I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

observer wrote in message
...
I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

Looks like the smaller motors come with 6 gallon plastic tanks which I've
not had good luck with. They expand during the heat of the day, which tends
to permanently deform the bottom of the tank so it doesn't fit flat to the
floor of the boat. Then at night, they'll suck in, further deforming. All
of this expanding and contracting seems to pull in air from outside with
it's moisture which the alcohol in the fuel then pulls into the gas mixture.
Also, I've noticed little cracks in the plastic at the edges from the
movement. Steel tanks are still available to purchase at some of the big
boating retailers (catalogue and on line). I picked up a couple of used
ones the other day for $5 each and they're going to replace my plastic ones

Tom G.

On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:01:10 -0600, observer wrote:

I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

Metal tanks? That goes back a ways.

The late model tanks are made of a poly material with integral vents
in the filler caps. They are fairly strong, but will tend to flex if
left in the sun for a while if you don't have the cap vented - just
like the gas can you use on your lawn equipment but not as bad as they
have thicker sides.

It all depends on the boat with respect to internal tanks.

On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:50:21 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:01:10 -0600, observer wrote:

I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

Metal tanks? That goes back a ways.


Are you saying I'm old g? I know if the shoe fits wear it. I may
not be old yet but I'm getting there (my college age daughters say I'm
old).


The late model tanks are made of a poly material with integral vents
in the filler caps. They are fairly strong, but will tend to flex if
left in the sun for a while if you don't have the cap vented - just
like the gas can you use on your lawn equipment but not as bad as they
have thicker sides.


I recall the metal ones had a gage on them to give you an idea how
much gas was in the tank (of course you could pick it up a bit and
from experience you could tell by the weight without looking at the
gage). I guess with plastic ones you can see the gas from the side
or do they still have some type of gage on top (I'm referring to the
portable 6 gal. tanks)?


It all depends on the boat with respect to internal tanks.

Forgot to say thanks for your reply.

observer wrote in message
...
I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

The red plastic tanks are available in various sizes here at any sports type
store.
When I last bought one a few years ago, I was advised to buy the best one
with a good warranty.
I went cheap and the gas expanded while the tank was all closed up. It was
never the same and always stunk of mixed gas.
The one supplied by Tom in my Yukon seems to be a better unit.

BTW.. the old metal one had rotted out.

I have kept my 6 gallon metal tank from my 1980's Chrysler, mainly because it
just
fits into my rear locker, whereas my newer 2002 Yamaha 6 gallon plastic tank was

just too big to fit. Seems like at one time the coast guard was not allowing
plastic
gas tanks and cans on boats because they tended to melt in fires. I don't
recall what
changed their policy, but I feel safer with a metal tank.

Sherwin

observer wrote:

I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.