Looking at two Whitby 42s. One has the original tanks, the other has the two water belly/saddle tanks modified by fitting two tanks in each, one for water and one for fuel. That together with the original saddle tanks would give 210 gal fuel without using the keel tank and 150 gal water.
My question is, where are the two 65 gal fuel tanks located and where are the 80 gal water tanks located? Also what materials? I think I read somewhere that the 80 gal water tanks are fiberglass with an aluminum cover.
Thanks,
Bob

Bob,

On Red Ranger (Hull #188, 1981), we have the original two 80 gal fiberglass (with aluminum covers) water tanks under the floor of the main cabin and one under the V-berth bed. For fuel, we only have the starboard 65 gal tank under the workbench. It is my understanding that the port side fuel tank was at the bottom of the lazarette.

CA

Why only the one fuel tank? Problem with the port tank? Heading out today, will look at the boats this weekend.

At the time of the original sale I think some tanks were optional equipment. I believe Joie de Vivre (Canadian made, 1976 #88) originally had the maximum tankage configured this way:

Fuel:
65 gallons, starboard, under the bench in the walkthrough, aluminum
65 gallons, port, next to the engine room under the cockpit locker, aluminum
90? Gallons, center, in the keel under the engine, aluminum

Water:
80 gallons (×2), port and starboard under the cabin sole in the salon, fiberglass with aluminum top
60 gallons, forward, under the v-birth, aluminum

Black water:
40 gallons, midship, under the hanging locker and fridge, fiberglass with aluminum top

It is common in the Whitbys for the center fuel tank to be corroded and be unusable/condemned. Some owners have replaced the center tank either through the engine room or through the hull.

Some Whitbys came originally with all-aluminum water tanks. This may have been more common in the Fort Myers built boats?

Brewer 12.8s and 44s can have very different tank layouts from the Whitbys.

In some Canadian Whitbys the starboard fuel tank is only about 55 gallons with more room for general storage forward of the tank.

Most of these boats have been modified/upgraded/repaired (or neglected) in different ways by previous owners. You'll need to verify for yourself the location, condition, and useability of each tank on the boats you are considering.

Best of luck in your search. We love our Whitby!

Scott