Plastimo flexible tanks, any good?

Iain C

Iain C

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I'm considering replacing my small, leaky rigid fresh water tank with a triangular flexible Plastimo job.

I've heard conflicting reports on how good they are...can anyone share thier experiences please?

I plan to install it under the V berth...how smooth does the GRP need to be to avoid wear, or shall I line it with carpet?

Cheers
 
I wouldn't have one again.The bladder on one once ruptured and I had to mop 100L of water off the bilge.There are better if more expensive makes.Vetus springs to mind.
 
they went through a bad quality patch about 5 years ago, but new manufacturing processes are in place. I have two of the 'new' ones, and they look quite different.

A woven nylon outer is essential, and I'd lay the tanks on something like swimming pool carpet or artificial grass to make sure no spikes stick in them.

Whatever you do, don't get diesel or oil on the bladder itself - makes the material go hard and split when flexed.
 
Do not use flexibele tanks for drinking water, you can always taste or smell
that the water has been in a flexible tank.
The softener product always gets in the drinkingwater and makes it taste
different from freshwatertap. But some people accept this and use this type
off tank .
 
I agree that new tanks often smell a bit, but flushing through with vinegar or Milton tabs does remove the smell.

The plasticiser ingredient is not really motile unless the water is hot - say above 40C.
 
Don't bother...I've had three. I finally bit the bullet and had one made by Duratank, and the quality is superb. http://www.hovercraftconsultants.co...&recor=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=&PT_MasterCategory=n. This is the first season I've had it, so time will tell. It's made from a different slightly stretchy fabric, similar to Hovercraft skirts I believe. It actually slightly stretches to give a greater capacity. When at full capacity it does cause the pump to keep cycling, so turn it off when not in use, but it really isn't an issue. Wish I had done it years ago. Mine sits in the forepeak, so I lined it loosely with that foil bubblewrap, as there are also some stringers in there so it's not completely flat, I also used some slabs of polystyrene.
Give them a ring and chat to them, they are very helpful.
 
PS Meant to say I sent them my old Plastimo and they copied the dimensions, except for where the inlets and outlets were, which I changed a bit, so they should have the size on file.
 
I had a flexible - filled it and she gave at the neck - wouldn't have another. I replaced with a Vetus rigid tank with large inspection ope which remained problem free thereafter.
My new boat came with two large flexible tanks - I'm very wary of overfilling and creating the same problem again. This means you never accurately know how much you have on board. On the plus side, because the sides don't remain rigid you do not have to cater for vacuums forming or metal sides pinging.

All in all I would go rigid, sized to suit.
 
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I've got a Plastimo tank on my boat. I fitted it 11 years ago and it's doing fine. There was a bit of a smell when it was new but, as others have advised, it was easy to sort out. No problem now.

I doubt that it will last forever but, for the money, it's been better value than anything else would have been.
 
HermanD said:
Do not use flexibele tanks for drinking water,
Click to expand...

3-full-metal-jacket-soundboard.jpg
 
HermanD said:
Do not use flexibele tanks for drinking water, you can always taste or smell
that the water has been in a flexible tank.
The softener product always gets in the drinkingwater and makes it taste
different from freshwatertap. But some people accept this and use this type
off tank .
Click to expand...

A decent water filter takes all taste away and the water from our two Plastimo Flexible tanks is a pleasure to drink.
We have had two x 100L tanks without problems for 4 years. Protecting the tanks with a bit of old carpet or pond liner makes sense, also proper support for the tank when full.
 
I have had a small custom-made doubled skinned pillow tank for the best part of 30 years and I hope it will see me out!

It was made by a firm whose main business was IIRC hovercraft skirts etc.

Its predecessor, made by a well known life jacket manufacturer, was a total failure.

Installing so that the pipework puts no strain on the tank ensures that it wont fail at the fittings when filled.

A dose of Milton, at the rate specified for drinking water treatment, for the first fill each year seems to keep the water sweet although I do usually use water from a portable water carrier for drinking.
 
I have had my Plastimo for over three years now.
( put new one in when i bought boat).

All ok, no probs, only use that water for kettle and washing up.
As you should never drink from tank water, even at home.

Just flush out at end of season.
Does what it says on the can...:o:o
 
VicS said:
That 'cos the tank at home is full of dead rats, pigeons, squirels etc.

The boat tank should never get into that state.
Click to expand...

Well you tell me where I'm supposed to keep my dead rat, pigeon and squirrel collection on a 34' yacht then ?

Boo2
 
Boo2 said:
Well you tell me where I'm supposed to keep my dead rat, pigeon and squirrel collection on a 34' yacht then ?
Click to expand...

Surely best practice is to wait until you are rafted up against another boat? Then, under cover of darkness, quietly tip said rats, pigeons and squirrels into your neighbours cockpit?

That's what I've always done. :rolleyes:
 
Had two Plastimo flexible tanks that were doing just fine when we sold the boat after five years. Never tasted off, no breather hose needed, no overflow hose to worry about, took minutes to install and easy to replace if needed.
 
Perhaps it's to do with the shape and where they are located ? Mine were the triangular shape and in the forepeak where on account of the stringers they didn't sit flush with the sides of the hull. A friend with the same boat as mine has to replace his nearly every year. I can imagine they might fare better if they were square or rect and sat in a perfectly sized compartment with flat panels. Of course I wonder how many of those who say they never gave any probs actually removed them and had a look at them..in a sealed compartment any leaks might have been contained..
 
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