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I have a 30 hp Johnson outboard that came with the 13 footer I'm rebuilding. I have metal 6 gallon fuel tanks that are very clean in the interior with zero rust. I recently purchased the boat/motor/trailer and have not run it yet. While I'm doing the rebuild of the hull I am planning on the layout of battery and fuel tanks. As part of the layout I'm wondering what fuel filter/s to use ? On previous I/O's I have owned I used a large spin on filter for the fuel, is this overkill for a small outboard ? I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of plastic inline filters but I'm sure this forum is smarter than I am on this. Any advice is appreciated.

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You don't need to add any filters with portable tanks, the engine's own filter will be just fine.

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The engines own filter ? Where is that ? Sorry for the noob question I've been out of the boat game for a while.

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It is under the cowling somewhere. Take the cowl off, and follow the incoming fuel line until you find the filter. On my late model Yamaha F70, it is on the left rear side of the motor.

Dennis

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Black duck is correct, the small filter (usually plastic and under the cowling were the fuel line comes in the engine) If there is not one you could put the same type from a lawnmower shop, just make sure it has large dia. in and out ports. The spin on is nice because it is easy and there is nothing wrong with running one of these. I just finish a 16 whaler and a 11 whaler, The 16 has a spin on and the 11 has a small in line one right after the fuel tank....Merry Christmas

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I am in a similar situation doing a mild restoration of a '87 15' with a 2000 70HP Johnson, and am getting back into Whaler boating after a 15 year absence. I will have new portable Moeller plastic tanks which obviously will start out clean and dry.

It appears from what I read that the ethanol fuels can create problems with water. I plan to use a marine gas treatment hopefully to help prevent condensation.

Would it be wise to use the spin on filter/water separator? And if "yes", would the filter with the clear plastic bottom be better so you could see the water?

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There are two schools of thought regarding portable tanks and filters. When saying filter, we are discussing water separating filters.

Older motors have a under cowl mesh screen for debris while new motors have that and 10 micron filters that prevent water from entering the fuel system.

If the fuel is treated with a stabilizer product, a filter is not necessary on a small boat with a portable tank.

For added protection, some owners install a 10 micron, with a full size or mini cartridge.

There are many threads from small boat owners discussing whether to add a filter or not to add a filter. It comes down to personal preference. Either way, it is recommended you treat every tank of fuel with a stabilizer product.

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these guys are correct in that all outboards should have a filter under the cowl. The idea behind portable tanks are refueled often and do not need water separating filter is sound as well. I do like to install the little glass in line filter on my boats. I just like being able to give a quick glance to gas I am burning. You will see water droplets in this type of filter as well as trash. If you start to see water you may want to step up to a water separating filter.

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Thanks for the feedback guys. The spin on filters are less than $30.00 so I think when I'm ready I'll go ahead and add one and be done.