Fuel Tank Liner ?

1978SeaRider · 26 April 2023, 15:48

Hi,

My 2008 8.75m Scorpion under deck fuel tank is de-laminating due to the change in fuel.

I'm faced with removing the deck to replace the fuel tank. I really don't want to do this...

Is it possible to install a fuel tank liner ? Do they exisit ? I was hoping you could put a 400litre 'bag' inside the exisiting tank ?

If not, does anyone recommend a Contractor that would life and re-lay my RIB floor please ?

Thanks in advance

charliee · 26 April 2023, 16:16

Opening it up is probably the only good solution - tanks were made from GRP on those boats and the ethanol has probably done a job on it.
I'd be looking to install a S/Steel tank and close it back up - I'd start with chat with Scorpion and see what they say/recommend. You won't be the first or the last.

Peter_C · 26 April 2023, 18:44

Plan on cutting the deck open. I just did it to repair my leaky aluminum tank. Using a track saw tipped at a 45* angle made putting the deck back in pretty easy. Two layers of biaxial between filled in the saw kerf on re-installation. A few boards screwed down on top kept everything flat while the epoxy dried, using parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Then grind a grove and glass it back in. Sand, apply fairing compound, sand, apply faring compound, then gel coat, and finish however you desire. I bought a teak look alike foam decking to cover the floor area.

You can't put a liner inside if you can't flip the tank over and over. There are epoxies that are E85 resistant. Most fuel tank liners on the inside fail unless one can cut the tank open to properly clean and prep them. I'd recommend either an aluminum tank or stainless steel, but both are going to be expensive.

Nasher · 26 April 2023, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978SeaRider

Hi,
I was hoping you could put a 400litre 'bag' inside the exisiting tank ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

You can't put a liner inside if you can't flip the tank over and over. There are epoxies that are E85 resistant. Most fuel tank liners on the inside fail unless one can cut the tank open to properly clean and prep them. I'd recommend either an aluminum tank or stainless steel, but both are going to be expensive.

Why would the OP need to rotate the tank to fit a bag?
Or did you just read what you wanted to?

The bags do exist, however they are useless in most boat fuel tanks because most have internal baffles of one kind or another that prevent the bag from filling the space and create pockets that won't drain as the bag hangs over them.

Peter_C · 27 April 2023, 04:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Why would the OP need to rotate the tank to fit a bag?
Or did you just read what you wanted to?

The bags do exist, however they are useless in most boat fuel tanks because most have internal baffles of one kind or another that prevent the bag from filling the space and create pockets that won't drain as the bag hangs over them.

Because I haven't seen a boat fuel tank as such without baffles. Guess I should have pointed that out

gtflash · 01 May 2023, 14:34

Scorpion tanks are derakane resin. Also have multiple baffles. Especially as most were huge tanks. The baffles also add some rigidly no doubt. The tank sides are stringers and the bottom is the hull. The top of tank is like another mini deck under then main deck.

The other issue is the wiring trunking is a bit of gutter laminated in the bottom of the deck sandwich. My tank is about 6 inches wider than the cable trunking, thus I think you would have to unwire the boat to slot a tank in.

It’s a right conundrum and moving the tank will seriously change the centre of gravity of a very well balance boat in general.

gtflash · 01 May 2023, 14:39

Scorpion used to use fusion in Lymington for stainless. Maybe they have tank dimensions to hand

1978SeaRider · 03 May 2023, 13:13

Cheers guys, looks like it's a floor up new tank job.

I'm going to try and adapt a Fuel Strainer as a short term fix..

Can anyone recommend a contractor for a fuel tank replacement ? I'm guessing she'll have to go to the solent...

gtflash · 03 May 2023, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978SeaRider

Cheers guys, looks like it's a floor up new tank job.

I'm going to try and adapt a Fuel Strainer as a short term fix..

Can anyone recommend a contractor for a fuel tank replacement ? I'm guessing she'll have to go to the solent...

What signs are you getting that it’s delaminating out of interest?

paulbrown22 · 04 May 2023, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1978SeaRider

Can anyone recommend a contractor for a fuel tank replacement ? I'm guessing she'll have to go to the solent...

If you do end up coming to the South Coast, Tony at Foulkes and Sons/Chandlery Barge in Bursledon did the deck replacement on my old Ribtec 9m several years ago now. They were slightly slow to swing into action, but I was very happy with the results when it was done.