Donald Phillips wrote:

Either aluminum or steel will probably outlast both you and me. I've
seen diesel tanks for equipment on trucks made from steel that have
never been painted that were over 30 years old. I'm thinking about
making mine out of steel, but I plan on some type of coating inside and
out, just not sure what brand yet. Weight is no problem for me with a
steel boat and no plans for racing, just cruising. I would think that
would be a major deciding factor for you. Can you stand the weight.
Cost is always a major deciding factor for me. I have to build on the
cheap. I would think you would have more resources available. Is $300
or $400 a deciding factor? What about a poly tank? I'm sure you've
priced those, about the same as aluminum, but they're ready built.

I don't think interior coatings on diesel tanks are a good idea. Diesel
is not going to attack the metal and is a pretty good corrosion
preventive. Any coating carries the possibility of flaking off and
finding its way into the filters.

$300 would not be a deciding factor but now that I am on the down hill
side of the project I find Everett Dirksen's comment about "A billion
here, a billion there, pretty soon we are talking real money."
particularly relevent. :-)

I checked every maker of poly tanks but could not find a shape that
would work without wasting a lot of space or leaving the COG of the fuel
way to high and getting molds made for custom tanks is way to expensive.

I considered building my own out of glass/epoxy but I don't like the
risk. I built two water tanks and found it took a lot of effort to get
really solid laminations in the corners. If there is even one pin hole
there will be some weeping. I can live with a little fresh water
weeping but not diesel.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com