Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by auburnbuilder on 09/21/09 - 8:46 PM

I am considering buying a pair of the Mirax 12 gallon fuel tanks for my 1999 Montauk. If any one has advice about them that would be great.
They are made out of aluminum, would it be wise to paint them or have them powder coated? If anyone has these tanks could you post or send me some some pictures so I can see what kind of quality they are (welds, finish, close ups would be nice). Thanks

Posted by Tom W Clark on 09/22/09 - 8:32 AM

I recommend against painting or powder coating them. They will look better initially painted or powder coated, but in the long run they will look better if left bare aluminum.

The MIRAX tanks used to be made with an out-turned seam on the ends. Now they are welded flush which is unfortunate because that seam served as the hand hold. With the smooth ends you will need to have handles welded on.

I also recommend you have MIRAX put the fill cap dead center on the tank and forgo the fuel gauges; the tanks are more easily gauged for fill by bending over and lifting up on on end. You feel instantly how much gas is in the tank.

With the gauges, you cannot see them unless you pull the tank out fork under the RPS which I never did.

I also prefer the fuel withdrawal fitting be welded into the center line of the tank so it can be oriented to either port or starboard with the same length of hose.

Edited by Tom W Clark on 09/22/09 - 8:33 AM

Posted by stevebaz on 09/22/09 - 11:31 AM

Here is a link to my Photobucket page where I installed my Mirax tanks.

http://s654.photobucket.com/albums/uu...x%20tanks/

I purchased my tanks and had them install handles and Mirror the fittings on the tanks so I had a right and left tank. I added vent lines and grounded the tanks. I can easily swap lines in the tanks and have an extra line for a not yet installed kicker motor. I painted the bottom of the tanks with epoxy paint since I boat in salt water I didn't want the corrosion on the aluminum from salt water sitting under the tank on top of the rubber mat. You will still have to slide them out to fill them unless you mount them further back.
Steve

Edited by Tom W Clark on 09/22/09 - 11:35 AM