Posted by CorpSpace on 12/12/18 - 10:04 AM
#7
Robert, So glad you posted your picture/experience ... I bought the same tank and am in the process of installing on
1997 Dauntless 15. Similar back story where we had the Pate tank & 12 gal Moeller. The idea of additional capacity and not having to flip the seat cushion to refuel were too much to pass up. I just did a dry fit after removing the seat and will get away without trimming. and, like you, seems I'll have to shorten the fastener bolts. However, I remain very curious as to your experience with the tie-down strap through the season? Are you keeping this way or have you gone with a different tie-down? I'm considering the Moeller metal tie-down straps designed for the tank & although it would be a clean look - they sure seems like a good way to stub a toe (and circulation space will be less with the larger tank sticking out the back of the seat). What do you think? <James>
link to tie down strap on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Perman...merReviews
RobertJ wrote:
Some years back I replaced the original Pate tank that my boat was fitted with when new with a 12 gallon Moeller. I never was pleased with the loss of the extra 3 gallon capacity that the original tank afforded as it limited the running range. After some careful research I ended up installing a 22 gallon white Moeller topside non/EPA rated fuel tank. After some minor trimming of the upper radius opening with a burring tool and removing the protruding fasteners of the forward seat base bracket and replacing with low profile fasteners to prevent intrusion into the tank, the fit was spot on. Couldn't be more pleased. This will allow me to now travel further south in search of redfish without the need of transporting an additional fuel tank. I also prefer the white tank as it has a more clean and custom appearance. Oddly this tank is advertised as a direct fit for the 17 Montauk yet many complain that their boats original fuel line location interferes with a drop in fit without modification to either the height of the tank off the deck or relocating the original fuel line. Fortunately my Dauntless 15 boats factory fuel line exited the deck at the starboard forward corner of the seat base and did not interfere with the tank install. Moreover ,there is no more need to unsnap the seat cushion for refueling.
[Edited to upload photo and remove link to outside website]
Edited by Phil T on 12/12/18 - 10:58 AM