Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

[Capt. Stabbin]

I'm replacing my old 24 gallon,corroded metal tank with an 18 gallon polyethelene tank. I am going to use 4# foam to fill in the mid-deck. The original tank was completely foamed over. Should I foam over the plastic tank, or should I leave a void and possibly a water drain to the bilge? The boat is a 1972 17 foot Mako.

 

[Capt. Stabbin]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

 

[DJ]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

THe foam should not effect the plastic in any way.<br /><br />If drainage is an issue, leave it open. Otherwise I would do what the original builder did.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

read the instructions that came with the tank.. it'll say in big bold letters 'DO NOT FOAM IN TANK'... what can i say..

 

[Capt. Stabbin]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

Ah, sweet sarcasm! I bought it used, in near perfect shape for $20.00! It's a Tempo if that matters..................

 

[crab bait]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

not really sarcasum,but close.<br />good sport ,tho.. <br /><br />so in that case i'll explain why.. cause if it is 'foamed-in',, you'll have a condensation tank in stead of a fuel tank.. <br /><br />they don't even want it to lay on a foam bed.. best to lay in a craddle..but on a piece of p.t.plywood strapped down secure is good..<br /><br />epoxy glue & screw down dry p.t. ply to a few dried/non wet glued down well p.t. support 2x4's..<br /><br />have nylon straps runnin' aound the whole deal .. huggin' the tank to the ply..

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

I'll second Crabbys instructions... Negative on the foamage.. <br /><br /> Theres also an expansion issue... The foam, when it sets up, will tend to compress the tank..

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

and if u ever have to remove it for some reason...

 

[Capt. Stabbin]

Re: Should I foam-in my plastic gas tank?

Sounds good........... thanks