Fiberglass Fuel Tanks

[Bigshrimpin]

I don't know why I didn't think of this until now, but I could use the old aluminum tank as a plug to make the mold for the new glass tank.

[Dave Hirshberg]

Don't attempt ot build your own fiberglass tank unless you are very skilled at this work. The large manufacturers build their own ( Cabo, Viking ,Riviera ect) and have spent years perfecting their process. As far as cost is concerned they are very costly (all vinylester resin not the cheaper polyester). They pretty much last forever. I've watched them being built at Viking , Quite a process.

[Bigshrimpin]

Just wanted to share this information with everyone.
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Tim,

The article seems to be aimed at a small boatyard, and not a do it yourself type person. Regarding the legality of it this link will reference you to the appropriate USCG web site. It basically says that a tank has to be tested at 3psi without leaking. A prototype has to be fire tested either in a fire chamber or a hull section using free burning heptane for 2 1/2 minutes. Also the tank has to be designed (not tested) to withstand a shock test of 25g's for 6 to 14 milliseconds if it is to be installed forward of the midpoint of the boat. Less if it is aft. The tank needs vents with flame arrestors etc.... Then it needs a label with the name of the manufacturer and that it meets these criteria. There are requirements for the label as well. Please read all the info at:

http://www.uscgboating.org/regulatio.../183-510-a.htm

I think that just buying a tank would be a much easier solution, unless you are going to make a number of them like in a production run.

[gkj]

Hatteras has had FRP fuel tanks for the last 30 yrs

[Bigshrimpin]

Got a real nice aluminum tank from marine connection liquidators yesterday. 22.5 x 7.5 x 72 (52 gallons) for under $200. In case anyone else is interested there are 15 - 20 more of them (they were made for maverick boats).

[thedink9]

BigShrimpin

Did you see any larger sizes there? Like 100Gal?

[Bigshrimpin]

Dink,
They definitly have 100 gallon tanks. Give them a call with your dimensions . . . they charge $3/gallon on tanks over 60gallons.