Fuel Tank Capacity Engines and Such Forums

I guess by now, most people have noticed that the stated fuel tank capacity in the info about the boats, depends on which item your reading.  I've seen both 90 Gallons US, as well as 75 Gallons US as popular capacities.  I even found some drawings and calculations from a previous owner where he had determined the capacity to be 100 Gallons.

Recently, I had all the fuel in my factory tank pumped out, and the interior of the tank cleaned.  At this point I checked the tank and visually confirmed it was both clean, and empty.  I then poured 10 gallons of new fuel in, ran the new engine for about 50 minutes ( at best I used 1 gallon).  I then pumped 60 Gallons of fuel in, and did a visual check again.  ( removed the gauge flange)   I had intended to top off the tank using 5 Gallon cans after that, but was shocked to find the tank was full to the brim. I had maybe an 1/8 inch left in the top of the tank.  Any movement at all on the boat caused it to slop out. I'm sure 1 Gallon would more than max it out.  So with this new found experience, I've determined that my tank is 70 gallons max.

As with numerous things on the boats, Down East seemed to have trouble settling down to one design ( Or maybe in this case, supplier?).  I've come to look at the "specs" for the boats as guidelines, rather than fact in many cases.  One of the things I'm on the lookout for, is 2 Down Easter's that have the same design for the main hatch...so far, it appears each one is different.

Maybe somebody who has been puzzling over the tank capacity will find this info of value.