Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Moeller tank discoloration
Posted by hc803 on 07/12/16 - 7:22 AM
#1
My ~5-yr old 24 gallon Moeller tank looks awful. Yellowed on the sides and the fuel gauge has darkened. Installed on a boat that is rarely used and is kept covered and garaged year-round. Only use non-ethanol fuel. Anyone else experienced this? I've emailed Moeller asking if this is normal but can't believe it is, as it was bright white when new.
http://oi66.tinypic.com/2i5lds.jpg2i5lds.jpg
http://oi68.tinypic.com/nxqaa8.jpgnxqaa8.jpg
Posted by hc803 on 07/12/16 - 7:49 AM
#2
Update:
Response from Moeller:
These tanks have a one year warranty on them. They will discolor due to plastic absorbs gas. This is not a defect. It is normal due to the color of the fuel.
Lesson: enjoy that shiny white tank while you can!
Posted by bradsc on 07/12/16 - 8:49 AM
#3
Wow! Mine is 4 years old and has not had any issue with discoloration. I would take it out and spray paint it flat white again. I though I read that these tanks are painted anyway to keep the UV from hurting the plastic. Looks like a good ole Lake Hartwell red mud stain:)
Posted by Finnegan on 07/12/16 - 12:19 PM
#4
The real lesson is stay away from a white plastic fuel tank. It seemed like a good idea for the newer white Whalers, but evidently not. I never thought the white ones looked good in a desert tan boat however. I use the red Tempo and Moellers, and they still look great after 12 years now. Trying to keep them away from extended UV exposure is always a good idea.
Posted by Perichbrothers on 07/12/16 - 8:47 PM
#5
Generally when rotomolded polyethylene plastics fade,
that means the plastic is going to be brittle.
They normally handle an impact and will shatter when bleached out.
Having a red or other colored plastic on a fuel tank is a good safety feature.
For years I ran a kayak shop selling those plastic tub kayaks.
It was surprising how many cheap people would bring in
sun-bleached hulls with huge cracks and want them repaired.
After hearing a ton of horror stories,
I would give $75 trade in credit just to get the dangerous boats off the water!
TP
Posted by hc803 on 07/13/16 - 8:48 AM
#6
Finnegan wrote:
The real lesson is stay away from a white plastic fuel tank.
This.
Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 07/13/16 - 11:54 AM
#7
Hello hc803,
Sorry to hear about your Moeller tank, if you decide to paint your tank either Krylon or Rustoleum produce a spray paint formulated specifically for plastic items (patio chairs, flower pots, toys, etc.). This may be an option unless you plan to replace with a red tank.
Thought to share...
Angel M.