Very informative. You are my spirit animal. I’m attempting to install a Suzuki 40hp and fix a dead gas gauge. Your videos are gonna save my a..$..$ Thanks brother 🤜🤛
We're just out here trying to help some folks save some cash who are willing to do this stuff themselves. Could be the gauge, could be the sending unit in the tank, could be a wiring issue, could be a couple things...I usually start with the wiring, then the gauge, then the sending unit. Just had to replace a corroded sending unit a couple of weeks ago before sending a boat home!
Man I’m trying to get going on updating my 96 crest but I keep learning so much I can do from ur videos. My plan was getting all the stuff and starting late fall so I can fish some before I make it nice. so thx for all the info and ideas.
Glad you found my channel. Hope you can find everything you need here. If not, please let me know so I can cover topics you need to see! Good luck fishing in the meantime...and don't forget you can save 5% on your purchase at Pontoon Stuff by entering "TOMSTOONS" at checkout as the discount code!
Step drills are fantastic, you can get them in different configurations, great for thin metal, I tell my friends to get them, great for a home owner, they're kind of a one size fits all and you can get some really nice quality cobalt ones!
@@tomspontoons Yeah I figured I'd put that in peoples ear in case they never heard of it, ideal for certain situations, makes life easy, I'm a machinist and do a variety of things and sometimes I forget about it!
And we're so glad you're enjoying them and all the information we're sharing. Let us know if there's something particular you'd like to see done for a video in the future. Thank you for the kind words!
Hey Tom, just an FYI, I did read an article not to long ago that mentioned the grey fuel line being plastic lined. Over time and with the additives in the fuel, that plastic lining could deteriorate, causing grief and/or plugging your fuel system. Again, thanks for all your help!!
A lot of those early lined fuel lines (gray like you mentioned) had issues with the lining breaking down, even when gas wasn’t so terrible. I definitely always recommend running fuel without ethanol and/or treat your fuel with an additive. Mercury is still shipping those gray fuel lines with their brand new motors, so they must trust them to hold up well!! I haven’t had a problem with any of those newer gray fuel lone from Mercury. I typically install bulk fuel line from a local marina that is super high quality and has no liner unless the fuel line comes with the engine and happens to be that gray style.
I just 1, bought my first pontoon and 2 found your channel. The boat I got has several things not working and or not present at all. There’s no fuel gauge.the speedometer don’t work, no trim gauge. I was wondering how tough these things are to install. I’m pretty handy and understand electrical however I’m not sure if one battery is gonna be enough so I think I need a dual battery setup with a switch.
You picked a great boat for a handy DIY person! Those are easy to install items, and hopefully we have videos to cover to fuel and speedo (order a gps speedometer!). The trim gauge will depend on your motor. Some outboards are ready to take a gauge while some need a whole kit with a sender/senser on the motor plus the wiring and gauge.
I'd probably call it just that, a fill spout. The hose we use to connect the fill on the tank to the fill fixture on the railings is "fuel fill hose" so I would call it a fill spout. That or a "fuel fill neck"
Love the videos. Been watching a lot as I am working on a rebuild myself. Been around boats all my life and am mechanically inclined, but this is all new to me. I have a 28 foot pontoon that I have added a third toon and beefed up transom to allow up to 150 hp outboard. I am installing a transom tank made by Moeller model FT001522B that is missing all the components, so its just the tank. I know I need a filler neck, vent and sending unit, but not sure what else. If you could help with any of this, who to contact, list of components, or make a video about installing a transom tank that would be great. Thanks in advance and keep the great videos coming.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching our content. Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of transom mounted tanks as they tend to allow for water getting into the gas on a common basis. But I understand there’s no other good option YET for a center walk through layout. You MUST install a water fuel separator Filter to be safe. You should be able to find all the components on Amazon (believe it or not!!), at a local West Marine store, or Great Lakes Skipper. From what I’ve seen (check coast guard recommendations too) it’s a fill spout hose with a fill cap, then the vent is integrated into the system. Great Lakes Skipper might have everything you need as a kit if you call them!!
