R23 Fuel Tank Brackets

R

RThorn

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 11, 2022
Messages
79
Fluid Motion Model
C-242 C
Vessel Name
Free Ranger
I was working on my (new to me) 2019 R23 outboard. I noticed the port side nylon bracket was sitting on top of the recessed notch in the fuel tank while the one on the starboard side was bent applying pressure to the side of the fuel tank. I straightened the bent bracket with a bit of heat. When i went to reinstall the bracket i saw there was no way for it to fit. I poked my head in further and saw the same thing towards the front of the tank.

Are the port side brackets to hold the tank down and the starboard side brackets to keep it pushed to the port side.

Thanks for helping a newbie with so much to learn.
 
I’m not sure about this. I have a 2018 R-23. I’m going to check on it in the next couple of days. I’ll look at my fuel tank setup and let you know what I find.
 
I have 2019 R23..that also had some tank bracket issues ...when checking bilge in Spring 2020.... (the boat had about 100hrs on it)...I noted the port rear plastic bracket did not fully cover tank recessed notch and the tank was not centered in the hull tank recess area (tank favored the starboard side)'..this condition probably existed at the time it was initially installed . The Starboard angle bracket fully covered the recessed notch. (Note- this seems opposite to your bracket issue.) Since there was no evidence that the tank had moved after initial installation (based inspecting all nearby fuel plumbing lines attachments)--I added a plastic filler plate + longer screw that allowed the bracket fully cover the recessed notch. The boat now has about 180 hrs on it now and all is well.
 
Hi,

Recently my 2019 R23 undergoing survey was noted to have the same issue. The surveyor, a very competent individual, pointed this out to me and advised I correct this situation. He noted the port side bracket was not in the notch in the fuel tank, but the starboard was. He advised I loosen the brackets, center the fuel tank, then re-set the brackets. He also advised adding some non-porous material like plastic be inserted along both sides to prevent the tank from shifting or moving.

So this seems to be somewhat common problem, and probably dangerous, should the tank be ruptured.

I wonder if RT is aware of this and what they recommend as a fix.

Thanks guys, this is a wonderful source for a newbie like me!

Joe
 
Rt is aware and redesigned the brackets on the newer models. I repaired my 2018 RT23 last December 2021. RT offered no warranty since I was not the original owner. Remove brackets, straighten with heat gun and make a 1/2 spacer out of a plastic composite. Attach to the L bracket on the stringer side with double tape. Drill hole through. Center tank with wide flat pry-bar. Reinstall brackets with new longer hex head screws. The front two are a challenge. I installed a round inspection plate just inside the cave and forward a little on the wood floor. Front port bracket is very easy then. The starboard bracket is reachable through hole before installing the inspection plate after cutting the hole. I used a remote inspection camera mounted on a plank and hooked to my laptop for viewing. Slide it forward from the lazarette and make sure you use strip caulk on the screws to hold them in the brackets while installing. Also use strip caulk on the screw heads when removing and installing so you don't drop them down the side of the tank. Good luck and safe boating.
 
Thank you for detailed fix.

Probably too complicated for me to do.
I’ll ask my marina shipyard what ideas they might have

Will advise what they suggest.

Joe
 
I want to recenter my tank but I was told their is about 60 gallons of fuel in the tank when I bought the boat.

From what I see of the fuel line, can you even get a line into the tank to siphon out the gas?
 
Try before you drain. I was pleasantly surprised when I easily shifted my tank that was 3/4 full of fuel (80 gal tank) when I corrected the hold-down brackets. I used a flat wide carpenter type pry-bar. There are several types to choose from if you don't already have one. Just keep the sharp end away from the tank. You can use a small piece of plywood against the tank and the pry-bar between it and the stringer. Measure the side gaps, add together and then divide in half. Get some foam board from the hardware store and cute four small pieces to slip alongside the tank on the wide gap side. That way when you move the tank, it wont move past the center. It was very easy.
 
I finally got the starboard side front tank bracket out. All six are OUT

Now for the fix after I recenter the tank. The tank is 32" wide and the space the tank sits in is 33.5" Thinking about a long 5/8" thick piece of nylon/plastic that will go in behind the existing bracket and extend down alongside the tank to act as a spacer to keep the tank from moving side to side.

Still torn on the idea of the spray foam for additional stability/support. Any reason NOT to use the expanding spray foam if its done sparingly.

I will also be using hex head lag screws going back in as they will have less of a tendency to fall off and drop down along my tank. Might pack that area full of rags to minimize the risk
 
RThorn

You have six (6) fuel tank brackets on your R23?

My 2019 R23 has four (4).

Did you perform the fix as you described in your post of 4/26? If so, how did it go?

I now have plastic spacers in hand (thank you Ranger Tugs), but have not attempted removal of existing brackets and re-installation with the spacers. I am still uncertain as to how to reach the forward brackets.

Thanks for the update,

Joe
 
I cut an 8 * 12 whole just inside the cave, just forward of the of the front port side bracket. I need to get a 12" long flex extension for my cordless drill. Be very careful not to drop the screws or brackets. Once the screws were loose i could barely reach them through the hole i cut. I am putting in a Seachoice pryout hatch to cover the hole. PN 39121.
What kind of brackets did ranger tugs send you? Or spacers? Pics?
 
I have spacers, and new brackets, from RT as well. I do not know how to post pics on this forum, but will be happy to send to you via email.

Thank you,

Joe
 
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