Kristian Ferrell
Cobra boat gas tanks can be made from either steel or aluminum. Aluminum is commonly used in marine fuel tanks because it is lightweight, strong, and anti-corrosive. It is also easy to fabricate and shape, making it a good choice for custom tanks. On the other hand, steel is a durable material but can corrode over time due to exposure to saltwater. When choosing between aluminum and steel for a Cobra boat gas tank, factors such as durability, cost, and maintenance should be considered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyethylene, aluminum, fiberglass, and stainless steel |
| Pros of Aluminum | Lasts 25-30 years, can be custom-made, stronger and resists punctures better than plastic, lightweight, naturally strong, anti-corrosive |
| Cons of Aluminum | Requires protective coating, susceptible to galvanic corrosion, prone to crevice corrosion, weaker seams than plastic |
| Pros of Plastic | Not susceptible to corrosion, outlasts aluminum, costs less than aluminum, incredibly durable, non-metallic composite, unaffected by ethanol, stronger seams than aluminum |
| Cons of Plastic | Lack of baffles, releases vapors, limited selection |
What You'll Learn
Cobra boat gas tank materials
Cobra boat gas tanks can be made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, aluminium, fibreglass, and stainless steel. However, fibreglass and stainless steel are less common. Aluminium is a popular choice for marine fuel tanks due to its strength, lightweight, and anti-corrosive properties. It is also easy to fabricate and shape, making it ideal for custom tanks that need to fit in specific spaces.
Aluminium's natural oxide coating provides protection against corrosion, but this can be removed by scratching or welding, leaving the metal vulnerable to corrosion. One of the biggest issues with aluminium marine fuel tanks is crevice corrosion caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, which can occur when the tanks are foamed in. Constant jarring of the boat can create a gap between the tank and the foam, allowing moisture to enter and cause corrosion.
Another consideration is that aluminium does not react well to contact with dissimilar metals. If a loose bolt, screw, or washer made from a different metal falls onto an aluminium tank and remains in contact, it can eventually cause corrosion.
Some boat owners prefer plastic (polyethylene) tanks over aluminium due to their resistance to corrosion and ethanol, durability, and lower cost. However, plastic tanks may not have baffles to limit the swashing of fuel, and they may release vapours that can cause a boat to smell of fuel.
Ultimately, the choice between aluminium and plastic tanks depends on various factors, including boat usage, maintenance, and hull design. Both types of tanks can be long-lasting and reliable if properly installed and maintained.
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Pros and cons of aluminium tanks
Aluminium tanks are a popular choice for boats, diving, and other applications. Here are some pros and cons of aluminium tanks to consider:
Pros of Aluminium Tanks:
- Aluminium is lightweight compared to steel, making it easier to transport and handle.
- Aluminium tanks are often custom-made, allowing for a perfect fit and maximised fuel capacity.
- They are stronger and more resistant to punctures than plastic tanks.
- Aluminium is more resistant to corrosion than steel, especially in saltwater environments.
- They are generally cheaper than steel tanks.
- Aluminium tanks can last for a long time with proper maintenance—up to 30 years or more.
Cons of Aluminium Tanks:
- Aluminium tanks are susceptible to crevice corrosion, especially if moisture is trapped against the tank for prolonged periods.
- The introduction of ethanol in fuel can cause galvanic reactions and corrosion issues inside aluminium tanks.
- Constant pressure and jarring can stress the welded seams of aluminium tanks, making them more prone to fractures.
- Aluminium does not react well with dissimilar metals. If a different metal object, such as a screw or washer, comes into prolonged contact with an aluminium tank, it can cause corrosion.
- Aluminium tanks may require more weight to offset buoyancy, especially in cold water diving scenarios.
- Aluminium tanks have limited capacity compared to steel tanks of the same size due to the lower strength of aluminium.
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Pros and cons of steel tanks
Steel is a strong and practical material for boats, and it is easy to make a steel boat look smart. If you take a knock, repairs are cheap and easy. Steel boats are also highly visible on radar.
However, steel boats can be heavy, and this can affect their speed. They also need repainting every 20 years and are susceptible to rust, especially in hard-to-reach places like the insides of tanks. Steel boats must be properly insulated, and decks can get hot in the summer. There can also be problems with stray currents and changing anodes.
