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13-01-2025, 18:47
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#1
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Little Compton, RI
Boat: Cape George 31
Posts: 3,237
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What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
I need to make a 13-gallon diesel tank, and will have all the panels plasma-cut by a supply shop. What gauge of 304 stainless is suitable for a small tank like that? I'd like to keep it as thin as is safe (it will be mounted where nothing can land on it or hit it, and will be well attached and supported on its base).
Anyone know common tank-wall gauges?
Thanks
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Ben
zartmancruising.com
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13-01-2025, 19:14
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,676
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
You can Google " abyc diesel fuel tank requirements" and read all about it. In any event , the requirements state that the alloy should be 316L stainless and minimum thickness of 22 gauge or .031".
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14-01-2025, 03:25
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#3
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Around
Boat: Woods Vardo 34 Cat
Posts: 3,926
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
I'm certainly no AbYC chappie, but 22 guage seems ridiculously thin! That's like roofing material.
You giving up on the Yamaha. Just blew a rod on mine at around 2500 hours.
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@mojomarine1
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14-01-2025, 03:38
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#4
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Senior Cruiser

Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 51,834
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
ABYC H-33 DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS [very old version - 1989*]
46 CFR 182.130
➥ https://law.resource.org/pub/us/cfr/....H-33.1989.pdf
Quote:
Originally Posted by H-33
“...
Stainless Steel (6) type 316L, .031 in. (.79 mm) thick, 22 U.S. std. Gauge
6. Stainless Steel tanks shall be cylindrical with domed heads and a capacity of less than 20 gallons.
...”
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See also: “Diesel Fuel Tank Design” ~ by Steve D’Antonio
➥ https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/w...TankDesign.pdf
* According to Steve: As of 2005, Stainless Steel [diesel tanks] must be 316L, or 317L type, and a minimum of 0.0747" thick. [±14 Ga, 1.897mm]
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Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"
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14-01-2025, 04:12
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#5
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Little Compton, RI
Boat: Cape George 31
Posts: 3,237
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatguy30
I'm certainly no AbYC chappie, but 22 guage seems ridiculously thin! That's like roofing material.
You giving up on the Yamaha. Just blew a rod on mine at around 2500 hours.
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Keeping the OB: just making a header tank for a diesel heater.
The installation will be temporary, so permanence of material is not really a factor--I'm not looking for 30-year service life in a wet bilge. I just need a baffled rectangular tank that will hold its shape and be thick enough for welded seams (I know people can gas-weld really thin steel, but I need leak-roof seams when 13 gallons of fuel are trying to puch out of there).
I'll talk to my welder with 22-gauge as a starting point.
Thanks, all!
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Ben
zartmancruising.com
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16-01-2025, 08:14
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Portland, ME
Boat: Catalina 355 35'
Posts: 45
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
Is it just a plain rectangular tank? If so I'd recommend one of these pre-made aluminum tanks. https://fueltankparts.com/collections/universal-tanks
I'm currently using one as part of a hydronic heating system. Very well constructed according a local welder who I had weld on some NPT fittings.
Bill
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16-01-2025, 19:51
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 28
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
Why use stainless for a temporary tank. Ten gallons Could fit into a 12x12 x 18 inch tank with a some air space. At that size I would not install a baffle. I would use mild steel and paint the outside. It could easily last 10 years. A stainless tank could do the 30 years.
A 16 gage .059wall would weigh about 20 to 24 lbs depending on caps, and mounting details
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16-01-2025, 20:07
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Australia
Boat: BUILT!!! Roberts Mauritius 43ft
Posts: 4,155
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
I wouldn't use stainless steel as I've read many times that they become brittle and leak. (I think there is a current thread which supports that view)
Here is just one post picked at random, It was in answer to "What is the best material for tanks" https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/s...l-tanks.33681/
Many people recommended plastic (polyethylene?)
"Aluminum. Stainless is fine for small cylindrical tanks but not good for large tanks with lots of welds. SS suffers friom crevice corrosion which is usually in the weld seams. The more welds the more chance of crevice corrosion. Aluminum has it's own problems. Build a decent mounting system that keeps all sides including the bottom of the tank exposed to air and dry".
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17-01-2025, 04:08
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#9
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Little Compton, RI
Boat: Cape George 31
Posts: 3,237
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Re: What gauge of stainless for fuel tank
Quote:
Originally Posted by maine-cruiser
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Thanks for this--those have a decent price point. I'll see if one will fit. It's kind of an awkward space, but at the price, worth a look.
@dennisb2 I'm also thinking mild steel, if SS is too spendy. Easier to weld and work with. My concern is condensation inside leading to rust. I know there's coatings, but I've had them peel off and clog intakes. 16-gauge sounds thick, but welders recoil in horror at the thought of 22. I'm inclined to listen to them (and you). Thanks!
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Ben
zartmancruising.com
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