Roto-mold tank

[Deckhand]

Has anybody ever used the new plastic fuel tanks? Better to get an aluminum tank? Ideas?
Fuel-less Tramp!

[Tye Dyed Gary]

 I know they have been using molded plastic fuel tanks in cars and trucks for over 25 years now. That's what Ford used to replace the Pinto metal fuel tank plus a deflector plate. I know they are more resistant to pH swings with each batch of fuel delivered to fueling stations. (Oil Co's. use HF to strip water out of fuels, very low pH.) 

[gadangit]

Has anybody ever used the new plastic fuel tanks? Better to get an aluminum tank? Ideas?
Fuel-less Tramp!

We have a plastic fuel tank that I installed last year on SolAire.  It has held diesel just fine so far! 

I got a quote for a similarly sized aluminum tank and if memory serves it was more expensive.  But I honestly can't remember what the delta was.  The plastic tank was off the shelf and delivered within days.  The aluminum tank was a 6 week lead time, if memory serves.

Chris

[Deckhand]

Thanks all. I will keep you posted.

[Emmett715]

I had a new aluminum diesel tank made for Kenai at a good price. It was a 36 gallon tank for about $850. An inspection port and fuel gauge increased the price a bit. But it also came from a company in Rhode Island. Two weeks. Not too helpful around here.

I've seen/used the molded tanks on other boats. Only issue I know of is that they must be secured well the first time. Cracks aren't repairable. Aluminum lasted 25 years the first time!