Thanks for video/s, my tritoon gas filler is very hard to put gas in with 6 gallon cans. I'm thinking of adding a split t in the hose line and adding a 2nd filler line under the rear seat so I can pour the can gas straight in. Any issues that I might run into with 2 filler hoses? It's a 2-14 G3, thanks and best wishes,
I don’t see why that would cause any problems to be honest. I would consider getting a marble syphon or other syphon device first though. They allow you to just set your gas can on the railing or other elevated spot, shake the hose, and the flow starts. If that doesn’t work then consider the second full option. Just make sure that seat is well ventilated (maybe add some vents for air flow) and I wouldn’t install it anywhere there is any electrical components, wiring, speakers, etc in that seat for fear of sparking fumes.
Thanks so much for the video(s), well made and informative. I recently bought an 18' 2011 Bennington Pontoon that had two additional, aftermarket tanks installed (3 total with original tank). They are rectangular aluminum tanks but not sure make/model. One is under a bench seat and one is under helm and they are connected together with a hose that runs under the deck. The one under the helm has the sending unit to the gauge to read the level for both tanks as one tank (hopefully that makes sense). Even though both tanks are connected with a large hose from bottom to bottom that runs under the deck, they also both have a separate vent hose. The under the helm one is short and just pokes out the outer side of the helm/console and the one under the bench has a hose that goes/vents through the fill cap. My question is, is it normal to have strong gas fumes? Gas fumes are ever present and really strong, especially when parked/idle. Everyone who's ridden on the boat comments on it and I first was storing it in my mother-in-laws shop, but the fumes were so strong inside the shop, I had to begin storing it outside. Could the fuel tank vents alone be causing that? Thanks again!
Short answer: no, you shouldn’t have that strong of fumes. Normally, when vented properly there will be no smell of gas. Even when the compartment or sun deck is opened there’s not typically much of an odor that comes out. It sounds to me like there may be a leak in the tank(s) or system somewhere, or possibly some sort of pressure building up that’s pushing fumes and vapors out the vents. Do you need those additional tanks? If it were me I would get rid of them. I’ve never heard of a setup like that on a pontoon and it certainly doesn’t seem safe long term. The way they’re connected makes it sound like they’re not designed for marine use. Hope this helps and hoping you can remove them, cover the holes with some Starboard or other material, and enjoy fume-free boating from here on out!!
@@tomspontoons Thanks so much for responding. I was leaning toward removing the tanks, but was kind of hoping to avoid the hassle and they do come in handy on those long trips on larger lakes. But, in answer to your question, I don't really need them (and will be nice to have more storage space). I live in California and bought the boat in late summer of 2020 from a guy in Fallon, NV who'd owned it less than a year. He said the boat was originally from lake Havasu in AZ which I no is a pretty large lake with not many marinas so guessing that's why they added the tanks. But, like you said, think they either weren't installed right or there's a small leak somewhere I'm not seeing, either way, they need to come out. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again. Much appreciated.
@@jefffaulkner5351 that’s the approach I would take. I’d rather carry a spare 5 gallon tank for those longer trips or on bigger lakes as a just in case scenario. Safer, cleaner, and no fumes!! Hope it goes smoothly and it makes your boating experience better!!
I have a small crest pontoon boat are there any other options for a gas tank and fuel gauge for the smaller boats that don't have a cabinet was thinking maybe underneath the seat
Great question! To go that route you’d have to find a small (9 or 12 gallon) “underdeck” or “permanent” tank. Something low profile. The other option would be a 6, 9, or 12 gallon low profile with a gauge built onto the top of the tank. I prefer Sceptor brand for those. There’s not really a way to run a dash gauge for those, but offers an underseat option with a gauge. Make sure you add ventilation if doing so!
