poly gas tank in engine compartment?

[BobOnRainy]

I am restoring a very old steel hull houseboat. I just pulled the twin 18 gal steel tanks because they were badly corroded on the inside. Are the cross linked polyethylene gas tanks designed by Tempo, Moeller, etc. allowed in engine compartments? The issue that I can't seem to find info on is their fire protection ratings.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bob

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: poly gas tank in engine compartment?

Hi Bob, welcome to iboats!!<br /><br />Mention houseboats around here and all you'll hear is an echo, It's you and me, that's all (I think).<br /><br />I'm sure someone can answer your question though, regarding fire ratings.<br /><br />I hope you decide to keep us uptodate with the restoration, I look forward to your posts.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[18rabbit]

Re: poly gas tank in engine compartment?

Bob – welcome to the forum!<br /> <br /><br />Most of what you need to know about fuel tanks, fuel systems, and their installation on a boat can be found in 183 CFR. Lots of different sources for it on the internet. Here’s one site:<br /><br /> http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title33/part183.html <br /><br />If you have specific questions you can contact the USCG’s Marine Safety Center. I did when I was working on my diesel fuel tank. It took a couple tries to get someone on the line but they know everything.<br /><br />Email: CustomerServiceMSC@msc.uscg.mil<br /><br />Phone: (202) 366-6440<br /><br />Good luck with the restoration. Btw, this is one of the best boating forums for restoration projects. The shared knowledge here is phenomenal. Aldo has some wonderful pix of the houseboat he restored. Did I mention we crave pix?<br /> <br /><br />Edit: regardless of whether or not it is allowed, I would be inclined toward safety. Diesel fuel is much more stable than gasoline and it has a max compartment temp allowance of 150-F by the USCG. I image there is prob a max allowable compartment temp for gasoline, too.<br /><br />I think I have access to the Nat’l Fire Protection Association’s publications. I will take a gander at Number 302, ‘Fire Protection Std’s for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft' and post back here if I find anything interesting. While the NFPA isn’t binding law in itself the way USCG regs are, the NFPA guidelines are certainly worth following.

 

[BobOnRainy]

Re: poly gas tank in engine compartment?

Aldo,<br />Thanks for the greeting. Eventually I hope to set up a personal web site with before and after pictures. This is not a live-aboard houseboat. Typically we will travel anywhere from 5 to 35 miles into Voyageurs National Park and park for 3 to 4 days at a time. We will tow another boat for fishing and exploring.<br /><br />18rabbit,<br />Thanks for the link to the USCG regs. I used it to check them again and this time I found the answer. The regs specify a fire test that is independent of the tank material and location in the boat. The tank manufacturers claim they meet all USGS requirements, so I should be good to go.<br /><br />Thanks for your help!