Installing aluminum fuel tanks this weekend ... rubber to isolate tank from hull?

[piperca]

Tpenfield, I thought the same thing; however, the tank manufacturer assured me that the tabs he installed were more than sufficient to support the tanks, without them being foamed. The original tank was not held down with anything but the foam ... no tabs, no strap.

Now that I've gained the input of a few of the members, I am leaning towards paint and foam. I think it will be a much better job.

 

[tpenfield]

Now that I've gained the input of a few of the members, I am leaning towards paint and foam. I think it will be a much better job.

Recently been there, done that on my 33 footer - 160 gallon tank. Here are a few pics from my 'adventure' . . .

If you do the paint & foam approach, paint adhesion to the tank is critical. So, wet sanding/acid prep/etc. should be done to the tank to insure a good paint bond. Epoxy paints would be better than other types. I used Interlux Interprotect 2000E on the tank, which is the same paint as what is used as a barrier coat on boat hulls.