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(Last Updated On: )Unless you own a large vessel with a built-in fuel tank, you will require a portable fuel tank that you can dismantle from the boat easily.
Below 15 gallons or less is deemed as portable due to the weight of the fuel inside of the tank.
The best boat fuel tank is the Scepter 12 Gallon Tank, which comes with a combination sight gauge/fuel pick-up and a two-way vented cap.
Portable fuel tanks come in a range of sizes and designs in order to fit into tight spaces on boats.
Deciding the placement and taking measurements is highly advisable for the perfect fit because you may find it gets in the way otherwise.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Boat Fuel Tanks
| Boat Fuel Tanks | Preview | Our Rating |
| Scepter 12 Gallon |  | 4.9 |
| Attwood 6-Gallon |  | 4.8 |
| Moeller Marine Topside |  | 4.8 |
| Attwood 8806LP2 |  | 4.8 |
| Scepter Marine |  | 4.7 |
Every outboard motor needs fuel to run and that means a fuel tank that is not defective is essential.
You should expect at least 10 years of life from every fuel tank but cheap alternatives are known to crack from being left in the sun too long.
Along with the fuel tank, adapters, fuel lines and connectors may be required to get the fuel from the tank to the outboard.
The majority of adapters are universal and the new fuel tank you buy will more than likely be a direct replacement.
As the fuel tank will be in and out of the boat in order to refill it with fuel, it’s important that you are able to carry it.
For this reason, it is advised that all tanks are below 15 gallons unless you are incredibly strong.
Below is a list of the best boat fuel tanks that are easily portable for taking in and out of the boat.
Scepter 12 Gallon Marine Fuel Tank
With the Specter 12 gallon fuel tank, the two way vented cap has an automatic air inflow valve system. This allows air to enter the tank during operation and pressure to be released above 5 PSI.
You will notice that the Specter fuel tank will swell, and this is an acceptable occurrence. The EPA has eliminated the traditional venting in the tank, and so new portable outboard marine fuel tanks will not vent below 5 PSI with noticeable swelling.
The tank will remain sealed and safe at these pressures even when swelling is visible.
The Specter comes with a combination of sight gauge and fuel pick-up. The cap is two-way vented on this high capacity 12-gallon fuel tank.
Attwood 6-Gallon Marine Boat Fuel Tank
The Attwood is an automotive-grade and multi-layer construction that withstands the pressure build-up that is associated with a closed fuel system.
You will not need to do any manual venting, as the Attwood has a cap with a built-in vacuum valve.
This marine boat fuel tank meets both EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regualtaions.
The handy built-in fuel gauge. The connections on the fuel tank are designed for boat engines.
Attwood offers three different tank sizes; 3 gallons, 6 gallons, and 12 gallons. You can also get them with or without a fuel gauge.
Moeller Marine Topside Fuel Tank
This international top side tank is made for boats built before 2011. The red, rotationally molded, cross-linked poly construction with UV-stabilized resin. This tank is suitable for topside mounting.
This fuel tank is designed for today’s highly corrosive ethanol fuels. The Moeller performs better than any other fuel tank and conforms to all ABYC, NMMA and U.S. Coast Guard regualtions.
The Moeller has specifically developed for use in Carolina Skiff, Boston Whaler, Key West bench style, center console, pontoon, deck, and Jon boat designs.
Attwood EPA Certified Fuel Tank
The Attwood 8806LP2 is an EPA certified portable boat fuel tank with an automotive-grade multi-layer construction that withstands the extra pressure from close fuel systems.
The cap has a built-in vacuum valve that prevents the need for manual venting, which is found in many cheaper alternatives.
The Attwood brand is reputable in the boating community for producing over-engineered marine products.
This 6-gallon fuel tank is an example of that and even though it is slightly expensive compared to the similar capacity alternatives, it is a worthwhile investment.
Overall, it is the best portable fuel tank for the average-sized boat and at 9.4 x 13.2 x 19.2 inches, it can be stored in a range of locations within the boat.
Scepter Marine EPA Portable Fuel Tank
The Scepter Marine EPA fuel tank is available in both 3 and 6-gallon capacities with the same designs.
The 6-gallon model is 19.3 inches long, 12.2 inches wide and 10.2 inches high with molded feet that provide an increase in ventilation.
This boat fuel tank accepts the standard 1/4 NPT marine tank fittings and is eco-checked. It also features a mechanical fuel tank gauge for real-time measurements of your fuel.
Overall, the Scepter Marine EPA fuel tank is a good all-rounder and is highly portable with the central handle.
Portable Boat Fuel Tank Buying Guide
What to Look For in a Boat Portable Fuel Tank?
A boat fuel tank is not a luxury, it is an essential marine product required to store the fuel used in outboard motors.
This is fairly common sense but choosing the correct fuel tank for your boat is not as straight forward with a range of designs and sizes available.
The fuel tanks tend to crack, expand in size and go through various other defects.
This is usually due to old age, left in the sun and the manufacturer using cheap materials, which you should always try to avoid where possible.
Below are a few factors that you should consider before purchasing a boat fuel tank.
Portability
Unless you own a large vessel where the fuel tank is integrated into the boat or its placed underneath the floor, portability is the least of your worries.
However, for traveling on small boats or inflatable dinghies, a fuel tank is required to run the outboard.
Ensuring your fuel tank for your boat is portable is a big factor as taking it in and out of the boat can take quite a lot of effort.
A fuel tank full of petrol i.e. 12 gallons can be very heavy and with no handles, placing it back into the boat can be hard work.
Tank Capacity and Size
The fuel economy of your outboard motor will play a big part on how large of a tank you require.
For a fuel tank to remain portable, it cannot be too large because after all, 15 gallons of liquid are not lightweight and will be heavy.
On top of this, the larger capacity boat fuel tanks will be much bigger in size and this can be an issue for small boats without too much room spare.
Measuring floor space where you are able to place the fuel tank is vital so that you are not left red-faced when it does not fit.
Many boat fuel tank designs vary between manufacturers with some designed to be tall and other slim and long so that they can fit in a range of locations.