If you are considering buying a steel boat, it is important to check for rust, especially in the bilges and interior where water or condensation may have collected. If the bilges are in good condition, this is a good sign for the rest of the boat.
Overall, steel boats can be a good choice, but they require regular maintenance to prevent rust and other issues.
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Aluminium vs steel vs other materials
Aluminium, steel, and other materials all have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to gas tanks. Aluminium is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and has a longer lifespan than steel. It is also a good choice for marine applications as it is less likely to corrode in saltwater environments. However, aluminium is more expensive than steel and requires careful handling during installation to prevent scratches, which can lead to corrosion.
Steel, on the other hand, is stronger and more puncture-resistant than aluminium. It is also more cost-effective, making it a popular choice for fuel tanks. However, steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in the presence of moisture and salt. To mitigate this issue, manufacturers often apply protective coatings, but these can be damaged by road debris or stone chips, exposing the steel to the elements.
Other materials used for gas tanks include polyethylene, fiberglass, and stainless steel. Polyethylene tanks are corrosion-resistant, durable, cost-effective, and not affected by ethanol. However, they may release vapours and lack baffles to limit fuel movement. Fiberglass tanks are lightweight and safe, while stainless steel tanks offer good corrosion resistance but are more expensive.
In the end, the choice between aluminium, steel, and other materials depends on the specific application, environment, and cost considerations. For marine applications, aluminium is often preferred due to its corrosion resistance, while steel may be more common in automotive settings.
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Customisation options
Cobra gas tanks can be made from either steel or aluminium. Aluminium is a popular choice for boat gas tanks, as it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminium tanks are often professionally designed and built to meet industry standards, ensuring their quality and safety.
When customising an aluminium gas tank for a Cobra boat, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can choose the shape of the tank, which can be square, rectangular, or V-bottom. The size of the tank can also be customised to fit the specific dimensions of your boat, with options for length, width, depth, thickness, and alloy type.
Another customisation option is the thickness of the aluminium plate, which is typically offered in 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4" options. The material grade of the aluminium can also be selected, with choices such as 5052 or 5086 alloy.
In terms of welding, you can choose between TIG and MIG welding for the tank construction. TIG welding is often used for the fittings to increase accuracy, while MIG welding is used for the interior to increase speed. Additionally, customers can opt for extra coatings on their aluminium tanks, such as bed liner material, for added protection and durability.
For steel gas tanks, customisation options may vary depending on the manufacturer. Similar to aluminium tanks, you can customise the size, shape, and thickness of the tank to fit your boat's specifications. Steel tanks can also be coated or treated to enhance their corrosion resistance, such as with zinc chromate or enamel paint.
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Frequently asked questions
Some advantages of aluminum marine fuel tanks include:
- They are custom-made and can be tailored to match a boat's design and maximize fuel capacity.
- They are stronger and more resistant to punctures than plastic tanks.
- They are more durable and can last 25-30 years or longer with proper maintenance.
- They often have baffles to stabilize the fuel and reduce excessive swashing.
Some disadvantages of aluminum marine fuel tanks include:
- They are susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture or saltwater over prolonged periods.
- The natural oxide coating that protects aluminum can be destroyed during the welding process, making it more prone to corrosion.
- They may be more expensive and lower-grade alloys can reduce their longevity.
- They can be affected by galvanic reactions when in contact with dissimilar metals, leading to corrosion.
Some advantages of plastic marine fuel tanks include:
- They are not susceptible to corrosion.
- They are often more durable and can outlast aluminum tanks.
- They are generally more cost-effective than aluminum tanks.
- They are considered "incredibly durable" and reliable for gasoline.
- They do not introduce galvanic action to other components on the boat.
- They are not affected by ethanol.
- They have stronger seams than aluminum tanks.
Some disadvantages of plastic marine fuel tanks include:
- They typically lack baffles to limit the swashing of fuel, which can cause undue stress on the tank walls.
- They may release vapors over time, causing the boat to smell of fuel.
- They offer limited selection and custom plastic tanks can be expensive.
