Scuba Tank Placement

[captainbilly]

New to diving, love it, looking for some suggestions as where to place scuba tanks (holders) on a 26' center console. Forward of the console, along side the console, aft of the captains chair (tackle station).:confused: I am looking to carry 8 tanks per trip and want to place tanks for optimum boat performance (twin 150's). Thanks in advance for your help.

[27 sailfish]

You'll have some weight with 8 tanks. If you can secure them and I mean really secure them - 4 on each side near the bow would be best since most boats are light in the bow.

Keeping them in the stern will add weight where you most likely do not need it - plus they tend to get in the way back there.

Keep in mind the damage a loose tank can do to your crew or your boat.

I've seen some guys have custom tank ranks made that can be removed when not needed. Best to store them vertical.

Where ever you mount the tanks - be sure they can not move. One hard wave can send a tank skidding across the deck.

[RickyF]

There is a system called "roll control". I have it on my boat and it works great!!

[Spearo]

It has a lot to do with how your boat is layed out and the size of it. In my 21' WA., I tryed in the cabin and it did not work well so I tryed on the stern and the weight from that all the gear, ice and us made the water line go over my scuppers, not a good idea when you're divin. I finally did find a spot right in the midle between the seat posts that worked well in my case. I first laid a rubber matt 1/4 thick on the floor larger than the size of two tanks together and then I used a life preserver (vest type) around each one, there're out of the sun, they dont hit each other, the weight in right on the center, the gelcoat is safe and I can even trow a gear bag on top of them to make more room aft

[captainbilly]

I was talking with a scuba charter captain over the weekend and his recomendation was to place all the tanks (8) in front of the center console if doable so to balance the boat for the best ride. :))