I need to replace both the tanks in my boat, just lookin for some thoughts on both. Pros and cons
‘OLD SCHOOL’
GRADY WHITE 223 TOURNAMENT
I have heard that the poly tank will break down over time if you get any ethanol fuel in it.
Joe
03 240 Cobalt
09 Scout 191 Bay
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I have heard that the poly tank will break down over time if you get any ethanol fuel in it.
The new poly tanks are made from a different material and are designed for ethanol fuel. A lot of new regulations went into effect on them the first of the year.
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Pros and cons
Plastic has a couple of cons. They expand when they have fuel in them and grow in size about 5%, so when mounting them you have to allow room for the expansion. This can make them difficult to mount solid. Coast Guard regulations require that a tank be secured where it cannot move more than 1/4" in any direction, including up, but you have to allow more room than that for expansion, so it can be problematic.
Plastic tanks are also somewhat permeable and fuel vapor actually passes through the plastic molecules, causing a build up of fumes. Because of this, CG regulations require any compartment with a plastic tank be vented by 2 vents, one high and one low. If the tank is below deck, this is very difficult. The new tanks are not supposed to be as permeable, but the compartment still should be vented.
On the plus side, you don’t have corrosion issues with plastic.
Aluminum tanks don’t require expansion space or compartment ventilation, so they are usually much easier to mount and comply with regulations. On the con side, they will corrode over time but this can be reduced by a thick coating of epoxy before installation.
Both are comparable in weight and price. Another plus for aluminum is you can have one fabricated in any dimension and configuration you want. Plastic is mostly available in stock sizes only.
If you decide to go with plas
Thanks Cracker and Joey, I have sent drawings out to a few places for prices, I’ll try them also.
‘OLD SCHOOL’
GRADY WHITE 223 TOURNAMENT
As stated, the poly tanks are completely different than poly tanks made 2 years ago.
thicker, and lower permeation per EPA regs
that’s why new tanks cost so much, even a 6 gallon portable is almost $60
that being said, I would get aluminum and seal it completely with epoxy primer before install