CONTINUOUSWAVE

The [Florida Marine Tank or FMT] 87-gallon fuel tank in my 1997 Outrage 20 has rotted out. Where the aft end of the tank wall meets the bottom of the tank [there is] a fairly large hole; I can get two fingers in it. I assume it not wise to try a repair. FMT quoted a replacement for $1,400 plus freight for an aluminum tank with a micropoxy coating on the tank to extend tank life. The quoted-tank appears to be of the same specifications as original 0.125 thick aluminum.

For those that have replaced this model tank:

--are there any other options for an under deck tank for this boat other than FMT who manufactured the original tank?

--are there plastic replacements available that won't rot?

--are there concerns, other than range, by using a 40 to 60-gallon tank in as a replacement instead of the 87-gallong tank?

--is this hull cavity fiberglass? Or,

--is the tank foamed-in as the older [Boston Whaler boats] with under deck tanks were?

Thanks for any info [those of] you [who have replaced this model tank] can provide.

I don't meet your criteria for giving any advice (and I am not sure there are a lot of readers who will), but I would like to ask a question: what is a "micropoxy" coating? Is it a particular brand name for an epoxy coating?

Anticorrosive Macropoxy is an epoxy coating of the aluminum tank after manufacturing. it is to prevent corrosion, I assume it is a manufacturer specific coating. a quick search turned up the following from Sherwin Williams paint products. not sure if it is the same that FMT uses Macropoxy 80

MACROPOXY 80 is a modified epoxy phenalkamine, formulated specifically for immersion and atmospheric service in marine and offshore environments. Macropoxy 80 is a versatile anti-corrosive coating that can be applied at temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
•Self-priming
•Low temperature application
•Surface tolerant - damp surfaces
•Provides salt water and fresh water immersion resistance

Recommended Usage

For use over properly prepared steel substrates, including:
•Aggressive industrial, coastal, marine, and offshore environments
•Salt water and fresh water immersion service
•Offshore and marine structures
•Bilges and wet void areas
•Decks and superstructures
•Underwater hulls
•Fabrication and new construction
•Maintenance and repair
•As an anti-corrosive primer when used as part of an underwater hull system with antifouling coatings

interesting though, they don not warrant against corrosion with or with out the additional coating.

--are there any other options for an under deck tank for this boat other than FMT who manufactured the original tank?

YES, custom fabrication from local maker using existing tank as template.

--are there plastic replacements available that won't rot?

NO. Moeller and other brands are not able to match unique shape.

--are there concerns, other than range, by using a 40 to 60-gallon tank in as a replacement instead of the 87-gallong tank?

Maybe. Slight reduction in resale value.

--is this hull cavity fiberglass? Or,

YES The tank sits in a finished cavity

--is the tank foamed-in as the older [Boston Whaler boats] with under deck tanks were?

YES

Thanks Phil, info much appreciated will call around to see what local pricing may be. Fortunately I am heading to NC in 4 weeks and can pick up the tank at manufacturing plant to save on freight.

any other suggestions or comments on removal and reinstallation would be appreciated.

I changed the tank of my 1997 outrage, bought the original 87 gallons, it had a few holes on the bottom of the tank in the back, close to the engine on the bilge.

I did it myself, no big deal, I lifted the floor with the center console attached to it, held it with 2 pieces of wood, from the whaler, slides the old tank and installed the new one, it came ready to install with gauges and all, there was NOT foam in the cavity, very clean area, just some black pads on the bottom of the tank were it meets the floor.

Had to cut a few cables and weld them back together, am pretty sure you could use a smaller tank, if its same size just shorter,but you already bought the new one.

I am also pretty sure that someone can make a plastic tank for you, but it should last at least 10 years, company said that they should last 20, but it did not, "new " one its been there for 9 years now.

Hope this helps,

I can answer the question about other manufacturers for a new tank. Two years ago I used Carr Enterprises in St. Petersburg, Florida, for my 1987 Guardian 18 Whaler 63 gallon aluminum tank, built to the same specs as original. They did a fabulous job on it, and new fuel gauge and pickup came with it. Shipped to my place near Augusta, Georgia, the total cost was around $900. I did not get the coating on the aluminum. mycarrenterprise.com. Might be worth a look and a phone call to ask some questions. I'm not familiar with FMT.

Mav