Ayrton Oneill
Plastic boat tanks are used to store gasoline or diesel fuel on board a vessel. They are designed to allow for expansion and contraction, and to prevent the build-up of fumes inside the tank. Plastic tanks are also more susceptible to leaks and cracks than metal tanks, especially after prolonged exposure to saltwater and sun.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Purpose | Container for storing gasoline or diesel fuel on board a vessel |
| Function | Fuel is drawn from the tank by a pump and delivered to the engine via a series of hoses |
| Vent System | Allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming and causing the pump to lose suction; allows fumes to escape |
| Maintenance | Keep filled with fresh gas; keep covered when not in use; check regularly for cracks or leaks |
| Safety | Opening the vent should be done off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation and no ignition sources present |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic tanks are prone to cracking and leaking
To prevent this, it is important to keep the tank covered when it is not in use and to store it inside or invest in a good quality cover. It is also important to check the tank regularly for cracks or leaks, as the sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to fix. If you do find a crack or leak, you can try patching it with epoxy resin or marine-grade sealant, which usually works for smaller cracks.
Another way to help prevent cracks and leaks is to make sure the tank is always filled with fresh gas. Old gas can cause problems just as easily as salt water. Additionally, for safety reasons, the vent on the tank should be opened off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation and no ignition sources present, such as cell phones. This will allow fuel vapours to escape and equalise the pressure in the tank.
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The importance of the vent system
The vent system is the most important part of a boat fuel tank. It allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming and causing the pump to lose suction. The vents also allow any fumes that might build up inside the tank to escape, keeping them away from potential ignition sources like the engine or stove.
The vent system is also important because it allows for the expansion and contraction of the plastic fuel tank. When you open the vent on an expanded tank, fuel vapours will escape. If the tank is sucked in, opening the vent will allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure. For safety reasons, opening the vent should be done off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation in the area and no ignition source present, not even a cell phone. Some boats will have explosion-proof exhaust fans to vent the area prior to starting the engines, and others will have proper ventilation built into the locker design.
Plastic tanks expand with heat more readily than metal tanks. This expansion continually breaks loose what is stuck to the sides of the tank and allows it to run through the fuel system more easily than a metal tank.
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Expansion and contraction
Plastic boat tanks are designed to allow for expansion and contraction. This is why fuel should only be carried, transported and stored in containers certified for that purpose. Even gasoline and diesel have different containers. When a tank expands, opening the vent will allow fuel vapours to escape. If the tank is sucked in, opening the vent will allow air into the tank to equalise the pressure. For safety reasons, opening the vent should be done off the boat on a level surface with good air circulation in the area and no ignition source present, not even a cell phone. Some boats will have explosion-proof exhaust fans to vent the area before starting the engines, and others will have proper ventilation built into the locker design.
Plastic tanks expand with heat more readily than metal tanks. This expansion continually breaks loose what is stuck to the sides of the tank and allows it to run through the fuel system more easily. Plastic tanks also leak more easily than metal tanks. Plastic tanks can look like footballs when hot and can move around inside the boat very easily when they become round from expansion.
To prolong the life of a plastic outboard gas tank, it should be kept covered when not in use and filled with fresh gas. Old gas can cause problems just as easily as salt water. Plastic tanks can become brittle and crack after years of sitting in the sun and being exposed to salt water. They should be checked regularly for cracks or leaks. If a tank does crack, it can be patched with epoxy resin or marine-grade sealant, which will usually work for smaller cracks.
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How to prolong the life of a plastic tank
A boat fuel tank is a container that stores gasoline or diesel fuel on board a vessel. Fuel is drawn from the tank by a pump and delivered to the engine via a series of hoses. The most important part of a boat fuel tank is the vent system, which allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming and causing the pump to lose suction. The vents also allow any fumes that might build up inside the tank to escape, keeping them away from potentially ignition sources like the engine or stove. Plastic fuel tanks are designed and built to allow for expansion and contraction.
To prolong the life of a plastic tank, there are several things you can do. First, make sure it’s always filled with fresh gas – old gas can cause problems just as easily as salt water. Second, keep it covered when you’re not using it, whether that means storing it inside or investing in a good quality cover. Third, check it regularly for cracks or leaks – the sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to fix. If you do end up with a cracked or leaky plastic outboard gas tank, there are some options for fixing it. You can try patching it with epoxy resin or marine-grade sealant, which will usually work for smaller cracks.
In addition, regular cleaning, proper installation, routine inspections, and specific seasonal precautions will not only extend the life span of a plastic tank but also ensure that they continue to provide safe potable water. For example, in cold climates, take measures to prevent water from freezing by insulating the tank with materials that match the size and shape of your tank. In warm climates, control sunlight exposure by using UV protection covers or installing the tank in shaded areas. Regularly clean the tank to prevent organic debris and algae formations from entering it.
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Fixing a cracked or leaky tank
Plastic boat tanks are designed to allow for expansion and contraction, which is why fuel should only be carried, transported and stored in containers certified for that purpose. They are often made of plastic, and after years of sitting in the sun and being exposed to salt water, they tend to get brittle and crack. This can be a major problem if you’re trying to take your boat out for a day on the water, only to find that your gas tank is leaking.
If you do end up with a cracked or leaky plastic outboard gas tank, there are some options for fixing it. You can try patching it with epoxy resin or marine-grade sealant, which will usually work for smaller cracks. If the hole or crack is very small, use the plastic welding iron to melt plastic around the hole and fill it in, being careful not to melt through the tank. Melt only a thin layer and work it into the crack. Next, use the welding iron to soften the area around the repair to ensure good adhesion, soften one side of the filler strips, and stick them on, apply 1-2 layers, building up until you match the thickness of the tank material, tapering for five tank thicknesses wide on every side (at least 5/8-inch past the crack).
If movement seems inevitable, the plastic is thin, and the damaged area is large, reinforced polyurethane is the recommended repair. If the crack is tight together and the plastic is relatively thick, welding reinforced with stainless steel mesh is a sturdy method that should stabilise the crack and last as long as the boat. Practice welding on a scrap first, because things can go badly wrong.
To prevent cracks and leaks, make sure your tank is always filled with fresh gas – old gas can cause problems just as easily as salt water. Second, keep it covered when you’re not using it, whether that means storing it inside or investing in a good quality cover.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat fuel tank is a container that stores gasoline or diesel fuel on board a vessel. Fuel is drawn from the tank by a pump and delivered to the engine via a series of hoses.
The most important part of a boat fuel tank is the vent system. This allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming and causing the pump to lose suction. The vents also allow any fumes that might build up inside the tank to escape, keeping them away from potentially dangerous ignition sources.
Plastic boat tanks tend to get brittle and crack after years of sitting in the sun and being exposed to salt water. To prolong the life of your tank, make sure it’s always filled with fresh gas and keep it covered when you’re not using it.
If you have a cracked or leaky plastic boat tank, you can try patching it with epoxy resin or marine-grade sealant, which will usually work for smaller cracks.
