new fuel tank install strap ????

[Adam927]

My new fuel tank is in and the fit is excellent. Just one problem it is held in place with 2 band straps. Is there a special tool or some secret that I can use to tighten them. I tried just pulling , and bending the strap but i can't even come close to pulling it tight enough to hold it in place. Help????

[Capt. Bob]

If you intend to use the same banding, you will need a tool to install a new "buckle".

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/steel-strapping-tool

You could replace the existing banding with something thicker and do this.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=2597.msg16944#msg16944

Good luck.

[Adam927]

I came up with my own solution. I am going to use galvanized strapping the kind with the holes come in a small roll. I am going to double it and use a stainless bolt to pull it secure around the tank. I already 5200'd PVC strips to the tank where the straps go and on the bottom to allow air in , and water out. Should work perfectly and last way longer than the boat will. LOL

[Capt. Bob]

Personally, I'd stay away from the galvanized strap. Zinc likes to disappear in a salt environment. Stainless or aluminum would be my choice. Some form of chaff protection plus a barrier between dissimilar metals (like the hose material shown in the last link). Neoprene in sheet form works well also. Attached to the tank with 5200, it provides chaff protection, and does not allow water to penetrate between the strap and tank.

Good luck.

[Adam927]

Tank is in!!! I used the galvanized strapping that they use for duct work. I doubled it before I installed it. I also did use 5200 to glue pvc strips to the tank on the bottom for drainage, and under the straps. The metals do not touch each other at all. It should all outlast the boat now. Even if I did not strap it at all it would not move around in the coffin. New clamps, and all new fuel line. Ready for another 25 plus years of service.

[Capt. Bob]

What, no pics?

What style sender did you end up using?

[Adam927]

I left the sender that the tank builder put in it. Basically the stock type sender. I am going to use a stock fuel gauge.  But I also have floscan. I have not used the boat yet so I don't know how well it works yet. I would send pics but I forgot to take some before I put the deck plat back on.

[Capt. Bob]

While we discussed briefly the Floscan in another thread, you will find it a nice addition to your boat. Besides the obvious benefit of a more accurate measurement of fuel remaining than you can get from a mechanical gauge, it will provide you with a performance indicator no tank gauge can. Coupled with a tach, it will show change in fuel burn (GPH) through motor and tab (if equipped) trim. You can then trim and throttle so to get the lowest fuel consumption and the highest hull performance based on the existing sea conditions. Sweet!

Knowing how much fuel you have remaining at any given time, is icing on the cake.

Good luck.

[Adam927]

Yes it is can't wait to get her fired up and see how it all works.