Plastic diesel tanks

DanTribe

DanTribe

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Does anyone have experience of installing polythene fuel tanks?I intend to install a Vetus tank but I'm uncertain how they are physically fixed into the boat. Do they come with fixing straps for example?
I've tried phoning Vetus but received a luke warm response.
Thanks for any advice.
Dan
 
I fitted a Vetus tank many years ago. It came with recesses in the tank for straps, but no straps. I made these up in sheet stainless steel about 1 inch wide, bolted down at one end and tightened with small bottle screws at the other. You could do just the same with long bolts. I also surrounded the base with timber pieces on a plywood base to hold it in place.
 
I can't answer your question, however I've just finished building my boat, fitted mostly with Vetus equipment. Ring Bill at MEC (Vetus agent), 0118 9401181, brilliant guy, fell over backwards to help me.
 
I'm sure Vetus can supply a 'fixing kit' - get in touch with them or see their website. Alternatively try http://www.nuovarado.co - not sure who their current UK distributor is as they were with Sowester - but E-mail them and I'm sure they will tell you. Also I think Plastimo do them.
Otherwise do as suggested, make sure it is on a firm base with stainless straps around - cushioned with a strip of nitrile rubber - or should that be neoprene? - check as one of them is OK and one isn't!

dickh
I'd rather be sailing... :-) /forums/images/icons/smile.gif
 
i have fitted vetus plastic tanks (120litres). i hold them down with 6 20mm webbing straps, secured each end with a metal plate and 2 screws, similar to a dinghy buoyancy bag. the tank is on a flat floor up against a bulkhead. this has worked fine for 14000 miles so far!

i also have plastic water tanks (220 litres) fixed in the same way but have added a bulkhead in front of them as belt and braces, the thought of 1/4 ton being thrown against the straps every time we pitch was a bit worrying.
 
I have a 20 gallon fuel tank (Tek Tanks) it is boxed under a bunk and have two 1"x2" iroko battons screwed across it. Then I used two part closed cell foam all round it to stop it from moving (not on the top)
It really depends on the weight of fuel you are carying. Just imagine dropping off a wave or sailing on your ear (not in a cat of course) and think of the stresses involved.
 
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