building a fuel tank

mdt · 26 August 2009, 11:57

I have totally stripped out the hull as you know of a 5.4. I have started the re-build process. What I am now looking into is… Can I build into the hull a fuel tank made from glassfibre and Vinyl Ester Resin as these resins seam to be the ones that are immune to fuel?

I am just very aware of how small these ribs are once you start strapping 40-50L of fuel down on the deck some where and doing this under deck up near the bow would help keep some of the weight up front, and I am just looking into how one can best use all the space that is going free while I have the thing in component form?

codprawn · 26 August 2009, 12:14

Well they use them in many petrol stations so you should be ok. also have a look at various epoxies but vinyl esters are prob the best.

http://www.ch601.org/resources/fiber...nstruction.htm

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forum...ad.php?t=77204

chewy · 26 August 2009, 13:13

I know its not an answer to your question but my two 5 gallon tanks don't shift and are strapped to the deck just in front of the console.

mdt · 26 August 2009, 13:47

Oh I know there is lots of other options open to solve the age long problem of storing fuel on a boat.
Separate tanks strapped down
Tank with in the console either built in or removable.

But I recon IF I can make use of the bow of the boat as a tank I can mould it over and around the anchor locker drain etc and I recon it could be a good size and if I use some baffle foam in it to prevent it slopping about too much.

JSP · 26 August 2009, 13:50

Sounds a great idea. Wish I could do something like that!

chewy · 26 August 2009, 13:51

The foam sounds like good stuff, seen it in Merlin motorsport or somewhere?
I think the built in tank is a great idea. Have you got a photo of where your putting it?