68' 20FB restore

[makojim]

I'm rebuilding a 68 20FB. I plan to power it with a merc 260. I'm starting to worry that maybe I'm putting to much weight in the ass end. I intend to install trim tabs. Any thought from experience would be a big help. Anyone have a source for additional fuel tanks that may fit.

[skelly1]

Originally Posted by makojim

I'm rebuilding a 68 20FB. I plan to power it with a merc 260. I'm starting to worry that maybe I'm putting to much weight in the ass end. I intend to install trim tabs. Any thought from experience would be a big help. Anyone have a source for additional fuel tanks that may fit.

I've got two saddle tanks, one of which I plan to use on my 20FB. I am pretty sure they are 18 gallon tanks (aluminum I think). I fit checked them both and they seem to be feasible but I have no idea yet on how to mount them to the side, they just seem to fit in the side. They came with my boat, but I haven't had them checked out at a radiator shop. Maybe we could make a swap or something. My latest plan is to add a 30 gallon bait tank on the port side and one of the 18's on the starboard side.

As far as ass-end heaviness, I ran my boat a couple times this summer in the ocean, without trimtabs, straight 6 chevy that didn't run all that well, and a bait bag hanging off the stern. It felt ass heavy to me that way, it could not get on plane with 2 adults in the stern, so I'm putting the bait tank forward and getting rid of the bag and hoping that evens it out.

[barndoor]

Jim,
as I said before, Honeygirl has done this on his 68 FB. When he get's back (fri) I will try to get him to post his findings for you.

For what it is worth, I have a 20' open with a small block 302. I do not have trim tabs, but I have a hydrofoil. I have no problems plaining or poroising.

This is the hydrofoil I have. It came with the boat
West Marine: Sting Ray Performance System Product Display

[makojim]

Honeygirl responded to my PM. Thanks for the lead. Here are his comments.


"Hello Mako Jim. I did completely restore my 68 FB, I
had a v6 with a omc outdrive. Put in a 2000 marine
power V8 and a volvo 290dp. The boat is sweet and fast
and for sale. I bought a new blackman outterbanks. I
did have to build a new engine cover and cut the rear
battery hatches to fit the width. I also reglassed the
transome for the Dp. I fished the boat for a few years
with out trim tabs the boat road the same as it did
with the V6, like shit! I put on large trim tabs and
she rides like a cadillac".

I will plan on installing trim tabs as well. They will also help with load leveling. I doubt I will have to enlarge the engine cover more than 3 or 4 inches. I have another engine cover thats wide but also shorter. I think I'll worry about that when the engine is in.

[hatidua]

I always enjoy looking at older boats brought back to life, well done.

[Jerky]

I say yes to trim tabs. A must.....