Build in Fueltank

[tso_privat]

I am still making a complete refurb of my Zodiac 5.30. I want to built in a Fueltank under the front locker. 65 Litres.

Anybody got experience in building in one of these red plastic tanks ?

I will prefere to laminate it in, with Epoxy ?

All advices and experiences are welcome.

Cheers from Denmark

[ShinyShoe]

If its made of polyethylene nowt will stick to it, so you'll be looking at creating a box space that keeps it where you put it.

[Downhilldai]

You could use a ratchet strap, or make a horseshoe bracket to secure it to the deck.

[Wahoo!]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

If its made of polyethylene nowt will stick to it, so you'll be looking at creating a box space that keeps it where you put it.

how about spray fix foam to hold it in place within the locker? The type builders use to fix PVCu windows in place? Its fairly cheap and you can get flame retardant grade from good builders merchants.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Wahoo!

how about spray fix foam to hold it in place within the locker? The type builders use to fix PVCu windows in place? Its fairly cheap and you can get flame retardant grade from good builders merchants.

Soaks up water nicely too

[Wahoo!]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Soaks up water nicely too

I am not an expert on these materials but i believe there are watertight varieties available, Please read the info. via the link below. The two chemical foam is often used in the marine industry for buoyancy and thermal insulation and I've seen it used in an emergency to stop a roof leak last winter.

Spray Foam Insulation - Facts & Fiction

Cheers,

[wavelength]

i believe there are watertight varieties available

spent a lot of time in the past cutting allegedly waterproof closed cell under floor buoyancy outa boats that were too heavy to plane cos of the amount of water absorbed in the stuff. Of course it may now be better but the constant movement and loads applied to decks resulted in the stuff breaking down and absorbing water.

[tso_privat]

Originally Posted by wavelength

spent a lot of time in the past cutting allegedly waterproof closed cell under floor buoyancy outa boats that were too heavy to plane cos of the amount of water absorbed in the stuff. Of course it may now be better but the constant movement and loads applied to decks resulted in the stuff breaking down and absorbing water.

I agree that foam is not the solution.

Thanks to all for reply. I am still looking for the good idea...

Cheers Thomas

[Jizm]

Use the absolute minimum of closed cell foam (don't use it to fill un-necessary gaps) and seal it well in with resin and matt.
It will be fine.
If you can't or are not confindent you can seal it in, don't use it.

[derdle]

I'm about to do the same thing with twin tanks.
glass in some new ply stringers covering them completely in resin (to water proof them) To box the tanks in giving about 50mm clearance all round, sit the tank on a small bit of foam in each corner to prevent direct contact with the hull.
mix and pour in some 2 Pac foam.
got mine here

Foams & Core Materials, 2 Part Polyurethane Foam Liquid, - CFS Fibreglass Supplies

this will fill up the sides and underneath the tank and bond it firmly in place.
then glass on a lid with an access door for the filler.

1. ensure you weight the tank before pouring foam to prevent tank lifting.
2. if the lid is ready before the pour you can quickly push it on and sit on it then the foam will cover top of tank aswell
3. make sure you mask of the business end of the tank to prevent foam covering connectors.
4.I will be installing a remote filler and breather to prevent the Risk of spillage being absorded by The the foam.

that's how I'm doing mine but other members may have a better solution.

[derdle]

forgot to mention I'm gonna flowcoat the compartment before the pour.

final result a tank that can't move is protectect from impact and as long as the compartment is totally sealed will not absorb any water.