Do brass skin fittings and polyeth(yl)ene water tanks work together?

[jwdorst]

Do brass skin fittings and polyeth(yl)ene water tanks work together?

If so, is there a proven way to seal them (i.e. o-rings / sika flex etc.)

I've purchased 2 Vetus rigid water tanks but don't like the look of the appendages on offer (wrong size, plastic). An obvious difference with brass fittings is that the Vetus fitting's flange area is much larger. Now the question is: is this because the plastic fitting isn't as strong as brass fitting, or is it because the tank wall isn't strong enough and requires the extra area?

Any experiences to share anyone?

 

[jimiboy]

By 'skin fitting', I assume that you mean 'through deck' and if so I should think the only two fittings you would need for water tanks would be a filler and a breather, neither of which need to be endowed with a great deal of strength. as there will be little or no stress applied to them.
I bought a tank from Boatwide in Spain last year and fitted a chromed brass through deck filler bought from the local chandlers. The 40mm dia hose to the tank was attached with a s/s jubilee clip and it has worked just fine. It also looks a lot better than plastic imo.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Now the question is: is this because the plastic fitting isn't as strong as brass fitting, or is it because the tank wall isn't strong enough and requires the extra area?

[/ QUOTE ] A combination of both possibly. The brass fittings will be heavier than the plastic ones I would think so the weight will put extra strain on the tank sides and over a smaller area than larger flanged plasic ones would. Maybe the brass ones should be supported if you use them or the tank wall reinforced.