Flexible Diesel Tanks

[joecham]

Does anyone have any experience of buying/using/owning flexible diesel tanks. I am considering fitting one to my Beneteau First 305 to replace the exisitng 25L stainless tank. It is in an awkward place and a flexible tank would allow me to install a much bigger volume than a (slightly) larger rigid stainless tank.

A lot of people use flexible water tanks (including me) with no problems and a seemingly indefinate life-span. Is this the same for a properly installed diesel tank or are there reliability or life-span issues ?

I have found a few places which can supply: Vetus, Stowaway, Duratank - does anyone have any experience/recommendations here too ?

Many thanks for any advice
Joe

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[ccscott49]

I personally would only use a flexible diesel tank as a temporary storage, to be honest a proper built plastic tank, from Vetus or tec tanks or somebody would be my choice for a permanent aplication, Although I guess a properly fitted flexible tank might be fine. Built into a box affair.

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[dickh]

If I were you, try a rigid plastic tank from Plastimo or TekTanks - assuming you can get it in to the correct place. TekTanks also do tailor made tanks to suit you. Plastimo tanks are cheaper than Tektanks for the off the shelf ones but TekTanks have a bigger range. See <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tek-tanks.com/>http://www.tek-tanks.com/</A>

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

 

[joecham]

The problem with any rigid tank is I can't fit it into this awkward space - which is why I am considering using a flexible one. What I would like to know is if anyone has any experience with flexible diesel tanks.

Thanks - Joe

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[Newbieknownowt]

Nope, but I think there was a response to a reader's letter in PBO recommending that flexible tanks not be used for fuel due to leakage risk from chafing of the tank - which is why CCScott was talking about having one properly-fitted I guess. As someone has also pointed out - Tektanks will make you one to your spec if you give them the measurements.

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[joecham]

My problem is that I have to fit any tank through a difficult openning to get it into place. The biggest rigid tank which I can get through the openning (of any shape) is about half the size of a flexible which would occupy the same space. I would much rather use a rigid tank but if I do - it has to be small. Feedback which I have received so far from manufacturers is that life expectancy is limited not by mechanical damage but by chemical - so it is not chafe that is the issue. I'd really like to hear from someone who has actually used one, preferably for several years, to give me a level of confidence. Alternatively, if anyone has had bad experiences - that would be useful too.

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[fireball]

Could you not use 2 rigid ones?

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[robind]

With regard to the chaffing issue could you not install some carpet to the installation site first, the the worst you have to do is check it out each season and replace the carpet.
Regards
Rob

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[robind]

With regard to the chaffing issue could you not install some carpet to the installation site first, then the worst you have to do is check it out each season and replace the carpet.
Regards
Rob

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[LittleShip]

Check with the insurance company they may take a dim view on a flexible fuel tanks??

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[steverow]

To comply with insurance requirements and others like the BSS etc, fuel tanks should be CE Marked and tested.
I doubt whether this would be the case with a flexible tank.
From memory(although dont quote me) I think in the Vetus catalogue it says that their range of flexi tanks should not be used for fuel.
I went through this last year when replacing my mild steel tanks, and eventually opted to fit two 335 litre Vetus Rigid plastic tanks after looking at all the options.
There are also various difficulties with flexibles with regard to breather pipes as the tank collapses.
The best option for you if you cant fit a standard unit, is to give Tek Tanks a call who will make to any size or shape.

Steve.



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[oldharry]

Interesting: is there nobody on the forum actually using flexible fuel tanks? If not then I suspect there is a first class reason not to, and you should check it out very carefully with professional advice before doing so.

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[joecham]

Indeed. However, at least three manufacturers make these things so someone must use them. Before I first used a flexible water tank I was pretty sceptical about their durability too - but I'm totally won over to them now. I don't want to dismiss flexible tanks for diesel without some actual evidence. The only hard info I have received was from one supplier who told me they quote a life-expectancy of 10 years - although that might just be a conservative estimate. I shall probably end up going for a custom made stainless tank - so I'll just have to put up with 50L instead of 100 which I could have got from a flexi. Still - if anyone reading has ever used one - I'd still like to hear about it...

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[robind]

Mark who is the web master of the Princess owners club had a flexible fuel tank he may be able to answer any quiries that you may have. www.princessownersclub.com join so that you can post.it costs nothing at the moment.
Regards
Rob

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