Stainless Steel Fuel Tanks

[Prdlobster]

Is there a reason builders don't use stainless steel fuel tanks? Is it the extra weight or cost? You hear of the aluminum tanks needing replacement after 20 years and the glass tanks getting chewed up by the new gas...does diesel eat them up like the gas supposedly does? I think you would get a lifetime out of a stainless tank.

 

[blackdiamond296]

can't speak to the stainless steel, but fiberglass is IMO the best way to go for diesel. there hasn't been any problems like there has been with the new gas formulas breaking down the tanks. the only part of a fiberglass tank install that I'd be concerned with is when looking at a used boat, making sure that the tank is mounted/installed correctly.

 

[traditions]

Diesel eats holes in stainless, you used to see them many years ago.I think glass is most common.

 

[Prdlobster]

Thanks for the info guys. I never thought diesel would eat up stainless.

 

[Tuna Pursuit]

I made monel tanks years ago. Also SS does not like vibration. It will crack at the HAZ from vibration.

 

[Prdlobster]

Tuna Pursuit...you're right didn't think about the vibration.

 

[F/V First Team]

Yeah, they crack and break

NFG

 

[capemariner]

I don't recall all the details but SS can only be used up 20 something gallons and they have got to be cyndrical in shape and lots of other criteria has to be met. I had a whole bunch of info on it at one time published by the CG or ABYC it somewhere in my office. Have surveyed a few old Huckins with the original monel tanks that have lasted 50 plus years. If I can find the info on the SS I will post it

 

[Sailorgp]

I replaced the (2) 50 gallon aluminum fuel (gasoline) tanks in my Sisu last spring. They were only 9 years old! The fabricator of the new tanks told me the CG doesn't allow SS to be used. I didn't ask why...thought it might be due to sparking but cracking makes sense too.

 

[JDTOOM]

Does anyone know of any negatives of using stainless steel fuel tanks for unleaded gas? I had heard that it was the best material to use for the new gas with ethanol additives.