Gas tank, opinions needed

[Capt. Bob]

Two is always better than one.  8)


In my case, not for twins but for drainage.

[gran398]

Thanks!

Well, called FMT this morning, they are now in Henderson, NC.

Lady on the phone thought I was crazy for wanting to weld on a tank that previously had gas in it. Then refused to sell me the pickup, I'm assuming for liability reasons.

Told her that it was full of water now, she freaked out about that too. In general, she wasn't real friendly.

So called our friend Fitz, he said his twins had run on one pickup for years, no problems. So feel good about that now, will go ahead and finish cleaning her out, dry it out, sand, and prime.

I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Capt. Bob]

Well it may not be broke but if you REALLY want two pickups and your welder can do it, then you just need the fittings.
 
I called RDS, my replacement tank manufacturer. They stated they would sell me everything for an additional pickup except the fitting welded on the tank and suggested I try this manufacturer also in Perry for that part.

Ezell Industries
http://www.ezellengineering.com/contact-us/

I spoke with a young guy there and he stated just let him know what you need, size wise.
They probably can sell you all the parts.

Just a thought.

[gran398]

Bob, much appreciated, THANKS for checking on this.

Well, late this afternoon the welder called back. Said he found a spot underneath the primer on the bottom of the tank that was eaten up with corrosion. Where the strap was, in the shape of a strap. Said it was eaten about halfway through the aluminum.

We all had that discussion a while back, insulating against galvanic corrosion. The curse of Miss Marco continues. Guess Junior did the install.

I know you guys have all been happy with RDS. Know Skoot saved some money on his.

How does 70 to 80 gallons with twin pickups sound?

[Capt. Bob]

$525 (+ tax in Fla for me) for 55 gal. RDS. You still need shipping.
75 gal? Is Bob still hooking anyone up with them?
I missed that boat. :cry:

[seabob4]

Bob,
I can probably still get a deal from Ray at RDS, but the problem has been that members want a tank, I email Ray to get a price quote, he gets back with me, I forward the quote to the member, and never hear anything again.  So I will try again, but the word "gun shy" comes to mind...

[John Jones]

Said he found a spot underneath the primer on the bottom of the tank that was eaten up with corrosion. Where the strap was, in the shape of a strap. Said it was eaten about halfway through the aluminum.

I was afraid you were going to say that.  I was helping a buddy with his tank because the coffin was rotten.  I got the bright ideal to clean up the outside of the tank with a pressure washer.  Blew two holes in the bottom where the tank had been sitting on wood.  It was paper thin in that location.

I get pooh poohed by someone every time I post this link but this is the only way to get long life out of a tank.  You guys that foam them in remember I posted this.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[Capt. Bob]

That's how I installed mine.

I went a step farther and sealed the tank compartment at each end on the WAC so water couldn't pass between the bow (cabin) bilge and the stern bilge.
Those models allowed water to flow front to back (and vice versa) under the wood platform that supports the tank between the stringers. Corrosion waiting to happen.

[Skoot]

I think the quality of the RDS is outstanding, and SB's "hook-up" price couldn't be beat.  Also if something is wrong with your tank, the guys @ RDS will make it right.  A word of advise, When you get your new tank (no matter who its from) remember to remove the DAM anti-siphon valve and replace it with this one http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/9797--3-8 ... -barb.html  If you remember, mine was faulty from the start.  Im pretty sure all Tank manufactures must ship them will the DAM anti-siphon valves.

[John Jones]

Yeah, It's a DAM USCG requirement.  One tiny piece of trash will give you a migrane.

[seabob4]

Yes, the tanks must be shipped with the anti-siphon as the manufacturer does not know the intended installation, outboard (not required), or I/O and inboard (required)...

[gran398]

Thanks guys for everything. More bad news, but would rather find out about it now than later. There are no problems, only solutions. B-O-A-T = Bring Out Another Thousand...

Capt Bob, sorry for the pm's about RDS... remember now 'twas Seabob who had the RDS connection. So SB, will be bugging you now! Can sure understand the "gun-shy" thing. I see it a lot in my biz too...estimates, quotes, drawings...then you don't hear jack. I'm with you.

JJ, that Pancoe is damn good. I've read a bunch of his stuff. Those install instructions, and the reasoning behind them, make great sense. Especially the part about not using rubber...had no idea that rubber would cause aluminum corrosion. Will definitely be using the plastic strips. And noticed he said NO straps at all if using his method.

Skoot, glad that you're happy and she's running good. Looks like everything work-wise with the hull has ground to a halt with this weather. The co. thats doing it, they're set up in an old 1890's unheated old school gymnasium...Brr.

Think will go ahead and bump the capacity to around 75 gallons. Have plenty of room to do it. Also think I'll powder-coat it white. Powder-coat is inexpensive here.  

Thanks again for all of the good advice!

[Skoot]

Also think I'll powder-coat it white. Powder-coat is inexpensive here.

I say save your money. I've heard the Powder-coat will lift off the surface/bubble leaving exposed air and room for moisture, which will lead to unnoticed corrosion(does that make sense )  If you really want a coating you might consider coal tar epoxy. Personally, I wouldn't worry about a coating.  If you install the tank correctly it will l last forever uncoated.

I also installed similar to the Pancoe method.  But I also 5200 neoprene to the top and sides of the tank and strapped the tank down.  I basically 5200ed neoprene wherever metal would contact the tank.

One more thing.  Are you always gonna run twin motor?  If not do you really need 2 pickups?

[gran398]

Yep, can see if there was a break in the coating, could hold water...so good idea, will consider that.

Definitely want two pickups vs. one. If one becomes clogged for whatever reason, both engines aren't running off the same pickup.

Then if ever go with a single, will plug the extra fitting. With an extra to spare if needed.

Tx Skoot!