New fuel tanks

P

PeteMrrs

Active member
Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2001
RO Number
4125
Messages
1,060
Finally got the tanks out of our Silverton Express Cruiser. The port one would not hold pressure at all, and although the starboard one seems ok, I'm not going to go through this procedure again in a couple of years. So both must go.

We ended up cutting the side shelves / walls in the rear saloon, and took them out that way. The original ones were 65" L x 17" w x 22"H.

I am looking at after market polyethylene replacements and the closest I can find to the original are 45" L x 12.5" W x 22" H. They are 50 gal. each, which is about 2/3 of the original's capacity.

The most affordable appear to be moeller, and while price is indeed a factor, based on the cost of removing / replacing / re-fiberglassing, the cost of tanks isn't the driving factor.

Any thoughts towards plastic, vs. tin tanks, or any suggestions to other mfg's would be really appreciated.

This season has been a disaster. :(
 
Is it possible to custom make the size you need? I wouldn't be in favor of dropping fuel capacity to 100 gal in a twin engine boat.
 
Yes it is possible. A good welding shop can duplicate them exactly. If there are none there Pete, there is one here.
 
Florida Marine Tank may have an aluminum tank that fits your model. There was a Silverton at our marina with poly tanks that seemed to have a chronic gas fume smell in the salon when the outside temps were high. No leaks in their tanks. The gas smell seemed to leach from the full poly tanks. The owner had a hard time selling the boat which was a 2007 Sedan Bridge model.
 
I believe that this model boat had a chronic gas smell in the salon in general. Ours has always suffered that issue especially after being out running it on a hot day. I'm currently experiencing the downside of aluminum tanks. Makes me wish for the days of a center console with a single outboard.
 
Your boat has to be at or close to twenty years old. Most aluminum tank makers say the lifespan of tanks is about twenty years. I doubt you'll replace them again in the time you own your boat. You don't have to re-invent anything here.
 
We have tanks fabricated by various shop near by. Usually we duplicate the tank removed and if requested we will spec out custom fit tanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top