1977 Gas Tanks 23'

[Joe Napoleon]

Looking for thoughts on gas tanks aluminum vs. stainless?

[DonV]

No need for stainless, too much $$$ and extra weight. That being said, go with a heavy gauge aluminum, not the cheaper thin stuff. If I remember right my options were 16ga or upgrade to 12ga, I went with the 12. Not positive on the numbers but I did go heavier.

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Joe Napoleon

Looking for thoughts on gas tanks aluminum vs. stainless?

stainless - bad move ! welds are subject to failure - also,"crevice corrosion" is another giant concern.stainless is a poor choice for fuel tank material...


aluminum tanks are the best option - your area,best is patriot marine,waretown nj 609-653-5542 ...drop off the old tank,and about a week later,pick up new.

be smart: clean,scuff sand,chemically etch prime and epoxy coat the tank...

aluminum tanks are measured in "thickness" - look on "build sticker" - odds are the tank says .0125 - 1/8" never heard of "guage"

[Joe Napoleon]

Thanks Don go thicker thanks for info. Nice 23!!!

[Joe Napoleon]

Great info thanks Pelican, like the scuff and epoxy protection. Do u have a 23?

[DonV]

"odds are the tank says .0125 - 1/8" never heard of "guage""

That's what I would go with, 1/8" no less.

Here's some gauge info...

http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/gauge2.htm

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Joe Napoleon

Great info thanks Pelican, like the scuff and epoxy protection. Do u have a 23?

do not skip the chemical etch prime step - very important

applying a coating on aluminum,failing to chemically etch prime,the coating WILL fail...

[pelican]

Originally Posted by DonV

"odds are the tank says .0125 - 1/8" never heard of "guage""

That's what I would go with, 1/8" no less.

Here's some gauge info...

http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/gauge2.htm

i'm well aware of gauges - concerning metal

what I wasn't aware of,fuel tanks being listed as "guage" - build stickers state thickness,in decimal form - never seen it listed in "guage"

1/8" is usually smaller capacity tanks - 3/16,or 1/4" for larger capacity tanks

[Joe Napoleon]

Thanks for all the info!!!