Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

[Mark42]

What do I need to know about mounting an aluminum fuel tank to avoid any corrosion problems? The tank would be mounted in the bow of my boat under the forward deck. It's a very "open air" location.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Mark.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

I don't know of corrosion prodlems, but it needs a proper fill and venting system, it needs a bond from the deck plate to the tank, the tank must be bonded to the engine or battery of the boat. If you have a BIA manual it will cover tank and many other installations---Bob

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

By bond you mean ground strap/wire?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

See this link...<br /><br /> http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Wow! Great atricle, FishingDan.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

I guess I should have said ground Mark sorry ---Bob

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Mark, get yourself some liquid MarineTex, sand down the tank and give her a couple of coats. Will make it impervious to corrosion. <br /><br />When I pulled my tank, after 30 years, some amount of it sitting in water for an undetermined amount of time , my tank had a bunch of sharp pits in it that I judged to be about half way thru the aluminum. No leaks, however. I filled the pits with MarineTex then overcoated the whole tank with the liquid MarineTex.<br /><br />EDIT: I just re-read your question. I don't think you would have a corrosion problem where you are mounting your tank. I would spray it with and etching primer and give it a coat of polyuerethane enamel. That'll even keep any slight surface oxidation at bay.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Thanks for all the input.<br /><br />Not sure if I'm going with an aluminum tank I found, but it is an option.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

It's a very "open air" location

Although this may not be an enclosed space, would you still not need a blower if the tank is permanently mounted ?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Laddies,<br /><br />No need to apologize, "bond" is the correct word, I just didn't know it!

 

[Realgun]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Bond is used to connect an potential static change to ground. Its green and is not supposed to carry current. <br /><br />RodC no he does not need a blower and the tank is sealed from that air. it should be vented to the rear of the boat. <br /><br />You do know you are allowed to Foam the tank in using 4 lb foam Mark42?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

Realgun,<br /><br />I read that foam is allowed, but the tank manufacturers say space should be left around the tank for expansion. These poly tanks expand and contract with heating and cooling. I think I'll use the strap tie down designed for tanks. Makes it easier to remove and clean out the tank (and you know how often you do that - like never! HA!)

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

The USCG has different specs if the tank is mounted forward of midships because of the increased pounding there. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/fuel/183-550-h.htm

 

[DJ]

Re: Do's and dont's for aluminum tanks?

The tank fill, if through deck, should be grounded DIRECTLY to the battery. That goes for the tank too, if there is a rubber hose between the deck fill and the tank.<br /><br />Never ground anything to an aluminum hull.