@@tomspontoons okay I’ll check it out. For some reason my boat isn’t getting fuel to the bulb. That’s what I am really trying to understand like how does it go from the tank to the out board motor cause I’m having no luck. The prime bulb isn’t getting any gas
@@2GzRowedaddy always start with the obvious. Check fuel connections and check the orientation of your primer bulb. There's an arrow that will indicate the direction of fuel flow. When priming the bulb, make sure to hold it VERTICAL with the arrow for fuel flow pointed to the sky. The primer bulb will pull fuel best in that vertical position.
@@eddiebarrera5690 I would pull the sending unit out and use that access port. It’ll be the easiest to get access to one side or a corner to get as much as possible when tipped slightly.
Most pontoons have just one battery that starts the engine and runs the basic lighting and stereo. If you have more lights or a stereo with an amplifier you’d need a second (or third) battery. In that case a battery switch is the best option to keep a charge on both batteries without draining both down from using accessories.
@@dude5576 I will in the future when we run another system, but in the meantime, check out this episode of our tritoon build, at minute 5: 25 it goes into the breakdown of the battery/electrical on that boat. DIY Tritoon Build - Episode 4 - Getting on the Water! ua-cam.com/video/aiDHvg7HVho/v-deo.html
Very informative. You are my spirit animal. I’m attempting to install a Suzuki 40hp and fix a dead gas gauge. Your videos are gonna save my a..$..$ Thanks brother 🤜🤛
We're just out here trying to help some folks save some cash who are willing to do this stuff themselves. Could be the gauge, could be the sending unit in the tank, could be a wiring issue, could be a couple things...I usually start with the wiring, then the gauge, then the sending unit. Just had to replace a corroded sending unit a couple of weeks ago before sending a boat home!
Thanks for the video. I didn't do a great job of taking photos and notes of how wiring was don on our tank, this helps a LOT!
Awesome, I’m happy to have this video up for help!
Man I’m trying to get going on updating my 96 crest but I keep learning so much I can do from ur videos. My plan was getting all the stuff and starting late fall so I can fish some before I make it nice. so thx for all the info and ideas.
Glad you found my channel. Hope you can find everything you need here. If not, please let me know so I can cover topics you need to see! Good luck fishing in the meantime...and don't forget you can save 5% on your purchase at Pontoon Stuff by entering "TOMSTOONS" at checkout as the discount code!
Step drills are fantastic, you can get them in different configurations, great for thin metal, I tell my friends to get them, great for a home owner, they're kind of a one size fits all and you can get some really nice quality cobalt ones!
Absolutely! One of my constantly used tools!
@@tomspontoons Yeah I figured I'd put that in peoples ear in case they never heard of it, ideal for certain situations, makes life easy, I'm a machinist and do a variety of things and sometimes I forget about it!
I’m so glad you are sharing these videos brother…..all the tricks and advice are most welcome….😎
And we're so glad you're enjoying them and all the information we're sharing. Let us know if there's something particular you'd like to see done for a video in the future. Thank you for the kind words!
Hey Tom, just an FYI, I did read an article not to long ago that mentioned the grey fuel line being plastic lined. Over time and with the additives in the fuel, that plastic lining could deteriorate, causing grief and/or plugging your fuel system. Again, thanks for all your help!!
A lot of those early lined fuel lines (gray like you mentioned) had issues with the lining breaking down, even when gas wasn’t so terrible. I definitely always recommend running fuel without ethanol and/or treat your fuel with an additive. Mercury is still shipping those gray fuel lines with their brand new motors, so they must trust them to hold up well!! I haven’t had a problem with any of those newer gray fuel lone from Mercury. I typically install bulk fuel line from a local marina that is super high quality and has no liner unless the fuel line comes with the engine and happens to be that gray style.
Nice tutorial, as always brother!
Great! Thanks for watching!
