Tek-Tank installation

[Nigelb]

I am considering replacing my integral GRP water tanks with a pair of TEK-Tanks. These would be mounted over the keel below the sole boards. The tank will have an integral flange to allow it to be bolted to the floor.

My concern is that the floor beams are not structural and merely designed to support the boards. I am not sure the tank mass would be secure in the event of a knock down.

Has anyone done a similar installation? I am considering some form of SS bar or webbing strap but the attachment points to the inner hull would need some thought.

Any ideas.

 

[macd]

I am not sure the tank mass would be secure in the event of a knock down.

Neither am I, but then I've no idea what it's likely to be.

 

[vyv_cox]

Sorry, you have given insufficient information to make a sound engineering decision. Photos might help. Capacities and dimensions are essential.

 

[Caer Urfa]

I am considering replacing my integral GRP water tanks with a pair of TEK-Tanks. These would be mounted over the keel below the sole boards. The tank will have an integral flange to allow it to be bolted to the floor.

My concern is that the floor beams are not structural and merely designed to support the boards. I am not sure the tank mass would be secure in the event of a knock down.

Has anyone done a similar installation? I am considering some form of SS bar or webbing strap but the attachment points to the inner hull would need some thought.

Any ideas.

You do not say what sized tanks.

I have twin 53 litre each 'Tek Tanks' installed in my engine bay each to port/starboard secured by heavy duty safety straps, there's a lot of weight in them when full so never mind just a knock down as you sure do not want to be worrying about them breaking loose at any time not being secure or rolling about in a F6 or more.

I also think you may have fuel flow/suction problems mounting your tanks so low down below sole boards

 

[Nigelb]

You do not say what sized tanks.

I have twin 53 litre each 'Tek Tanks' installed in my engine bay each to port/starboard secured by heavy duty safety straps, there's a lot of weight in them when full so never mind just a knock down as you sure do not want to be worrying about them breaking loose at any time not being secure or rolling about in a F6 or more.

I also think you may have fuel flow/suction problems mounting your tanks so low down below sole boards

I had assumed that the flange bolted to the floor beam would keep the tanks in position in rough weather. TEK-Tanks recommended that any gaps between the tanks and the inner hull be filled with 'expanding foam'. I was really concerned with a more exceptional event as the sole boards are not screwed down. Reference suction and flow, I am replacing like for like in terms of the head of water.

I am thinking of leaving the longitudinal flange of the existing tank in situ and reinforce with a SS plate to create a hard point or pickup.

 

[Nigelb]

Sorry, you have given insufficient information to make a sound engineering decision. Photos might help. Capacities and dimensions are essential.

I am struggling to upload photo's, tanks are 2 off H50cm D46cm Top W90cm Base W30cm so assume 2 off c.150 Litres.

 

[Nigelb]

Here is a further view of the existing integral tanks, no idea why every photo is inverted!

 

[srm]

I also think you may have fuel flow/suction problems mounting your tanks so low down below sole boards

Why?

The OP is asking about water tanks. I have 3 water tanks (total 400 ltrs), two 'wing tanks' below the sole feeding the third in the encapsulated keel, aft of the ballast. Suction is from the bottom of the keel tank and neither my electric pump or back up foot pumps have a problem lifting the final few litres. The foot pumps are above the sole, and the electric below it.

 

[Nigelb]

Here is the current plan, cut the tops off the tanks and leave the 10cm longitudinal flange that forms the shoulder of the existing integral tank. Bolt a SS plate with backing plate to the flange to serve as a pick up (welded threaded rod). slot and plumb the two new tanks in and then fabricate a SS strap to go across both tanks, secure with nyloc .

Questions: Do you need a to bed the tanks on rubber or a foam pad, do I need to fill the gap between the tanks and the inner hull to prevent any lateral movement and if so with what?

Thanks Nigel