Hi StarScream!
Decisions … decisions…
All good! As in a lot of things there isn’t just one answer!
One technique I’ve relied professionally and personally on has been to make in-situ dry runs of various options after I’ve written/sketched them out. (I generally bring extra paper, a pencil and an eraser too!
)
The writing/sketching allows for each idea to be thought out in some detail.
The dry runs allows for the in-situ aspects to have their say as well!
This allows me to try out physically and mentally which can reinforce & poke holes in concepts often leading to a better “combined” idea.
It takes into account things like physical access, personal dexterity, lighting, view lines (for both operator and ancillary personnel, conflicts with other equipment use/access/service and then not to forget egress aspects.
Before changing over to our twin 12 gallon tank system I had several choice (negative
) thoughts about the placement of QDs directly on the top of the fuel tanks…especially so because of the tank cubbies under the bench seats of our Mac26X. Top mounting makes perfectly good sense when tanks are placed so there is unrestricted top access like in a skiff or a drop-in.
But with our Mac26X, The inane awkwardness of attempting to bend down (losing sight of wherever your headed or what’s going on around you) to reach under the bench on one side in the blind to remove the QD on that side then having to swap sides and repeat the same process again in the blind…phppt! Now add in a bit of wave/wind/weather/obstacle/obstruction/traffic & sputtering engine and that’s a recipe for a comic strip study in desperation against the fates!
(Ya gotta keep laughing!
)
At one point in our process we contemplated adding a short 1 foot section or so of hose to each tank’s supply line to allow getting the QDs out from under the bench seat to at least have it visible…. That would have solved one problem but not the extended time distraction and awkwardness… ever notice one can have a difficult time disconnecting/aligning/connecting QDs with only one hand?
A-longer stub hose might have helped some but then it wandered around getting under foot and one still would have needed two hands and still would be dealing with the distraction.
That exercise (before buying hardware or rigging things up) help making the decision to go the direction we chose to go.
Larger tanks, top access hatches through the bench seat, sight gauges and fill ports on the tanks visible/accessible from the access hatch.
No QDs but rather went with hard direct connections of the fuel lines to each of the tanks.
A fixed location for the primer bulb and fuel selector within arms reach behind the stern seat… etc… fuel filter/separator… FPV…
Yes, we chose to go on a bit of an involved approach but it has made it SO MUCH easier to use with virtually no distraction or aggravation.
Feel like checking a tank’s fuel level? Pop the bench hatch and take a quick look-see without losing situational awareness and use only one hand.
Feel like changing fuel tanks (for whatever reason…balance, fuel level, just because) then reach over turn the selector valve without ever looking away from what’s going on and use only one hand.
The boat side fuel filter has a large enough viewable water collection bowl capacity to handle any reasonably expected water contamination and is really easy/accessible to drain when needed vs. opening up the engine cowl.
The FPV eliminated the potential for a thermally pressurized fuel system (bigger problem on carburetor engines than fuel injected ones) if one closes the tank vent….
We worked toward what worked for our situation and anticipated needs.
It’s easy to use and easy to communicate.
We’re really enjoy our current fuel system!
It works for us.
Best Regards
Over Easy
ugh!).
…. although I wonder what the lever force might be based upon how stiff our existing valve is (even after being freshly lubricated and greased)? The cable arrangement would definitely be nicer than my general attempts to take a header off the stern when trying to open the valve! 
.
