Fuel Systems

Manufacturer Requirement

Fuel tanks which are labeled “Must be installed aft of the boat’s half length” in accordance with 183.514(b)(8) are to be installed with the fuel tank’s center of gravity toward the stern of the mid-length of the boat. These fuel tanks have been qualified at a lower strength criteria than those fuel tanks capable of installation at any location in a boat. The shock loading or impacts felt by boats are more severe in the forward portion of a boat than in the aft section.

Fuel tanks that are meant for installation at any location in a boat shall be tested at 25g vertical accelerations in accordance with 183.584(e)(1), or they must be tested in accordance with either 183.586, or both 183.586 and 183.588, depending on their capacity. Fuel tanks meant only for installation aft of the boat’s half length may be tested at 15g accelerations in accordance with 183.584(e)(2) if their capacity is less than 25 gallons. Table III shows the strength test for fuel tanks according to the tank’s capacity and intended location in a boat.

TABLE III - Strength Tests for Fuel Tanks

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