Building your own fuel cell

Homerr

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Mar 4, 2002
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I know I asked this before, but that was a long time ago before the forum was re-arranged...<br /><br />Can I build my own fuel cell and have it certified? Where would a person certify it?<br /><br />I have access to a MIG welder and machine shop etc... What kind of aluminum would I need to use, or should I just buy a plastic cell?<br /><br />The original tank was 70-something gallons and it was steel. <br /><br />I don't know if I can find a poly tank that will fit in the area it needs to go. Are there any web sites that have good specifications?<br /><br />Also, I was thinking of making the tank even bigger, (like 100 gallon) but don't know if that would be wise or (even legal) Does anyone know?<br /><br />H.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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Re: Building your own fuel cell

Just built(welded aluminum plate) a 200 gallon fuel tank...<br />Certified ?????? it doesn't Leak... that's certfied enough for Me......
 

RICKRICK1

Ensign
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Jun 24, 2002
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926
Re: Building your own fuel cell

Not sure but check out Bass Pro and Cabelas web sites. Am sure that the fuel tank manufactures listed there can help you. <br />Also might just do a search as one of the board members (I think)posted that they buy tanks and such for resale.<br />I also weld, but dont think I would trust welding one that big without extensive leak testing afterwards especially if its below deck.<br /><br />Good Luck.
 

Homerr

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Mar 4, 2002
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Re: Building your own fuel cell

Yes, RIck...That was my concern too.<br /><br />Don't know if I would trust my life on my welds! (On a gas tank anyways)<br /><br />Yes, It's below deck.<br /><br />I'm a long ways off from needing a tank anyways. I have lots of time to look. It's just a shame that I have a complete metal shop at my disposal and can't 'officially' make a tank.<br /><br />Some nice certified plans would be nice. See what it consists of.<br /><br />H.
 
Joined
Jul 23, 2002
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Re: Building your own fuel cell

You could give Lifetimer Boats an e-mail and see what they have to say as I know that they make some real nice below deck aluminum fuel tanks for a lot of boats around Vancouver Island as well as fisheries and the Coast Guard.<br /><br /> LIFETIMER BOATS
 

Bondo

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Re: Building your own fuel cell

I didn't mean my post to sound trivial.. the tank is/was well thought out... i don't remember the alloy used at this time.... building from the ground up, so to speak, two internal baffels were added to control side panel flex,+ slosh... All but the top seam were welded inside,+ out.... when completed, the tank was charged with 20lbs. of air pressure, then left for 3 days... Still had 20lbs... That tells me it Doesn't Leak... it's been in service since april of this year, with no problems...<br />By the way,..... this is in a Barge, 14'X 50', with 500hp, 13 tons on the water... have pay loaded 14 tons on it to date... Hull speed is reached at 9 knots... any faster,+ the bow begins to dive... ALL built with uncertifided welders... NO leaks in the bilge, out of square by a 1/4" in 50'... engineered by a Mechanic,+ a couple of welders.....<br />I'm more than a little Proud of it... My Idea, My engineering, built for another man, with his money.... i realize the legal problems of the sale of the boat, as well as the use of it "for hire" applications... But these issues were known and dismissed before the project was even started....
 
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