Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

[cbloss]

My situation is that the gas tanks have been corroding for some time and I have finally found time to cut them open to put new tanks inside.<br /><br />They are made completely out of fiberglass. Because of the awkward shape and relatively small space of the current fiberglass tanks I have been unable to find a polyethylene tank that I could make fit. Anyone know of a company that would create custom polyethylene tanks?<br /><br />Our only choices left that I am aware of are either creating custom Stainless Steel (preferably?) or Aluminum tanks. Another option would be to coat the inside of the current fiberglass tanks with some sort of gas container while protecting the bottom and sides of the fiberglass but leaving the top uncoated because I am not aware of a way to reach the top while the gas tanks are enclosed.<br /><br />I have been reading to find almost nothing good about using Aluminum. As there is no surrounding metal to touch the tank, would using Aluminum be a problem?<br /><br />I have not found much information about using Stainless Steel. What should I keep in mind if I choose to use it?<br /><br />I can take pictures and post them as needed. Also I can add any information you would need as well as I am sure I have left something out.<br /><br />Edit:<br />Pictures: http://hedake.net/BoatTanks <br />Measurments: Coming Soon

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

There are alot of places that sell poly tanks in all different configuations. What size are you after that will work? Got a pic?

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

I can't think of where I had read about bladder tank inserts, but that maybe the answer to your problems. Bladders are surpose to be a lot safer than some tanks. Just a thought to check out.

 

[cbloss]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

Originally posted by SS MAYFLOAT:<br />I can't think of where I had read about bladder tank inserts, but that maybe the answer to your problems. Bladders are surpose to be a lot safer than some tanks. Just a thought to check out.

Could you maybe give me an example of what kind of tank you are talking about please?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

A link to West Marine and the tanks they carry. There are many. One might work for you.Just keep scrolling and check the sizes.. From the pics you show, it should not be too hard to find one that will fit close. How many gallons did the original hold??<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?k eyword=fuel%20tank&advanced=YES&searchDeptId=6

 

[cbloss]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

Originally posted by rickdb1boat:<br />A link to West Marine and the tanks they carry. There are many. One might work for you.Just keep scrolling and check the sizes.. From the pics you show, it should not be too hard to find one that will fit close. How many gallons did the original hold??<br /><br /> http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?k eyword=fuel%20tank&advanced=YES&searchDeptId=6

Ya I have checked many different websites including that one and have not found one that will work. A big problem is the slope, kinda kills the idea of a square tank.<br /><br />I think we pretty much have decided to go with a stainless steel tank. I have friends that work at a welding shop so I can have them help me with them. Is there anything I should be aware of after I enclose the tank back with fiberglass? Can I put foam around the tank to seal any gaps we can't get to?

 

[Kesh]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

Some links and info taken from the links. First one is a good page about tanks and tanks testing/care. You should read it first. On that same page there are also references to tank building companies. The other links are also of custom tanks companies that I visited when investigating about my own tank problem.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br />-------------<br /> http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/tanksalot.htm <br /><br />A must read this one!!! <br />-------------<br /><br />-------------<br /> http://www.tek-tanks.com/Pages/frameset.htm <br /><br />high strength, advanced polyethylene materials that overcomes the persistent corrosion and weight problems of stainless steel and the mechanical failure of flexible bag style tanks. Over 40% of our current work is building replacement tanks for boats previously fitted with mechanically unreliable flexible bags or stainless and aluminium tanks with electrolysis problems.<br />-----------------------<br /><br /> http://www.custommarinefueltanks.com/ <br /><br />Builders Of The Finest Fuel Tanks In The Marine Industry Custom Marine Tanks For Your Boat<br />We Manufacture Marine Fuel Tanks, Marine Diesel Tanks, Marine Holding Tanks And Marine Water Tanks For Your Boating Needs.<br /> <br />Any Size, Any Shape: We Can Manufacture To Your Specifications<br />Manufactured With: Prime Grade Marine Aluminum 5052-H32 Alloy Or 316L Stainless Steel .125" To .250"<br /><br />Custom Marine Fuel Tanks For Boats Are Supplied With Correct Baffles, Senders,<br />Removable Pick Up Tubes, Vents, Fuel Fill And Grounding Tabs<br /><br />Built To USCG Specifications -- Meet Or Exceed NMMA Specifications<br /><br />We Make It Simple<br /><br />We Ship Marine Fuel Tanks, Marine Holding Tanks And Marine Water Tanks World Wide<br />-----------------------<br /><br /> http://www.yachtworks.info/tank_making.htm <br /><br />YachtWORKS proudly introduces a High density Polyethylene (HDPE) tank system that overcomes the persistent corrosion problems of stainless steel and mechanical failure of flexible bags. This system has been developed by Vela Ltd. which endeavours to build HDPE recipients since 1999.<br /><br />The HDPE will not corrode and ensures an almost condensation free environment for the fuel and provides clean taste free water for the galley. A substantial part of our work is replacement tanks for boats previosly fitted with mechanically unreliable flexible bags or stainless and aluminium tanks with electrolysis problems.<br />-----------------------

 

[Solittle]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

On having friends make up a SS tank - You might check to see if there are any federal safety specifications that they need to follow. You may have a liability if they are required and not followed.

 

[wezie]

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement Questions

Keep looking for info on tanks and things that should not be done, particularly if you make one. That space will be very difficult to fit. If you find a custom aluminum tank mfg, they may be able to do some good. Might use that space for storage and put the tank elsewhere.<br />Just a thought: Fiberglass dust floats around and gets into everything; inside and out. If the fiberglass is not cleaned off that engine, the tank will not be the problem. It has no air filter.<br />Good Luck!