New Flexible Water Tank Options

[Moonpie]

Hi all. Due to a leak in my 25 year old water tank in my O'Day 302, I pulled the tank and plan on replacing it with one or two flexible water tanks, but I have some questions on the best one(s) for the job.

Attached is a pic of my empty space. In the pic, the length from the fwd bulkhead to about an inch from the valves is 63".
The width starts in the aft at 27" and tapers up to either 13" or 15" (can't remember - doh!) at the forward most section.

Ideally I'd like to pack as much water in there as possible. My old tank was a 30gal and I'm almost positive I can get a lot more than that.

My question
If I get a flexible tank that's 27.3" wide and it goes forward to the section that may be 15", what happens? Will it put too much pressure on the hull or other wall? Will it push up the wood under the settee?

I can't find any tanks that are 15" wide, so I'm struggling. Basically, if I buy one that is longer or wider than the space, is it going to cause problems?

Thanks in advance!

What would YOU do?

[DeepFrz]

I wouldn't use flexible water tanks. I would take careful measurements and have one or two roto molded tanks made to fit the space.

[daddle]

Guessing ... It will put about 30 pounds force on each square foot of that settee front wall. That is your weakest part of the setup. The bulkheads and hull will be fine. So the settee wall may bend a bit.

I think your biggest issue will be surge. The seat is going to be hit from the bottom whenever the tank is anywhere near full. Or maybe you never sail?

I would have a nice stainless steel or polyethylene tank built to fit.

[rubyjean]

What ever you do, do not buy a Plastimo flex tank. They are really a big piece of *%#^. I bought one two years ago while taking a cruise down the West Coast. It was leaking after two days. Ended up using jerry cans the whole trip. When we hauled out, we removed the bladder and found it to be disintegrated. Looked like it had laid in the sun for a couple years. I bought it from West Marine and after only 3 months they told me to contact the manufacture. Plastimo told me that it was only guaranteed for one year. I quess they think 3 months is longer than a year. There's got to be better stuff out there. Let us know if you find it.. Michael..

PS I went back to hard tanks.........

[Randyonr3]

Been using flexable water tanks in the same area you have for years with no issues..
Used.plastimo and had bad luck , as they would hold taste from bad water and would leak..
Had good results with vitus tanks. Down side is you lose area in corners and at the ends that a square tank would not. Building fiberglass tanks this summer to fill the area.. figure I'll gain about 15 to20 gallons per side and will be easier to clean..

[Moonpie]

Perhaps I should just repair the small crack in my old tank...

or have a new one built. Do you all have any resources to custom tank builders?

Thanks!

[HopCar]

Before you have a custom tank made take a look at Ronco Plastics. They make 450 different sizes and shapes of high quality tanks. Here is a link to their website: Ronco Plastics - Marine Water Tanks, RV Water Tank, Auto Detail Tanks, Water Tanks
Click on the model number to see a drawing of the tank.

[HopCar]

If you want to try a flexible tank, the best are made by Aero Tec Labs.
Bladder Tanks, Collapsible Pillow Tanks and Frac Bladder Tanks for Fuels, Water and Chemicals
Remember I said they were the best, not the cheapest.

[Moonpie]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Before you have a custom tank made take a look at Ronco Plastics. They make 450 different sizes and shapes of high quality tanks. Here is a link to their website: Ronco Plastics - Marine Water Tanks, RV Water Tank, Auto Detail Tanks, Water Tanks
Click on the model number to see a drawing of the tank.

Looks like all their tanks are rectangular. Don't see how they'd fit or would maximize use of the space. But thanks!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Perhaps I should just repair the small crack in my old tank...

or have a new one built. Do you all have any resources to custom tank builders?

Thanks!

are your old ones plastic?
Tank Depot made me a nice custom plastic tank reasonable and quick.

[Khagan1227]

Originally Posted by Moonpie

Looks like all their tanks are rectangular. Don't see how they'd fit or would maximize use of the space. But thanks!

I have used plastic-mart.com, good product.

They have lots of sizes and styles available and also do custom tanks. I've never used their custom service, but it might be worth a shot. I'm guessing it will be expensive.

Otherwise, get out your glassmat and get to work. I'd use UHMW with a gasket for a removable cover for easier cleaning.

Keith

[HopCar]

Moonpie, actually Ronco makes a lot of non retangular tanks.
This one has a curved side: Ronco Plastics - Marine Water Tanks, RV Water Tank, Auto Detail Tanks, Water Tanks

When you are looking at their list of tanks, the ones marked "See Diagram" are not retangular.

[Moonpie]

Thanks for the tips. I think I'm going to try and repair mine first.