Over thinking fuel tank replacement

[CaptMick]

Ok, waiting on the new tank to get here and I am starting to way over think the install. I have a tub under the deck plate that holds the tank. There are no drain holes in the tub. The tub is gel coated. The old tank had the tabs for mounting and foam on all sides but not the bottom. I thought I would re install the same with the exception of coating the new tank. In the past I have used either coal tar or truck bedliner. But reading all the stuff out there makes me thing I should not coat the tank, I should not foam it in and I need to make a way for air to flow so moisture will evaporate if it gets down there.
May be even a drain hole.

Any thoughts? I think I am way over thinking this. The old tank was in there for about 25 years from what I know about the boat. Even if it was replaced in the 90's prior to the boat being refit then that tank still lasted like 10 to 15 years.

Help is appreciated. Thanks,

Mick

[BigLew]

A real good discussion of the subject is at the following link. A lot of very practicle discussion and method. Do yourself a favor and take a look.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[CaptMick]

BigLew,

I have read that several times. It is a great link and makes sense for the application. (Bottom of hull belly tank) I got to thinking that based on what he is saying there I should drill holes in the compartment my tank sits in. It is a 60 x 24 x 8 gelcoated rectangular tub. that way air could flow. He says airflow is key to reduce the crevice corrosion. I do not see that following his plan there will be the best solution since the two locations and environments for the tanks, his and mine, are so different.

Maybe that is where I am over thinking it.

Great link and thanks for the post.

Mick

[BigLew]

Mick,

You might want to consider using a 2" hole saw and put a couple of vent holes on the bulkheads fore an aft of the fuel tank enclosure in the hull. Also, be sure to properly install a drain to the bilge for any standing water that should accumulate around the tank. I think if you do this, David Pascoe's comments become very relevant. You have accounted for venting the tank space as well as providing drainage of any standing water.


Good luck. Just my 2¢ worth.

-BL

[Blackfin26]

I would say that BigLew is right on...My tank installer did the same...no foam, keep the air flow, watch what material you rest the tank on, and provide a drain for water collection. I researched Regulator 26's and found that the 90's versions had completely enclosed tank compartments...not good.