Plastic Fuel Tanks

[CaptainCalamity]

I'm in the middle of a major refit having just become the proud owner of a Fulmar. The original mild steel fuel tank is badly corroded, and i'm tempted to replace it rather than have it patched up (I don't fancy the thought of a bilge full of diesel when it finally gives up for good, and by the looks of things that day may not be far away).

A plastic tank seems a good plan as corrosion would be eliminated. However, there is no bulkhead separating the engine bay from the fuel tank, so does this mean I have to use a (much more expensive) stainless tank? The surveyor/insurance company have already insisted that the rubber fuel hose is replaced with fire resistant hose, so I guess they may not like a plastic fuel tank.

Anyone know what the rules actually are???

Andy

 

[john_morris_uk]

For a non commercial boat there aren't many rules. If you are getting the boat coded, you need to discuss it with the surveyor as different surveyors intrepret the rules in slightly different ways sometimes.

I am very suprised that a stainless tank is more expensive than a plastic one, as I had a stainless tank made last year and it was considerably less than the quote for the plastic one from tek-tanks.

 

[dickh]

If you can use an off the shelf rectangular plastic tank - do so. try TekTanks, Vetus or Plastimo(which I fitted). It it must be a specific shape then get quotes for both stainless and tekTank plastic. I always prefer plastic as it will never corrode, you can see the level(on the translucent ones) and it does not promote condensation during the winter.
Can you not fit a plywood bulkhead between the tank and engine?
Is "fire resistant hose" the ISO 7840 hose? which is easily obtainable and not expensive.

 

[philip_stevens]

I would have thought of my own safety against cost in replacing a fuel tank that is only a few feet from the back of the engine.

I replaced a corroded mild steel fuel tank in my previously owned Konsort with an exact size replacement tank in stainless steel. The difference in cost against another mild steel tank was not that great. I didn't even consider or think of fitting a plastic or grp tank.

You will, or have already, see that the underside of the tank is more corroded than the sides. I think (as with mine) that it was due to condensation not being able to dry under the tank.

The boat is now used for charter work under the new owner. He would not have been allowed to use the boat for charter with a plastic or grp tank. Even then, he had to fit a wire operated fuel shut-off in case of fire.

In a smaller Colvic Sailer I had before the Konsort, the fuel tank was a bag in the cockpit coaming. This suffered from condensation, and I had a SS tank made up to go under a quarter berth - all odd shaped sides.

 

[sparkie]

Hi John,

Could you tell me who made your s/s tank?? I may be in need of one before too long.

Safe sailing

Sparkie