Fresh Water tank options

[Severnman]

After having suffered a couple of disasters with the Plastimo flexible tanks I am going down the road of having a bespoke fabricated tank. Thoughts are either plastic type (Tek Tank et al) or stainless steel. Tank will be forward so triangular in plan. Any comments or observations welcome re installation/ preparation and securing. Boat is Foxhound 24, tank capacity about 70 litre. Thanks

 

[Downsman]

In a previous boat I had a 'made to fit' diesel tank. The space that it fitted into I lined with polystyrene insulation board, the kind they use in house building, this provided a cushion so that the plastic tank didn't come into direct contact with the (steel) sides and bottom of the tank space. I decided it was worth losing a few litres volume for the protection offered to the tank by the cushioning effect. In my case I was able to secure the tank in position with two bolt down bars across the top.
If you are having it custom built, have a nice access hole with bolted lid included in the tank. I took on diesel in Gibraltar and I can only think something was adrift in their filter system because I got half the Libyan Desert in my tank. I was really glad of the access lid then. :encouragement:

 

[Barleycorn]

I had a Tec tank made when converting a coach to a motor caravan. It was a quite complicated design, to fit in the chassis behind the back axle. They made an excellent job, and cheaper than I had estimated it would be.

 

[RobbieH]

I built a fairly complicated tank in stitch angle ply, laminated the outside in polyester flowcoatedd the inside with potable grade epoxy. A couple of dinghy access hatches in the top, a breather run up too decklevel and a 38mm filler. Works a treat and easy to clean. The flexible tanks are ok if you are prepared to change the liner each season.

 

[oldsaltoz]

I have made several tanks, fuel, fresh water, Black water etc,

All using foam core (Klegacell) closed cell foam and suitable epoxy resins, all had baffles inside, drains in the bottom and inspection hatches that are bolted, not the plastic jobs, they will not stand up in foul conditions at sea.

The advantages are long life, low maintenance, no wasted space and as the hull forms part on the tank less cost.

Good luck and fair winds.

You should also consider trying to get that weight away from the ends of the hull.

 

[Birdseye]

I built a fairly complicated tank in stitch angle ply, laminated the outside in polyester flowcoatedd the inside with potable grade epoxy. A couple of dinghy access hatches in the top, a breather run up too decklevel and a 38mm filler. Works a treat and easy to clean. The flexible tanks are ok if you are prepared to change the liner each season.

Where did youget / what is the brand of the potable epoxy?

 

[halb]

Sorry to change the thread a little, I need to change the pipework aboard, any suggestions regarding the type/brand as I would prefer reasonably flexible tubing for ease of installation.
Jon

 

[Tranona]

You need food grade hose. Your chandler should be able to supply. For example Force 4 stock clear UV resistant in various sizes from 13mm to 38mm. Alternatively if it is 13mm you can get Blue or Red (Cold/Hot) hose in the same grade.

 

[halb]

Tranona, thanks for the info. Jon