Tank 26 gallon plastic or 28 gallon aluminum

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Author Topic:   Tank 26 gallon plastic or 28 gallon aluminum

Conrad posted 08-13-2009 11:04 AM ET (US)
I am replacing my rear gas tank with an "under the RPS" gas tank on my 17 Whaler.
I have narrowed my search down to 2 options.
The 26 gallon plastic Moeller tank is 194 + tax (West Marine, and 20 dollar coupon).
A 28 gallon aluminum custom made tank for 350 + tax.
Which tank would you go with? (pros/cons)
Extra information...
The West Marine is 5 miles from my house and the custom made tank would be a 110 mile drive each way.
The Aluminum tank is the same exterior size as the plastic tank (29.25 x 19 x 12.25). But it will hold 28 gallons because the aluminum was are thinner than the plastic and the tank is more of a rectangle (not cut ins for tie down straps and such).
My old tank is a 25 gallon aluminum tank that goes all the way across the back (50 x 14 x 8.5). It used to be covered by a bench, but the wood on the bench went soft. After I complete this project, I will put that tank up for sale.
Thanks,
Carl

Slick 50 posted 08-13-2009 11:39 AM ET (US)
Conrad,
You might try running a search for loads of info on your question. I installed the Moeller under my RPS and love it. I did raise the RPS for better access to the tank and also a better sitting/view from the RPS.
Good luck,
Rick
Conrad posted 08-13-2009 02:18 PM ET (US)
Rick,
Thank you for your feedback. I have read many of the "fuel tank" threads. They have gotten me to this point (plastic or aluminum).
My old tank is aluminum and it is still in great shape after 15 years. So I am trying to decide if the aluminum tank is worth the extra $150 (and 4 hour drive).
How long have you had your plastic Moeller tank?
Will the plastic tank last as long as the aluminum tank and be as durable?
Thanks,
Carl
Conrad posted 08-13-2009 03:31 PM ET (US)
Rick,
I re-read one of the Aluminum vs Plastic tank threads. It was very helpful.
I think I am going to move forward on the aluminum tank.
Thanks,
Carl
Jerry Townsend posted 08-13-2009 03:59 PM ET (US)
Carl - Your decision is the right one. The larger (and probably, some of the smaller) aluminum tanks have baffles which "tame" the "sloshing" loads. I have not seen a plastic tank with baffles. And then, aluminum is a better barrier between the fuel and an ignition source - as the last thing I want on my boat is a fire. --- Jerry/Idaho
deepwater posted 08-13-2009 06:15 PM ET (US)
For $150. and 2 more gal of gas ,,no way,,my alum tank is also custom but it holds 34 gal including oil,,How did you lose 8 gal
Conrad posted 08-14-2009 08:52 AM ET (US)
I gave the aluminum fabricator the measurements of the Moeller 26 gallon plastic tank (29.25 L x 19 W x 12.25). He said that would give me 28.8 gallons in an aluminum tank. What are the dimensions of your 34 gallon aluminum tank?
I want to make sure that I can easily access the fuel fill with out moving the tank.
FYI - I raised my RPS 2-3 inches, because I am tall. So I may be able to fit a taller tank.

Thanks,
Carl
Slick 50 posted 08-14-2009 06:55 PM ET (US)
I raised my RPS 5.5 inches, love it. That was maybe an inch higher than was needed to make it easy for filling the 26 gallon Moeller tank. Where and how your new tank will be necked will make a difference as far as access goes.
The Moeller tank is shorter than it could be. If I were building a tank I would build it longer than the Moeller. Measure your RPS opening and see what you have.
Good luck,
Rick
deepwater posted 08-15-2009 07:17 PM ET (US)
I dont have the size on hand but the tank is a very tight fit under the factory RPS,,It sticks out about an inch on the helm side and 2 or 2,1/2 inches on the motor side,,the bottom sits flat on the deck with only an inner-tube pad to save the deck,,I had a 1 inch tunnel formed into the bottom for the fuel line from under the deck so its all tank and the sides are flush and it has 2 baffles in it ,,If you email me ill send ya some pics

