CONTINUOUSWAVE

I have a custom-welded and powder-coated 26-gallon [fuel tank on my 2007 170 MONTAUK]. Some days I will run 150-miles round trip. I'm tempted to have a larger [fuel tank fabricated and] welded, and then extend aft the leaning post, adding a small bench off the rear of the leaning post to make up for the larger tank.

[If you have increased the fuel capacity of a 170 MONTAUK above 26-gallons, please describe your method].

Recommend a way to increase fuel capacity [so the range can be greater than 150-miles].

On days you plan to travel more than 150-miles, carry extra fuel in five-gallon Jerry cans.

Or, if the fuel system includes quick-disconnect connectors, carry an extra fuel tank with its own fuel hose and connector. Since the engine is only 90-HP, there should not be a concern about having a connector in the fuel line that might restrict fuel flow at full-throttle.

I have used both those methods when cruising in remote areas where fuel docks were long distances apart and fuel was scarce.

Unless the need for more than 26-gallons of fuel aboard was constant, just augmenting the fuel tank with Jerry cans or an extra tank would be a workable solution. If you don't want those approaches, you can, as you have already described, have a new fuel tank fabricated, but I would expect the expense would be considerable. Also, you will be lugging around a lot of fuel for days when you didn't need it.

If I were in a position where I needed additional fuel capacity on a frequent basis I would make the following modifications.

• Relocate the forward cooler to a location aft of the RPS.
• Remove the hold-down bracket on the forward face of the console.
• Install a second Moeller 22-gallon or comparable above-deck fuel tank forward of the console.
• Install a second fuel line routing through the console and into the rigging tunnel to the aft quarter seat area.
• Add primer bulbs and a two-way [two-input to one output] valve to fuel lines; or
• Add primer bulbs and shutoff valves to both fuel lines upstream of the water separator filter [input manifold], if equipped.
• Fabricate a hinged seating platform above the newly installed forward tank and include cushion.

Look into a bladder tank too.

Phil T wrote:If I were in a position where I needed additional fuel capacity on a frequent basis I would make the following modifications...

Phil--I am considering doing exactly the modifications [you suggested]. [I am] on the same page [with Phil T].

[A 170 MONTAUK boat does not] seem to like much weight in the stern.