Here's a little more info on fiberglass fuel tanks.
Fiberglass tanks are acceptable under ABS & ABYC
standards, but they don't give as much info on them as
they do for metal tanks. If the tank is made integral
with the hull, they are only approved for diesel(not
gas). If integral, it is prefered that they are not
of sandwich construction, although many builders use
core materials outside the initial tank for
strenghthening. A rough rule of thumb for thickness
goes as follows:
60 gal or less .187"
60 to 120 .25"
120+ .3"
ABS & Lloyds recommends that the inside be covered
with 2 oz mat in addition to the above thickness.
Polyester resin is acceptable, but iso resins(ex
vinlyester) are much preferred due to it's barrier
properties. I've worked with vinylester before, it is
a little more tempermental than poly, but not bad to
work with. It seems epoxy would be great as well, but
most manufacturers won't recommend it for fuel
applications. It is also recommended to have 1"
radius corners on the inside of the tank also(this
should be fun on the top!).
I'm still not set on a fiberglass tank yet, but so far
it is my option of choice. Bertram & Hatteras use
fiberglass tanks and they even get them UL listed.
I have had other dock rats input their ideas, such as
making a tank under the quarterberth, and moving the
batteries and fridge to the bilge, but I don't like
that option either.
For now I am putting the job off until spring(I'll
keep your number Dave), maybe they will find a cure
for rust by then.
Jim



        
                
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Received on Thu Nov 17 08:20:56 2005