Custom fuel tank

[mwassman]

What is Best & most economical way to have a fuel tank made to fit for a aluminum jon boat? Il post pics of the space it will fit in tomarow

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Try this link to get you started looking...

http://moellermarine.com/

 

[mwassman]

Re: Custom fuel tank

http://www.tinboats.net/forum/download/file.php?id=34050&mode=view/photo-5.JPG
I think this picture will work i would like to have a tank made to fit between a set of those deep ribs the lay a deck over it and cut out openings for the fill cap, guage, and pick up

 

[mwassman]

Re: Custom fuel tank

If i can get it made or make it the way i plan it would hold about 9 gal if my math is right

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Check in your area for some aluminum fabricators and get some quotes...

But, it seems like it might cost some serious coin for just a 9 or so gallon tank...

Also, don't forget to add some space for some type of isolation material between the tank and the hull, or the vibration could eventually wear a hole in it...

Hope you can work something out, it looks like a pretty cool project.

Best regards,
GT1M

 

[mwassman]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Ive thought about maybe trying to make my own plastic mold. I could provably make a cast to fit the contour of the area that would hold the tank leaving room to line the tank with some type of rubber. If i could make a two peice mold then put it together that would be awsome, i see alot of plastic tanks are made frome high density polyethylene. I dont have what it takes to use that plastick but maybe i could use some other plastic, any ideas?

I know there are certain USCG regs on fuel tanks but from what ive seen it wouldnt be a big deal unless i was to sell it? Although i want every one to know that i would not use a material that could seep fuel out into the water just for convenience puposes so please no body bash me on that, there regulations for a reason. Just if any one has any ideas let me know please, im getting a head acke brian storming over this

 

[logan944t]

Re: Custom fuel tank

I know there are certain USCG regs on fuel tanks but from what ive seen it wouldnt be a big deal

The regs are there for a reason. I like coming up with different solutions to a problem ---but fuel tanks are too cheap to mess with your safety.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Custom fuel tank

I completely agree^^^^^ with Logan944...

The amount of time[time is money] you will spend trying to make something that is safe and useable, plus the materials required will probably end up costing you WAY more than having one custom made by a certified aluminum welder, or just buying something and making it work...


try this search...
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt...el+tanks&fr=att-portal&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

 

[mwassman]

Re: Custom fuel tank

I concur, anyone know of a reasonable way to have i tank made aluminum, fiber glass, or plastic? And cheep is the last thing that a custom built fuel tank is when the lowest price ive been quoayed on was almost 1/4 of the price a payed my a brand new alwelded aluminun 16' hull. Thank you for the adviseit probably would be alot of trpuble trying to make my own

 

[BansheeVision]

Re: Custom fuel tank

What are the dimensions you have to work with? I have seen some 12gl tanks plastic bow tanks that might work as an insert. You might consider a locker door rather than fabricating a filler tube. Some older jeep cj5's had small gas tanks under the drivers seat with a filler tube extending out the side. These are still available in the aftermarket world and you can get flexible filler tube sold in linear length. You would just need to attach filler hardware/gas cap where you wanted it. You could pick that up for a few bucks at any auto salvage yard.

 

[mwassman]

Re: Custom fuel tank

I have abandoned my first idea, the tank would have to fill the space perfectly with maybe 1/2" space around it for breathing room & a liner to protect the bottom from the hull in order for it to hold a suficient amount of fuel.
My new idea would be to use the space that i want to make a gun box in that is really just a fishing deck extension that i ordered with the boat. My idea for the tank in there is just 48x8x6" rectangular tank with vent and filler tibe on ine side and the pick up on the other. I would need all of whitch to site as low to the tank as possable then but a vented filler cap to install on top of the deck and run a hose from the deck to it. then have the section of deck that i cut out to insert the tank welded back or i make turn it onto a dore.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Custom fuel tank

What are the dimensions you have to work with? I have seen some 12gl tanks plastic bow tanks that might work as an insert. You might consider a locker door rather than fabricating a filler tube. Some older jeep cj5's had small gas tanks under the drivers seat with a filler tube extending out the side. These are still available in the aftermarket world and you can get flexible filler tube sold in linear length. You would just need to attach filler hardware/gas cap where you wanted it. You could pick that up for a few bucks at any auto salvage yard.