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Author	Topic: Tank 26 gallon plastic or 28 gallon aluminum
Conrad	posted 08-13-2009 11:04 AM ET (US) I am replacing my rear gas tank with an "under the RPS" gas tank on my 17 Whaler. I have narrowed my search down to 2 options. The 26 gallon plastic Moeller tank is 194 + tax (West Marine, and 20 dollar coupon). A 28 gallon aluminum custom made tank for 350 + tax. Which tank would you go with? (pros/cons) Extra information... The West Marine is 5 miles from my house and the custom made tank would be a 110 mile drive each way. The Aluminum tank is the same exterior size as the plastic tank (29.25 x 19 x 12.25). But it will hold 28 gallons because the aluminum was are thinner than the plastic and the tank is more of a rectangle (not cut ins for tie down straps and such). My old tank is a 25 gallon aluminum tank that goes all the way across the back (50 x 14 x 8.5). It used to be covered by a bench, but the wood on the bench went soft. After I complete this project, I will put that tank up for sale. Thanks, Carl
Slick 50	posted 08-13-2009 11:39 AM ET (US) Conrad, You might try running a search for loads of info on your question. I installed the Moeller under my RPS and love it. I did raise the RPS for better access to the tank and also a better sitting/view from the RPS. Good luck, Rick
Conrad	posted 08-13-2009 02:18 PM ET (US) Rick, Thank you for your feedback. I have read many of the "fuel tank" threads. They have gotten me to this point (plastic or aluminum). My old tank is aluminum and it is still in great shape after 15 years. So I am trying to decide if the aluminum tank is worth the extra $150 (and 4 hour drive). How long have you had your plastic Moeller tank? Will the plastic tank last as long as the aluminum tank and be as durable? Thanks, Carl
Conrad	posted 08-13-2009 03:31 PM ET (US) Rick, I re-read one of the Aluminum vs Plastic tank threads. It was very helpful. I think I am going to move forward on the aluminum tank. Thanks, Carl
Jerry Townsend	posted 08-13-2009 03:59 PM ET (US) Carl - Your decision is the right one. The larger (and probably, some of the smaller) aluminum tanks have baffles which "tame" the "sloshing" loads. I have not seen a plastic tank with baffles. And then, aluminum is a better barrier between the fuel and an ignition source - as the last thing I want on my boat is a fire. --- Jerry/Idaho
deepwater	posted 08-13-2009 06:15 PM ET (US) For $150. and 2 more gal of gas ,,no way,,my alum tank is also custom but it holds 34 gal including oil,,How did you lose 8 gal
Conrad	posted 08-14-2009 08:52 AM ET (US) I gave the aluminum fabricator the measurements of the Moeller 26 gallon plastic tank (29.25 L x 19 W x 12.25). He said that would give me 28.8 gallons in an aluminum tank. What are the dimensions of your 34 gallon aluminum tank? I want to make sure that I can easily access the fuel fill with out moving the tank. FYI - I raised my RPS 2-3 inches, because I am tall. So I may be able to fit a taller tank. Thanks, Carl
Slick 50	posted 08-14-2009 06:55 PM ET (US) I raised my RPS 5.5 inches, love it. That was maybe an inch higher than was needed to make it easy for filling the 26 gallon Moeller tank. Where and how your new tank will be necked will make a difference as far as access goes. The Moeller tank is shorter than it could be. If I were building a tank I would build it longer than the Moeller. Measure your RPS opening and see what you have. Good luck, Rick
deepwater	posted 08-15-2009 07:17 PM ET (US) I dont have the size on hand but the tank is a very tight fit under the factory RPS,,It sticks out about an inch on the helm side and 2 or 2,1/2 inches on the motor side,,the bottom sits flat on the deck with only an inner-tube pad to save the deck,,I had a 1 inch tunnel formed into the bottom for the fuel line from under the deck so its all tank and the sides are flush and it has 2 baffles in it ,,If you email me ill send ya some pics