R-21 Fuel Tank Replacement

[Kari Graton]

Hi,

I have a 1993 Ranger R-21 that I have owned since 1995. My Fuel tank still looks to be just fine, but thinking about its age and the fact that it is plastic concerns me that I may need to replace it now, before it “gives up”. I’ve scoured the internet for a replacement of the same dimensions and haven’t had any luck. Can anyone tell me if they know where to get a new replacement, or if that is no longer available, what their strategy was for replacement? I’ve thought of having a stainless tank constructed, but the shops I’ve inquired with are talking $1000 for a custom made tank, which seems a bit ridiculous for the size! The insets on the lower ends of the tanks designed to hold it in place seems to be a major issue for these welding shops. Any idea’s?

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello Kari,

Where have you looked for a new tank? How many gallons does your tank hold? If I remember correctly the fuel tank sits inside the engine compartment. I will ask our parts department tomorrow what info they have on the old tanks.

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[Kari Graton]

Hi Kenny,

I am located in Central California. The Last Marine Supply closed here years ago so I am an internet shopping victim. I've looked online and find the Moeller 12 gal tank to be the closest in design and capacity, but the lenth is outside the parameters of the installation(yes it is still original, inside the engine compartment). The original tank is 19inches in length, the closest Moeller I see listed is 23 inches. When I get home tonight I'll get all the deminsion(have them written down there) and send them along. The original installation has been suitable for my purposes. Nothing like the new upgrades I see in the later models, but sufficient. Any info you could get me on that would be golden Kenny, Thanks Better yet, tell me you have one in stock that will fit 😉

 

[RProffer]

Is there some sort of age limit on plastic fuel tanks? I have not heard of one and a quick Google search did not find anything. I personally would not change the fuel tank unless I really had to.

A couple of Tugnutters (Tuggertoy and Slackwaterjack) with classic 21s moved their tanks to under the rear bench like the 21 EC has. You might to check out their albums.

 

[Kari Graton]

Kenny,

The tank is 19" Lx14"Wx12" high. Hope you know of a new replacement available, and or the brand (make) of the tank.

I have no idea how long the plastic tank will hold its integrity. Maybe it will outlive the rest of the boat. It's almost old enough to vote, so I am not complaining at all. I'm just one to "have an extra", as this fellow named "Murphy" has taught me from past experience that he rarely comes to visit when I expect him. If I haven't had a spare this or that, he ruins my fun, and makes me wish I had prepared better for his visit.

Retrofit may be the answer, and the examples from the photo albums suggested are nice. I have a couple of other ideas as well, and I can incorporate increasing my range into a retrofit.

The more options the better.

 

[wefings]

They rarely fail from my experience, but if you want to replace it , its a good idea to move it aft . You get better access to the batteries and shaft seal as I remember . There are some great aluminum tank builders including RDS welding in Perry, Florida . They have been making many brands OEM fuel tanks for years . If you send them dimensions ,they can duplicate what you have ,or make a bigger or smaller tank and position the pickup and return as you like .
Marc Grove