You want to stick w/ USCG marine approved fuel filler hose & tanks. I'm not confident Jeep products qualify. Stresses in/on a boat hull & tank are not the same as automotive applications.

GT & Logan are pointing you in the right direction. Suggestions to use other then marine should be gauged carefully. There are lots of options among marine tanks, and many 'good, used' marine tanks are also available. Having a qualified aluminum welder rework an existing tank to fit your needs may also prove cost effective.

 

[BansheeVision]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Schematics including new post 2012 EPA regulations....
http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/fuel_tank.html

The difference between A1 and B1 hose...

"So what is the difference between A1, and B1. USCG Type A hose has to pass the 2 ? minute fire test, B does not. The theory is the A is under more pressure than B, and being on the engine is exposed to more danger of fire than B. Since B is between the pump and the tank, if a leak occurs, the pressure rapidly drops to zero and the pump just sucks air, stopping the engine. Fuel doesn't get sprayed all over the place. The fuel line between the fuel pump and the carburetor, or fuel rail, is under pressure and if a leak develops, fuel will be sprayed around the hot engine. So there is a greater risk of fire. This hose must be A1-15 which is fire resistant. In addition, A1 hose is required when the hose always has fuel in it. Hose that only has fuel in it briefly, such as the fuel fill hose may be B1."

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Custom fuel tank

I didn't mention hoses, but thank you for the fuel regulations link. It has some good info.

My comment was that I wasn't confident that Jeep components (fuel tank) would be USCG approved for marine use:

You want to stick w/ USCG marine approved fuel filler hose & tanks. I'm not confident Jeep products qualify. Stresses in/on a boat hull & tank are not the same as automotive applications.

And was predicated by your suggestion of getting a Jeep fuel tank from a salvage yard:

Some older jeep cj5's had small gas tanks under the drivers seat with a filler tube extending out the side. These are still available in the aftermarket world and you can get flexible filler tube sold in linear length. You would just need to attach filler hardware/gas cap where you wanted it. You could pick that up for a few bucks at any auto salvage yard.

If you were talking about just the fuel hose, it didn't read that way to me. It read that the TANK was available & might work from a Jeep.

 

[oops!]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Some older jeep cj5's had small gas tanks under the drivers seat with a filler tube extending out the side. These are still available in the aftermarket world and you can get flexible filler tube sold in linear length. You would just need to attach filler hardware/gas cap where you wanted it. You could pick that up for a few bucks at any auto salvage yard.

this is not recommended....

as mentioned....it does mot meet marine requirements.
there are strict rules for gas tanks meeting marine standards....and an auto gas tank meets none of them

 

[oops!]

Re: Custom fuel tank

to the op....

the cheapest way to re tank your boat...is a marine gas can.

after that.....you can get one here at iboats...http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Fuel-T...1994884--session_id.746349421--view_id.238164

use marine gas hose and plumb it in your self

 

[BansheeVision]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Defiantly not a junkyard tank unless you're on some kind of one-way mission. Though aftermarket off-road racing fuel-cells with anti-slosh baffling might work. These are probably more expensive than having someone fabricate a custom fitted tank.

 

[oops!]

Re: Custom fuel tank

Defiantly not a junkyard tank unless you're on some kind of one-way mission. Though aftermarket off-road racing fuel-cells with anti-slosh baffling might work. These are probably more expensive than having someone fabricate a custom fitted tank.

uh....no they wont....

uscg has very strict rules about marine tanks......the tank has to be certified....if you go boom and someone dies...you get to pay.
the fuel system in a boat is something that you cannot play around with.
even if a bud welded a tank in your back yard.....the tank would need to be sent away to be certified marine.

so adapting non marine to marine is a no-no. same with fuel lines and hoses....you need to use marine.....you cant just take a radiator hose and use it as a fill hose.

people dont realize that in a boat.....the gastank is in an enclosed area......this will trap fuel vapors.
that is why boats have blowers in them...to evacuate the vapors prior to starting the engine

in a car.....the fuel system for the most part, is in the open. so if there is a leak....the fumes can dissapate...as well the drips hit the ground and gass off....this is just not so with a boat.

look at lake union in seattle......every year about 10 or 12 boats go boom due to guys playing with non marine fuel stuff