Changing Water Tanks

[DavidHM]

We are having to replace our grp water tanks (which have osmosis) with either stainless steel tanks or polyproylene (cheaper). Does anyone have any advice as to which option is best. We plan to take the yacht to warmer climates in a year or two.

Many thanks

David Murray

 

[Guest]

Stainless steel is very expensive, and the people who make polyethlene tanks think everyone is King Midas.

I recently replaced my bow tank - 75 gallon tank - that is our fresh water supply and I had one custom made out of aluminum. It is made of marine grade aluminum and I painted the exterior with self-etching primer, a zinc chromate primer and Pettit Easypoxy before installing it. The tank ended up costing me less than half of the poly tank or the stainless steel.

If you need just standard rectangular or square water tanks....poly should be inexpensive.....but if they are custom shapes...you might want to look into the aluminum tanks.

Reality is the cause of all stress!!

 

[PaulJ]

Tek-Tanks make a very nice product.... they are a bit pricey but I guess you only get what you pay for. At least get a quote from them, they are based in Alton - 01420 564359. I should say that I have no connection with them but I have been very happy with the five (soon to be six) tanks they have made for me, they were accurately made to the measurements I gave them and are a very sturdy/tough job.

 

[snowleopard]

Liners?

have you considered using flexible rubber tanks inserted into the existing tanks? should save something on cost and a gread deal of disruption.

 

[chris66]

Re: Liners?

Flexible rubber tanks ? I have never seen them but would be pleased to learn more. My boat is wooden from 1976 and they seem to have built her around the tanks ! My starboard 200 litre steel tank had to be changed 2 yrs ago due to corrosion and both forward tanks have had to be "switched off" as replacing them meant dismantling half the boat. I immagine that the portside tank is next to go and getting that out would mean taking up the cabin floor and galley or alternatively removing one engine...I'm not looking forward..

How do rubber linings work (can I just fit them in through the opening?? How long do they last, does the water smell of , well, rubber and where can I order them??)
Thanks

Chris

 

[Guest]

Re: Liners?

Vetus den Ouden makes and sells both flexible water tanks and waste tanks.

Unless you require a custom made tank to fill a non-rectangular cavity....you will have no problem getting the tank that you need.

You may be able to insert the bladder tank into your old tank and just plumb it as required...as long as you have no sharp edges or projections inside the old tank.

Reality is the cause of all stress!!

 

[timevans2000]

I have had a number of s/s tanks made for my last boat and current boat by a company called Gloweld in Runcorn. They are very well made and since they are not in the marine trade, are priced very sensibly too! A 20 gallon, odd shaped fuel tank cost me £70 in 316 s/s. If you want any s/s tanks or bits making speak to John Glover on 0151 423 1342.

 

[dickh]

Vetus also make flexible water tanks, my friend has just bought a new tank for fis boat - 200 litre capacity - 700 x 1900 size complete with inlet and outlet fitting for approx. £55 from TCS Chandlery. From the LBS. They only make a few standard sizes which is probably how they keep the price down. It is a internal bladder with an external nylon cover for chafe resistance.
If you look in the back pages of PBO you will find several people advertising flaxible tanks made to your own sizes.
Also try www.tek-tanks.com they have several standard polyethelene? tanks.


dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif