Fuel Tanks - Advantages & Disadvantages of under floor vs above deck

[rbw156]

I can see advantages and disadvantages of under floor vs above deck fuel tanks. In particular, I can see the condition of the above deck, however, it is exposed to the elements and takes up valuable deck space. Whereas the underfloor is a neat solution, but it is heavier.

What do you think? In particular, do you have any horror stories of under floor tanks leaking?

[nugent]

must admit i have been worrying over, getting water in mine, or if it leaks.. what do you do then,

interested to see what the experianced hands have to say

[Hightower]

you can get a good range of tanks from Tempo products (do a search) these are normaly the plastic type and make tanks for under deck as well as above.

I have one of these in my BWM and it's as old as the RIB (10 years). It's a console type tank that sits mainly in the hull but comes though the deck a bit into the console.

[swginn]

I think it depends on what you want it for. If you're planning long range cruising then under-deck tanks will give you more range and more storage. However if you just plan on going out for day trips an above deck tank is easier to maintain and change if anything goes wrong but will drastically reduce your range.

Whats more important IMHO is the tank material and its location. It should be located so as to balance the boat as best as possible (under-deck tanks make this a lot easier). Also I would say to go for an aluminium tank ahead of stainless as the stainless tanks do tend to split, whereas the ally ones have a bit more flex in them.

[Petrov]

If you have the fueltanks under deck you will get low center of gravity which is an advantage for how the boat behave in water.

[marios]

well some times above deck tanks are smeltly and cause discomfort to the passengers you have ....

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by swginn

Whats more important IMHO is the tank material and its location. It should be located so as to balance the boat as best as possible (under-deck tanks make this a lot easier). Also I would say to go for an aluminium tank ahead of stainless as the stainless tanks do tend to split, whereas the ally ones have a bit more flex in them.

What's wrong with plastic?

[swginn]

Originally Posted by Hightower

What's wrong with plastic?

Nothing at all!! I just forgot about them, as a lot of people do when considering larger size fuel tanks. Ally and plastic ahead of stainless any day!!

Just been looking at the Tempo range, do they do anything larger than 190 litres capacity?? Where I am there isn't any petrol available at the waterside and so the next RIB will have to have as large capacity as possible. I would consider plastic as an alternative to a powder coated ally tank if I could get at least a 300l+ tank.

[Hightower]

Would you consider a 2 tank set up? Either a self leveling option or the seperate selection way. Would be more flexible in the setting up in a smallish Rib.

[swginn]

It's something I might consider, alright. Although it's definitely only speculation at the moment. Just something I've been thinking about when we do decide to change ours in a few yrs time. Who knows what will be available then I suppose. For the moment we're happy with the XS, but you'll always be thinking of bigger and better things