Source for fuel tank

SBD · #1 02-16-2010, 08:03 PM

First off, let me say that I don't have a Seacraft. I do however look here a lot because the tech here is drama-free and always amazing. This is THE best repair forum on the web!

Now to my issue: I pulled my aluminum gas tank from under the deck. Inspection after it was freed from its foamy cocoon revealed that it needs to be replaced. This tank is not a "regular" size so I will need to have one made. Any recommendations on a source??

Thanks!

makade · #2 02-16-2010, 09:24 PM

I'd start with local aluminum fabricators. Shop around, you'll get a pretty broad price range. Make sure the tank meets the safety requirements, I forget those details but they'll slap a sticker on it.

CaptCurt · #3 02-16-2010, 09:37 PM

If you do a forum subject search for 'fuel tank', there are several old threads that will help.

There is a fabricator in Florida that a lot of guys have used named Tony Perez (http://www.sunrisemarinetanks.com) I have talked to him and he has excellent prices. There is also a source for poly tanks in Florida. From what I've seen, even with shipping, these guys are cheaper than the local Houston fabricators who are quoting $13/gallon.

Speaking of shipping, if anyone needs freight quotes, I have a guy who is excellent. He has saved me a ton of money on trucking. I shipped my new Suzuki motor from S. Florida to Houston for under $150.

77SceptreOB · #4 02-16-2010, 10:01 PM

I bought a 100 gallon (95 usable) aluminum tank from West Marine for $865. Included a built in sending unit.

makade · #5 02-16-2010, 11:04 PM

3 years ago I paid a little less than 10 bucks a gallon, at the time some shops had 12 week lead times. I used "john p downs"(a fab shop in lauderdale) they do nice work.

SBD · #6 02-17-2010, 01:20 AM

Quote:

I'd start with local aluminum fabricators.

There aren't any around here. Based on what you guys are saying 10ish a gallon is the going rate. My tank is 80 gallons...gulp. Man that's alot for an aluminum box.

aldo · #7 02-17-2010, 09:30 AM

I recently used Atlantic Coastal Welding in Bayville NJ and amvery happy with the product. Your price/gallon is about what I paid. They have a good website with installation tips. Good luck!

Fr. Frank · #8 02-17-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

... My tank is 80 gallons...gulp. Man that's alot for an aluminum box.

Locate a west coast boat manufacturer. Right now they're pretty much looking for cash flow anywhere. Many of them have a variety of aluminum and poly tanks in stock. Find one a bit smaller than you have that will fit into the space, and then mount it. You can foam it in or not.

My neighbor recently bought a new (surplus) poly tank from a local boat builder for his old 18' Hydrosports. He had a 72 gallon v-bottom aluminum tank and replaced it with a 55 gallon flat-bottom tank he bought for $200. Add in the tank mounting deck, fuel gauge sender, and new hoses and wiring and it was still under $300.