X mod question
X mod question
if I cut a hole just large enough for a gas pump to fit in above my gas tank will it damage or weaken the structure/integraty of the boat.

- Bobby T.-26X #4767
- Captain
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:48 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA
are you talking about the structural integrity of the seat?
that is, many X'ers have incorporated a 12 gallon permanent mount gas tank under one or both seats.
when this is done, the tank is generally not removed during fueling.
therefore, in order to pump fuel, a 3" or 4" deckplate is normally installed into the area on the seat surface just above the gas tank cap.
each time you pump fuel, you unscrew the deck plate. the opening is large enough to then unscrew the gas cap on the tank.
no structural weakening there...
personally, i'm still using side by side 6 gallon tanks under each seat (24 total gallons maximum) for more flexibility. they stick out into the cockpit a bit, but i'm OK with that.
that is, many X'ers have incorporated a 12 gallon permanent mount gas tank under one or both seats.
when this is done, the tank is generally not removed during fueling.
therefore, in order to pump fuel, a 3" or 4" deckplate is normally installed into the area on the seat surface just above the gas tank cap.
each time you pump fuel, you unscrew the deck plate. the opening is large enough to then unscrew the gas cap on the tank.
no structural weakening there...
personally, i'm still using side by side 6 gallon tanks under each seat (24 total gallons maximum) for more flexibility. they stick out into the cockpit a bit, but i'm OK with that.
We used 6 inch deck plates above the fillers of our 12 gallon tanks. I'm 250 lbs and notice no flex in the seat after doing so.
- Bobby T.-26X #4767
- Captain
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:48 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA
- Bobby T.-26X #4767
- Captain
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:48 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA
Don T mounted his the same way, but solved the hard to reach connector problem.Catigale wrote:My alternative solution wth the 12 gallon tank is to put them in backwards - ie - have the filler inboard where it can be accessed and the fuel connect outboard where it is hard to reach.
