more harmonious than a red tank.

On a MONTAUK 17 the fuel supply hose usually runs to the engine from the on-deck fuel tank by going under the deck through the rigging tunnel. An access hole is usually provided under the RPS for the fuel line to reach the rigging tunnel. A further advantage of an on-deck fuel tank for a MONTAUK 17 boat will be for an existing access hole to not be covered by the tank.

At some time in the recent past Moeller was making a 22-gallon on-deck fuel tank available in white that met those criteria.

There a good discussion about a particular Moeller tank at

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/018886.html

There seems to be some variation in the specified capacity of the tank. I think is has been mentioned as a 22-gallon and a 24-gallon tank.

Regarding an on-deck fuel tank for a MONTAUK 17 boat, the choice of tank capacity will be affected by the engine horsepower and fuel efficiency.

A MONTAUK 17 powered by an old 115-HP classic carburetor two-stroke-power-cycle engine will be burning more fuel per hour than the same boat with a modem 60-HP engine.

A 24-gallon capacity tank could mean a long period of fuel endurance for some situations of use.

Andy -

Welcome to CW.

It is worth noting that Moeller produces several models of above deck fuel tank that are similar, but different. Prices are also different.

Moeller 24 gallon above deck tank - #031624 (not low perm)
Size: 29.25" L x 19.00" W x 12.25" H
Color: RED
Price: ~ $296
https://www.easternmarine.com/moeller-24-gal-above-deck-fuel-tank-031624
or
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/moeller--24-gallon-above-deck-fuel-tank--8978397?recordNum=5

Moeller 24 gallon above deck tank - #031526BR (low perm)
Size: 29.25" L x 19.00" W x 12.25" H
Color: RED
Price: ~ $493
https://www.easternmarine.com/moeller-24-gal-above-deck-fuel-tank-031526br

Moeller 22 gallon above deck tank - #031626 (not low perm)
Size: 29-1/4" L x 20-1/2" W x14" H w/Cap
Color: WHITE
Price: - $325
https://www.easternmarine.com/moeller-22-gal-whaler-montauk-fuel-tank-031626
or
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/moeller--22-gallon-above-deck-fuel-tank--11052461

Moeller 22 gallon above deck tank - #031626 (low perm)
Size: 29-1/4" L x 20-1/2" W x14" H w/Cap
Color: WHITE
Price: - $485
https://www.easternmarine.com/moeller-22-gal-boston-whaler-above-deck-fuel-tank-031626br

Yes, many have said the revised Moeller above-deck 22 gallon fuel tank is easy to fill, compared to the old Tempo or Pate above-deck tanks due to its angled and tall filler neck.

While there are many hold down "kits" available from vendors, consider selecting a kit that has the minimum number of fasteners required. Drilling holes in the deck of a whaler should be done when necessary and with care.

Many veteran owners with above deck tanks prefer using footman loops and straps.

T-H Marine has a kit that has the loops and straps together. Note - MSRP is ~$20. Online prices are all over the place. HD has decent price.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/T-H-Marine-Fuel-Container-Hold-Down-Kit-FCH-1-DP/309690475

PHIL has given a great summary and index and working hyperlinks to various Moeller on-deck fuel tanks—excellent work!

As the product description for the white 22-gallon tank notes, its design was specific to the MONTAUK 17 boat.

I see no advantage to a red 24-gallon tank versus the white 22-gallon tank. The addition of two more gallons of fuel is insignificant.

As per what Jim asked above...what engine are you running? Decades ago I repowered my 17 with a Suzuki 70hp 4 stroke which got over 10mpg at cruise and burned less than a quart an hour trolling. I literally replaced the 24 gal tank with a single 6gal portable. If you have modern power and do not go on 100+ mile trips, a 22 gal tank is excessive and you probably need to put a stabilizer in it if not running marine fuel which usually has it.