There are many things to know before buying a fuel tank for your favorite boat. Though the structure of any tank may seem similar and you may say that there is not much to interpret, there are certainly some crucial things to mull over before making the final buying decision.
Basically, whether we’re going to buy a portable tank or permanent, the decision mostly hinges upon prices. But, that’s not the right way and can cost you heavily in the long run. Due to large availability of different types of fuel containers, it is often confusing to determine the right one that fits your application. Following are some important things to look for when buying boat gas tanks.
Local requirements and restrictions
Gasoline is a flammable and hazardous liquid. When buying customized aluminum gas tanks it is very important to determine whether tank construction meets standards and requirements. The local regulating agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) stipulate codes and standards. The metallic EPA standards marine gas tanks are subjected to the low permeation and evaporative emission standards.
Material
Boat gas tanks can be made of high-density plastic, aluminum, or steel. Every material has its own advantages and disadvantages. While aluminum gas tanks are comparatively stronger and corrosion-resistant than stainless steel tanks, steel tanks offer lesser weight and high flexibility. On the other hand, if we compare both with EPA standards marine gas tanks that are made from plastic, they offer the highest durability. Plastic tanks do not get affected by ethanol-based gasoline. The only concern with polyethylene tanks is they mostly come without baffles which are crucial to controlling fuel swashing and pressure on tank walls.
Capacity
Size and capacity are the two important factors to decide. There are different boat models and brands available and not all of them have the same specifications for installing a new tank. The capacity of your permanent fuel tank will depend on available space and compatibility requirements of your boat. Make sure you don’t put a higher volume of fuel in the tank than advised by your brand or tank manufacturer.
Prices
Fuel tanks are key part of any boat. Having a quality fuel storage system installed ensures effective fuel supply to the outboard engine. It’s important to opt for a reliable product, no matter where you purchase it from. There are many experienced tank fabricators you can find online. You can compare a couple of them in terms of expertise, quality of the product, and prices and then select the one that suits your individual needs.