I just 1, bought my first pontoon and 2 found your channel. The boat I got has several things not working and or not present at all. There’s no fuel gauge.the speedometer don’t work, no trim gauge. I was wondering how tough these things are to install. I’m pretty handy and understand electrical however I’m not sure if one battery is gonna be enough so I think I need a dual battery setup with a switch.
You picked a great boat for a handy DIY person! Those are easy to install items, and hopefully we have videos to cover to fuel and speedo (order a gps speedometer!). The trim gauge will depend on your motor. Some outboards are ready to take a gauge while some need a whole kit with a sender/senser on the motor plus the wiring and gauge.
What is the name of the fill spout part?
I'd probably call it just that, a fill spout. The hose we use to connect the fill on the tank to the fill fixture on the railings is "fuel fill hose" so I would call it a fill spout. That or a "fuel fill neck"
Love the videos. Been watching a lot as I am working on a rebuild myself. Been around boats all my life and am mechanically inclined, but this is all new to me. I have a 28 foot pontoon that I have added a third toon and beefed up transom to allow up to 150 hp outboard. I am installing a transom tank made by Moeller model FT001522B that is missing all the components, so its just the tank. I know I need a filler neck, vent and sending unit, but not sure what else. If you could help with any of this, who to contact, list of components, or make a video about installing a transom tank that would be great. Thanks in advance and keep the great videos coming.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching our content. Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of transom mounted tanks as they tend to allow for water getting into the gas on a common basis. But I understand there’s no other good option YET for a center walk through layout. You MUST install a water fuel separator Filter to be safe. You should be able to find all the components on Amazon (believe it or not!!), at a local West Marine store, or Great Lakes Skipper. From what I’ve seen (check coast guard recommendations too) it’s a fill spout hose with a fill cap, then the vent is integrated into the system. Great Lakes Skipper might have everything you need as a kit if you call them!!
Thanks for video/s, my tritoon gas filler is very hard to put gas in with 6 gallon cans. I'm thinking of adding a split t in the hose line and adding a 2nd filler line under the rear seat so I can pour the can gas straight in. Any issues that I might run into with 2 filler hoses? It's a 2-14 G3, thanks and best wishes,
I don’t see why that would cause any problems to be honest. I would consider getting a marble syphon or other syphon device first though. They allow you to just set your gas can on the railing or other elevated spot, shake the hose, and the flow starts. If that doesn’t work then consider the second full option. Just make sure that seat is well ventilated (maybe add some vents for air flow) and I wouldn’t install it anywhere there is any electrical components, wiring, speakers, etc in that seat for fear of sparking fumes.
Thanks so much for the video(s), well made and informative. I recently bought an 18' 2011 Bennington Pontoon that had two additional, aftermarket tanks installed (3 total with original tank). They are rectangular aluminum tanks but not sure make/model. One is under a bench seat and one is under helm and they are connected together with a hose that runs under the deck. The one under the helm has the sending unit to the gauge to read the level for both tanks as one tank (hopefully that makes sense). Even though both tanks are connected with a large hose from bottom to bottom that runs under the deck, they also both have a separate vent hose. The under the helm one is short and just pokes out the outer side of the helm/console and the one under the bench has a hose that goes/vents through the fill cap. My question is, is it normal to have strong gas fumes? Gas fumes are ever present and really strong, especially when parked/idle. Everyone who's ridden on the boat comments on it and I first was storing it in my mother-in-laws shop, but the fumes were so strong inside the shop, I had to begin storing it outside. Could the fuel tank vents alone be causing that? Thanks again!
Short answer: no, you shouldn’t have that strong of fumes. Normally, when vented properly there will be no smell of gas. Even when the compartment or sun deck is opened there’s not typically much of an odor that comes out. It sounds to me like there may be a leak in the tank(s) or system somewhere, or possibly some sort of pressure building up that’s pushing fumes and vapors out the vents.
Do you need those additional tanks? If it were me I would get rid of them. I’ve never heard of a setup like that on a pontoon and it certainly doesn’t seem safe long term. The way they’re connected makes it sound like they’re not designed for marine use. Hope this helps and hoping you can remove them, cover the holes with some Starboard or other material, and enjoy fume-free boating from here on out!!
