Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

amidaeus

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
51
Hello Folks, I finally purchased a plastic tank to replace my below deck aluminium one that rotted out. The info sheet that came from Moeller specifically states "do not foam in" because the tank expands. I have removed all the foam and glassed in resin coated blocks covered in heavy duty vinyl for the tank to sit on. The problem is, how do I keep the tank from moving from side to side and back and forth? I don't have much room on the sides (maybe 1.5 inches) or the ends (2 inches). The tank is 52 gallons and is 6 ft. x 2ft x 11 inch belly tank. Any ideas? I'll try to get a pic posted to give a better idea of what I am dealing with. <br />Thanks in advance... :confused:
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,770
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

Didn't Moeller list a hold-down kit for this tank? Recesses or tabs are often molded into plastic tanks that accept hold-down clamps or straps.
 

Winger Ed.

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
649
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

'Glass in little strips of wood around the tank like a coral. Throw down some pieces of inner tube or something ot give a little padding to resist chaffing.<br /><br />It will sit there happily for years. If it bounces up & down any, screw eyebolts into the wooden strips and lace a couple of bungee cords over it.<br /><br />If you're not running rapids with the boat, you should live happily ever after set up like that.
 

jshoes52

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 21, 2004
Messages
113
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

I laid 1/2" neoprene rubber strips under and around my belly poly tank. You have to allow room for 5% expansion for a new tank, so make it real tight.
 

amidaeus

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
51
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

Got er' done.... Thanks guys! :D
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

Amidaeus,<br /><br />My moeller tank came without any instructions. Can you link me to a copy or scan and send it to me at mjmullen4@yahoo.com? <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark
 

alden135

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
1,770
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

Is the tank bonded to the hull? Just curious about static charge on the vinyl. NOT NOT NOT professing to be an expert, just static aware after reading the posts on iboats. BTW Mark, it's nice to see the TLC your putting into that classic boat. :)
 

amidaeus

Seaman
Joined
May 30, 2004
Messages
51
Re: Any ideas on mounting plastic fuel tanks?

Mark,<br />I did not get any instructions either... Wish I could help.
 
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