Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Need a ss fuel tank?
Posted by Blue_Northern on 01/31/08 - 7:09 AM
#2
Texas Captain - I saw this as well and could not figure how he got "approx 50 gals" of fuel in that thing. I see that he raised the seat and it seems to be taller under the seat than my 24 gal. I just do not think that twice my tank is there - I also did not see any visual or electronic fuel indicator.
I make a couple trips a year out to the Chandeluer Is. chain and carry my 24 gal full along with (4) 5 gal containers. It would be nice to have just one tank but do not think I would raise my RPS to get the extra fuel.
Glad I am not the only guy watching for ways to spend money on my Whaler!;)
Edited by Blue_Northern on 01/31/08 - 7:10 AM
Posted by Tom W Clark on 01/31/08 - 8:15 AM
#3
Fuel tanks made of stainless steel are a No-No unless they are small and cylindrical.
Posted by Texas Captain on 01/31/08 - 8:26 AM
#4
I know what you mean, we have a aluminum tank of unknown capacity we were going to stick under our cc for our restoration but my son convinced me that portable tanks would be better. Where I plan to launch there is not alway fuel and he thinks running the tanks over to the convience store made more since than dragging the boat over to the store. We can launch just around the corner from the house so no need to tow the boat very far. I actually wondering if my golf cart would have enough ump to pull the boat out of the water. It has enough power to pull the boat down the street. The cart is all jacked up with all terrain tires but hate to find out the hard way that it can pull it out. Could be one of those "Kodak Moments"
Mike
Posted by Blue_Northern on 02/01/08 - 12:31 PM
#5
You should pull your truck just ahead of your cart and secure it with a safety chain. I would try pulling it out first not putting it in. That way if you do not have the power the truck will keep you from sliding back and you can tow them both without going under. Just a thought but sounds like a risk I would not take with my whaler!
Posted by Davidk on 02/01/08 - 12:48 PM
#6
Tom....why is SS a no no?
Posted by Tom W Clark on 02/01/08 - 1:57 PM
#7
David,
Its turns out that stainless steel is not foolproof and fuel tanks made from SS have been known to pit and corrode. The welds also suffer more fatigue and can crack more easily than aluminum.
The Coast Guard undertook a study of boat fuel tanks, the study was conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and a summary of what they found can be read here:
http://www.brokeboats.com/badtanks.htmltanks.html
Let me quote for the above source in regards to stainless steel fuel tanks:
The UL report indicates that some boat owners chose stainless steel as the material for replacement fuel tanks, since this material is obviously "stronger" than aluminum; however, it is also susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in the marine environment, although at a different rate than aluminum. Stainless steel is also susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking and is even more prone to that type of failure at weld areas.
Only the 316L stainless steel alloy with a specified minimum wall thickness of 0.031 inches is considered suitable for use in the construction of marine fuel tanks. American Boat and Yacht Council standards ANSI/ABYC H-24, ABYC H-33, and ANSI/NFPA 302 all require stainless steel fuel tanks to be less than 20 gallons in capacity and cylindrical with domed heads to limit the wall stresses experienced in service.
Edited by Tom W Clark on 02/01/08 - 1:58 PM
Posted by PaulTarwater on 02/01/08 - 6:11 PM
#8
I saw that tank too Mike but am in firm agreement about the utility of the plastic portables. Plus, there are some companies out there that build dozens of different plastic tank dimensions/configurations that will surely fit most needs. We travel long distances by boat (the only way!) to a cabin in the Land Cut "down" by Baffin bay and carry lots of fuel for boats and generators in plastic containers. Never had a problem or ran short nor were they in the way. Concerning pulling your boat out with your golf cart or Mule...it may have the oomph but I would doubt it has the weight to afford the traction you may need. If you do decide to try it, please give me the location, date and time so I can get a six pak...no, make it a 12 pak of tall boys and a bag of hot skins (chicharrones for you fellow Texans) to enjoy the show...we call those types of entertainment "Happy Hour" in Port O'Connor when many boating "pilgrims" and/or beer hounds show themselves at the ramp around sunset. Don't you just love the way a tunnel hull performs in reverse? It is by far the best free entertainment on the planet! Paul
Posted by Texas Captain on 02/01/08 - 7:18 PM
#9
Ah.... boat ramps at sunset in Texas. It is almost a sport here. I could write a book (ok maybe a comic book) on what we have seen.
My golf cart has no problem pulling my 40# kayak out so why not a Eastport, can't be that much difference, especially if the Suburban is hook up too.
With a hot charge and the big all terrain tires, it might do it. I'll let you know the time and place, ok, I already know the place, our little island's only boat ramp on the Clear Lake Channel west of the Kemah bridge. The time, as soon as summer hits, around the end of February, water temperature will be in the mid 70's by then. Don't want to catch cold if it doesn't work. Not worried, the cart is insured and needs a bath anyway.
I'll post some photos of the tow vehicle tomorrow and maybe open the betting window.
God, I love a challenge!
Mike :D