@@tomspontoons Thanks so much for responding. I was leaning toward removing the tanks, but was kind of hoping to avoid the hassle and they do come in handy on those long trips on larger lakes. But, in answer to your question, I don't really need them (and will be nice to have more storage space). I live in California and bought the boat in late summer of 2020 from a guy in Fallon, NV who'd owned it less than a year. He said the boat was originally from lake Havasu in AZ which I no is a pretty large lake with not many marinas so guessing that's why they added the tanks. But, like you said, think they either weren't installed right or there's a small leak somewhere I'm not seeing, either way, they need to come out. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again. Much appreciated.
@@jefffaulkner5351 that’s the approach I would take. I’d rather carry a spare 5 gallon tank for those longer trips or on bigger lakes as a just in case scenario. Safer, cleaner, and no fumes!! Hope it goes smoothly and it makes your boating experience better!!
I have a small crest pontoon boat are there any other options for a gas tank and fuel gauge for the smaller boats that don't have a cabinet was thinking maybe underneath the seat
Great question! To go that route you’d have to find a small (9 or 12 gallon) “underdeck” or “permanent” tank. Something low profile. The other option would be a 6, 9, or 12 gallon low profile with a gauge built onto the top of the tank. I prefer Sceptor brand for those. There’s not really a way to run a dash gauge for those, but offers an underseat option with a gauge. Make sure you add ventilation if doing so!
You didn’t need a water separator ?
I Always recommended but not everyone wants to add one!! Sometimes they just want it back as it was previously rigged.
@@tomspontoons okay. I was just watching the video making sure I had everything hooked up.
@@2GzRowedaddy yup, we have another video for installing a water fuel separator. I have one on all the boats I operate
@@tomspontoons okay I’ll check it out. For some reason my boat isn’t getting fuel to the bulb. That’s what I am really trying to understand like how does it go from the tank to the out board motor cause I’m having no luck. The prime bulb isn’t getting any gas
@@2GzRowedaddy always start with the obvious. Check fuel connections and check the orientation of your primer bulb. There's an arrow that will indicate the direction of fuel flow. When priming the bulb, make sure to hold it VERTICAL with the arrow for fuel flow pointed to the sky. The primer bulb will pull fuel best in that vertical position.
Im trying to drain gas on fuel tank 2013 sun tracker can you please help out thank you ?
You’ll likely have to use a siphon to get that out…not exactly an easy task unfortunately.
Where do I sphene fuel from what part of fuel tank ?There is no drain plug
@@eddiebarrera5690 I would pull the sending unit out and use that access port. It’ll be the easiest to get access to one side or a corner to get as much as possible when tipped slightly.
Where do you get the Deckmate fencing? I like that color and style.
It will be available in the near future from Deckmate. Keep an eye on their website and Pontoon Stuff too!
hey tom how your do batteries
Most pontoons have just one battery that starts the engine and runs the basic lighting and stereo. If you have more lights or a stereo with an amplifier you’d need a second (or third) battery. In that case a battery switch is the best option to keep a charge on both batteries without draining both down from using accessories.
Can u make video about it
@@dude5576 I will in the future when we run another system, but in the meantime, check out this episode of our tritoon build, at minute 5: 25 it goes into the breakdown of the battery/electrical on that boat.
DIY Tritoon Build - Episode 4 - Getting on the Water!
ua-cam.com/video/aiDHvg7HVho/v-deo.html
Can i get work with you im also electrical work mercury
I have a few videos for Mercury electrical, but we don’t do much more than gauges when it comes to working on electrical.
Hi
Howdy!
Shake and bake, better stop those bicep curls!
Gotta stay fit working on boats all day!
But im in Kuwait im working in Kuwait and I’m from India
Thanks for watching all the way from Kuwait!