widening stringers for a bit more fuel?

[Howie]

Brian, you had made some reference a while ago to being able to set the stringers a bit wider to accommodate a stern drive setup.

I am wondering if this could be done to increase the width of a belly tank. Would it be possible to stop the standard stringers around the aft cabin bulkhead and sister extensions outboard of those running back to the transom? Depending on the tank depth/width it could add 15+ gallons of fuel. I know there would be issues with the span for supporting the cockpit but it seems like adding deck supports to the (already custom) belly tank would not be that hard. These could be inline with any baffles in the tank...hopefully that would not add to much cost.

Just exploring ideas here...

[Brian.Dixon]

Yes, you can sister-in LVL to the outside of original stringers in the space near and a little behind the aft house bulkhead or so ... this adds extra weight to the boat, but it's got the capacity for sure.  This would widen the space between the stringers in the cockpit area by 3-1/2 inches... capacity for 50 more miles worth of fuel or so?  You'd also want a 'floor' (8" wide deck on the keel inside the boat) as well, but most of those with belly tanks add some sort of support under the tank anyway.  We can work out the details when you get closer.