fuel tanks mounted in foam

[marc whedon]

First of all I am a newbee to the form.
I have a questions about mounting fuel tanks. I recently acquired a partially done 26' Glen L Big Hunk Dory. The builder did a really nice job on the hull and such. My question is the builder mounted the fuel tanks mid-ship in spray foam no other attaching hardware. Not sure if he was thinking for floatation or just an easy way to keep the put or both.
Good idea or not? Any thoughts?
Thanks beachkomber

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

You might want to sign up on the Glen L forum and ask, there's a good chance someone there has experience with the same model. Also, it would help if you could post photos, it seems like what you describe might be ok, but without seeing it I really couldn't say.

 

[oops!]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

it is common practice to pour in foam around a gas tank.
it will hold the tank perfectly in place if the screws on the flanges rust out

 

[Bondo]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

it is common practice to pour in foam around a gas tank.
it will hold the tank perfectly in place if the screws on the flanges rust out

Ayuh,... 'n it'll rot the tank out as well...

I know, I know, it's done All the time,...

 

[dingbat]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

Ayuh,... 'n it'll rot the tank out as well...

I know, I know, it's done All the time,...

I agree. No foam on my tank please

 

[rickryder]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

The tank should rest on rubber strips under the tank to allow water to escape to the bilge and allow air flow around the tank.
If the foam gets wet and lays against the tank it will rot as Bond-o stated above.

 

[seabob4]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

Here's a pic of an '84 Mako 224 I just rewired...

And that was AFTER I cleaned the terminals off to run new sender wiring! That thing was gross! Water trapped between the foam and the tank, the foam had turned to this nasty, gel-like substance...he'll be replacing what might have been a good tank this winter...

 

[dingbat]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

The tank should rest on rubber strips under the tank

There should be no rubber in contact with an aluminum tank. Rubber + aluminum = corrosion

 

[rickryder]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

There should be no rubber in contact with an aluminum tank. Rubber + aluminum = corrosion

I have to agree......plastic strips are glued to the tank bottom so water can't be trapped between it will be fine.....

How would you recomend hanging the tank? just off the tabs? My 44 gallon tank hanging on the stringers.....44 gal x 7.2lbs per gallon.....316.8 lbs hanging from a few screws on the stringers getting pounded in the water.....

here's some tank info http://marinesurvey.com/yacht/fueltank.htm

 

[dingbat]

Re: fuel tanks mounted in foam

I have to agree......plastic strips are glued to the tank bottom so water can't be trapped between it will be fine.....

How would you recomend hanging the tank? just off the tabs? My 44 gallon tank hanging on the stringers.....44 gal x 7.2lbs per gallon.....316.8 lbs hanging from a few screws on the stringers getting pounded in the water.....

here's some tank info http://marinesurvey.com/yacht/fueltank.htm

You don't hang them. I have a 92 gallon, 664 lb. and 54 gallon, 389 lb tank onboard. Both are cradled, not hung.