Installing new saddle tanks

Installing new saddle tanks on my 22' cruiser.

I’ve given up on a big long belly tank due to limited size inbetween stringers an stringer height. Vessel came w/ 15 imperial gallon saddle tanks image.



These tanks I aquired are actuely older than my vessel but are much nicer shape and material each is 20 US gallons so w/ two 6 gallon reserves will be enough for a 3day cruise.



I’m still wanting to move some of the weight forward bc I want a 130LB 10HP kicker engine.



My previous threads on this subject
rearranging fuel tanks reduce stern weight https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/rearranging-fuel-tanks-reduce-stern-weight.68744/

33 gallons aft of midship creates a lot of stern weight 231LB? https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/33-gallons-aft-of-midship-creates-a-lot-of-stern-weight-231lb.63366/



I got the impression there won’t be much gained by moveing tanks forward.

But remember I had a 15US gallon all the way aft at stern image.also two 6 gallon reserve tanks at stern. an the oil tank for the 2 stroke engine.



It would be easier to not slide the tanks forward basicely having the front part of each tanks inside cabin a few feet. The front of each tank has the fill an vent, the pickup is aft.



If I move forward inside cabin will complicate refueling I’d be forced to fill primary tank then move vessel at gas station to fuel secondary tank bc cabin obstructs the fuel hose.



I’m in the process of installing the new tanks.

Here’s the aft of port side image.



I’ll be fabbing three triangle surports for each tank will blind reviot right though the freeboard just like the orginal tanks where mounted.
aft



The lower section of tank is like 3” an triangles up to like 7” at top. I don’t think a 3” platform is strong enough.
the orginal tanks where secured w/ flange clamps though the freeboard.
the new tanks only have a smaal flange on each end at bottom of tank w/ one bolt hole. so basicely only the bottom is securable.

the top of the tank is held in place w/ the gunnal. I'm thinking to wrape top of tank w/ rubber or maybe carpet, isolating the tank from rubbing on freeboard suggestions on securing top don't want to relie on just the filler tube to hold the top in place.

here's how the orginal tanks where secured in front an aft note they don't contact the freeboard.

I could glue a flange w/ west sys. gflex epoxy to tank that slides into the orginal holder not sure if glue would be stronge enough even though the 2 bolts at bottom of each end is doing the majority of securing..
any constructive critizim or advise is welcomed.