Aluminum gas tanks

Captain Pete · Joined: 27 May 2021 Posts: 3

Anybody know whether the custom aluminum fuel tanks some have are good working items? Ken Frey had them on Pelican, but don't know whether they were good...Thank you very much.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:50 pm Post subject:

The thing that is nice about custom, to be built for the boat tanks, is that the pickup tube can be placed in a location that enables you to use your entire load of fuel (nearly anyway). You can also have them baffle them to help prevent fuel slosh. A well made alloy tank will last decades.

thataway · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2022 5:05 pm Post subject:

In small boats aluminum tanks are the most common type. There were some made for the C Dory (especially in earlier times) where there was about 70 gallons, this included a center part of the tank which takes up much of the area where the aft sump is locate. Yes they worked fine. Baffles are essential.

But that is putting even more weight in the boat, which may not be all that desirable. I might consider under gunnel or saddle tanks for extra range. That would bring the weight forward. Also there are a number of saddle tanks already available, making the cost less.

-Waypoint- · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2022 8:33 am Post subject:

My boat has one 50 gallon aluminum tank. Divided into two 25 gallons port and starboard tanks it came with this tank. It is original to the boat, when it corrodes, I'll replace it with the same aluminum tank. The tank weighs about 25 lbs. Plus if a fire was to happen, it would take a little longer for the aluminum to melt than a plastic tank. Aluminum tanks require a fuel gauge. Just depends how your going to use your boat just like evrything with the C-Dory.