Fuel Tank Install Question
 

I will be installing my new 47 gallon fuel tank this weekend.

I am not going to use foam and I will be following David Pascoe "How to Install an Aluminum Tank" I will be using plastic strips attached with 5200 to keep tank off of coffin plus securement and also secure with tabs to stringers.

Question...since this tank will have adequate air exposure and will not be foamed in ...do I need to coat tank with coal tar etc?....I read aluminum is self protecting and if I do above procedure without foam that there is no need for coating tank

Need advice etc!
-Fred

I pulled an under console un coated tank that was 17 years old and it looked close to new. I reused it in another boat. I think under deck is a more damp location though.

I did. Now's the time....cheap insurance man.

i allways clean,scuff sand,chemically etch prime and epoxy coat a fuel tank - coating of choice for me is interprotect 2000 - applied to 10mil thick - use a matchbook cover as a guide for thickness...lost count of the tanks i've installed in this manner...use "star bond" as a glue to adhere the starboard strips to the tank shelf - 5200,on top of the starboard - it forms a gasket,between the tank and the strip.i "chock" tanks in place - no foam !

the most important part : chemically etch prime the aluminum - fail to do it,and your coating will fail - nothing will properly adhere to aluminum without chemically etch priming...

Tank is done and spoke with builder..he stated I should coat the tank...was expecting him to say no so I could be back in 15 or so years!!!!
He stated that my old tank appeared to have been wet for sometime and that water was obviously getting into coffin.
thanks all for the info and advice...will coat it.
Jim..I am going to follow your route!!!
-Fred