Alum vs Plastic tanks

[beezee28]

Re: Alum vs Plastic tanks

In my 83 wellcraft, there are 2 fuel tanks, one on either side of the boat. It is upright and I think they hold about 10 gal. each there is no marking on it stating how much it holds. These two tanks are aluminium with baffles in the tank to stop the fuel from sloshing. The tanks are behing a carpet covered board and sort semi-difficult to get to if you want to replace the tank. Had to get to one of the tank because of a faulty fuel meter reading and took the whole tank out and was B---h to put it back, but did after many cussing and struggle.<br /><br />beezee28

 

[cyberskipper]

Re: Alum vs Plastic tanks

This may or maynot be of help, but before I became retired/disabled, I worked for a Company (it will remain nameles)that made topnotch FIRETRUCK's. Most of these trucks had WaterTanks, and we changed from making them out of Aluminum to Plastics. Some of these vehicles are in service in northern Alaska, and a few other cold winter clime's. To my knowledge, none of these tanks failed by freezing or cracking in the extreme climates, nor did the ones in equitorial climes.<br /><br /> Plastics can be molded, welded (with other plastics used as welding rods), and sealed just as tightly as any metal tank. they can be sealed inside with leakproof compounds (as can the metal tanks), and are impervious to solvents, cleaners, oils,& gasoline.<br /><br /> A good mfg'd plastic tank is no more dangerous on a boat, (or small craft - I'm retired navy, so a boat has a larger meaning to me then you),so you should not have any more thoughts/fears about them. Why would you be allowed to use plastic tanks of 5-61/2 gal's. on your vessel, if it were not safe. Like anything else, you can always upgrade and get a thicker grade of plastic if you are worried about puncturing it. But I haven't hit any docks etc. that hard lately. Nor, has anyone run into me broadside either.<br /><br /> Just my H O on the subject!