Fuel Tank - Plastic?

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I had a 40 gal plastic tank under the deck in my previous boat and had it for 19 years it never sprung a leak. I also new another guy who had a 80 gal plastic tank for approx the same amount of time with no problems. I think a 60 gal tank or less is ok but beyond that is pushing it a little. You can foam them in with no concerns like you have with aluminum tanks. I did have one issue with the tank besides the fume smell, after time my gas sensor that fits in the tank needed to be replaced the re sealing of the gas sensor was a problem I tried using 4200 and 5200 but it didn’t stick to the plastic and the hole that the sensor fit into had warped a little which meant that from then on I did not fill the tank to the brim for fear of a little gas oozing out and into the bilge. In aluminum tanks they put 3-6 ballasts walls into the tank to prevent the gas from sloshing back and forth I might be wrong on this one but on plastic tanks “I Thing” they don’t do that. Thus after time AND if the tank is to big that could cause problems. As far as weight if it is in the center of your boat for me weight is a good thing.

FellowShip

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My motto: Just for the Grins

[Capt Chuck]

Hey Ken,
Those gas sensors are a pain. The floats stick sometimes and replacements are not cheap either. IMHO I would spend $140 on a Navman type in-line fuel monitor from the Git-Go and not worry about the tank sealing etc.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Ha Capt. Chuck;

I did put a in line fuel monitor in my 23’ and use is. But I also like the one is the tank as well just incase. I don’t know why but because I trailer my boat I find that at the end of the day “at the dock” I maybe have burned 15 gal’s but then after my trailer ride home the gage says 17 gal’s. I don’t have this problem when I keep the boat in the water for a week and use it every day but trailer time + sloshing around tricks my in line so it knocks off my gal in tank readings.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

[oldbluesplayer]

just another reply on the plastic fuel tanks - I put one in a 18' Glasspar years ago, had very good luck with it - it was mounted up under the foredeck, so was well ventilated - I never noticed any gas odors coming off it. Believe it was an 18 gal size.

Bill