Best way to install an Aluminum gas tank?

TrinhTD · 07-20-2006, 01:30 PM

Hello everyone.

I am about to reinstall a V shaped (with a 7" flat section at the bottom of the V) 90 gal Aluminum tank back into my boat.

It was previously foamed in, the main reason why it was leaking.

Someone has suggested to use wood and block it in. But, I've read somewhere that wood is a water absorbing material and should not be in direct contact with the aluminum tank.

Any idea or suggestion on how to keep it from moving around inside the boat.

Thanks in advance.

Chrome Bumper · 07-20-2006, 01:42 PM

Mount it on rubber or polyethylene blocks and strap down with aluminum straps and fiberglass. If you semi-swamp your boat you don't want that thing floating around. Maybe the deck can trap it down well enough.

boater · 07-20-2006, 03:37 PM

i`d have it coated with spray in bedliner stuff and then foam it back into place with good foam that doesnt absorb water.

MaiToi · 07-20-2006, 04:31 PM

I just reinstalled my tank and coated it with HERCULINER it covered great. not cheap almost 40 bucks a guart at Napa

Orca · 07-20-2006, 10:22 PM

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

Mr. Carp · 07-22-2006, 10:15 AM

Just foam the tank back in. We have done that on several tanks and never had a problem.

TrinhTD · 07-25-2006, 12:23 PM

Thinking of foaming it back in. Which foam do you recommend and where to get it.

Thanks again.

Chrome Bumper · 07-25-2006, 01:12 PM

fiberglasssuply in Bingen has it on line. They are good to work with and quick. Probably the low density unless you need more strength (2 lbs per cubic foot). You can get it in 4 and 8 lb too. It's two part and has the coastguard approved flame retardant built in. They will UPS it to you. Tap plastic is another source, not sure about the flame retardant there though.

Careful because it can produce pressure when it expands and push stuff around. If you do the pour in several smaller pours you can reduce that tendancy.

Fun stuff.