The continued use of
aluminum fuel tanks just amazes me. Yet people just swallow what the aluminum and boat-building industries find convenient and good for sales. Even in the face of common sense and failures.
After also suffering from the disaster that an aluminum tank made in my
boat, I looked at alternatives. I had one professionally built of fibre-glass and it is so superior. Consider that it:
- will not corrode inside or out - even with the metal straps that secure it outside.
- is easier to custom form to the
hull or other shape - no metal
sheets have to be used and no dubious welding occurs. Welding can negatively affect metal.
- increases tankage because it takes advantage of above
hull and other restricting nearby surfaces.
- will last ... almost forever - gas-station, in-ground fuel tanks have at least a 50-year warranty! This tells you something!
- resists spark development for explosion that can happen with metal tanks - fibre-glass will not conduct the needed
electrical charge.
- is accepted by
insurance and boat-building industries.
- are easily and safely built by most handy people.
- when professionally made, mine still cost 60% of a simple inferior "suitcase"-styled aluminum tank!
Yet for years now, I have watched as aluminum fuel tanks continue to be fitted and there is frequent failure from
interior or exterior moisture. This is not rocket science!
The "suitcase-shaped" tank in my
boat was replaced by one that increased tankage by about 70% and it is now over 40 years old and is still in perfect shape. So I suggest that you find a company that builds tanks for industry (these guys build tanks for acids and the nastiest liquids on the planet - so they know their stuff!) and they will be happy to oblige your easy request. Provide a mock-up of the tank needed. The
builder of mine laughed when I asked about a warranty - and gave me a lifetime warranty!
Note - gasoline will attack common polyester resin and so vinylester is used on the
interior surface.
Diesel is not a problem for either. Also, it is common to give a rinse coating of
epoxy to guarantee that any tiny fibres cannot be present.
They will install baffles inside to prevent violent movement of fuel. I am a great believer in
safety, redundancy and being prepared - it takes very little more
money and provides similar baffled effect by building two smaller tanks that are joined by hoses and valves - that also provides isolation of fuel in case of contamination and often makes it easier to install, etc.
It is also easy to build
water tanks (coat the interior with food-grade
epoxy for no taste issues) and waste tanks of fibre-glass. I built my rugged and custom-shaped
holding tank - and nothing is more dangerous than those contents!!
Cheers - and keep safe everyone! Yes - virally or politically!