poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

heard newer boats are goin with poly since ethanol is causeing issues in aluminum tanks. what you guys think if you were going to replace your 30+ year old tanks now?

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

I would replace it with another aluminum tank coat it and install it with out foam and if I am still ALIVE 30 YEARS from now and still fishing this boat I would replace it again if it needed it.

..................
FellowShip

Just for the Grins :D

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

I know this will open a whole bunch of discussion. However if the tank is not sitting in a foam coffin and gets plenty of air circulation and is on runners, why coat it? When I got my tank made from Sunrise Tanks, he said if the above is met he does not recommend coating.

Lets Hear It :o

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

Curious, why is poly better for E10 than Alum?

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

Another vote for Aluminum.
It isn't the aluminum that ethanol is causing problems with.It's the build up of crud that was in the tanks when ethanol became prevalent.
The Ethanol, being a stronger solvent than Gasoline,dislodged the years of accumulated build up in the fuel tanks,most which happened to be made of aluminum.
All that crud ended up in your filter,or worse,your carburetor.

If you went new,it wouldn't matter if you went with aluminum or polyethylene.Neither material is supposedly affected by ethanol,although if one turns out to be,I'd bet my last dollar that it will be the poly.

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

I would love to get a poly tank for my boat. I've had aluminum tanks in my other boats and they all had to be replaced. It's tough to properly mount aluminum tanks in the bilge of a small boat, as there just isn't enough room to strap them in and allow for air flow. It's also hard to control weld quality and materials coming out of a bunch of small fabrication shops. If anybody's done the research on where to get an appropriately sized poly tank for a 20' please pass on the info and I'll gladly be a guinea pig. I mean, when was the last time your poly jerry can or small outboard tank went bad?

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

Check this place out. They have a large supply of stock tanks.

Fuel tanks

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

I put two poly tanks in my boat.
Poly is resistant to almost all fuels,chemicals, solvents
Poly will not corode- alluminum can and probably will- the answer is; you never know, so don't take the chance. Are you a gamblin' man?
The challenge will be finding a poly/s that fits perfectly.
For me the decision was easy, as I did not design in easy tank removal.
Good luck

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

from what i understand ethanol holds water pretty good and water makes condensation in fuel tanks, which creates corrosion. just was reading thru the hull truth and wanted to see what you boys think. i guess some new boats are comeing with the poly tanks.

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

Aluminum will further exascerbate the problem with temperature fluctuations, aluminum is more thermally conductive than Poly . I believe the Alum. tank will tend to"sweat" more on the inside

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

I don’t know much about poly tanks that’s for sure but you can get bigger tanks with aluminum because of the baffles inside. I don’t think you can go bigger than 50 something gal. with poly tanks. At lease I haven’t seen them.



FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins :D

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

A couple more things to keep in mind. Poly tanks will expand. So when looking at size make sure they will not stress out the area your are putting them in. Smell is something else and seems to permeate the tanks after a number of years.

All you can do is see what works for you and do it.

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

bitsamonkey, Many years ago I replaced the Galvanized tank in my 20'SF with a poly from west marine. best fit was one where 2 of 3 diminsions worked only not as long so it doesnt go all the way under the seat. Mine is a deck mount in the console though. Think I had to sacrifice about 5 gals but I rarely run too far.

Chances are yours is a in hull tank so this info may not help. You can just see the tank under the console below

Thanks all for the info on poly vs alum. ;)

http://www.neoreality.com/archery/seacraft8.JPG

Re: poly vs aluminum gas tanks
 

Terry you are so right! The fuel smell does permeate the poly, I have access ports and when I open them I get a faint whif! Correct on the expansion also