fuel tanks...the whole truth...

[frankypettolina]

From my experience, and conversations with "hose people" (save the jokes about being a hose person all you wiseasses ) hoses have a lifespan of about 5 years before they begin to show signs of wear due to heat, exposure, etc, etc, etc. This is evident in the slight cracking look the outside of the hoses get. Now this is not to say that some hoses do not last longer, some less. But 5 years is a good rule of thumb to start thinking about replacement.

All of you grady guys, lay on the floor, look under the gunwhales and up at your fill. If the hose is starting to "crack" it is time to replace. When replacing remember to reattach the green bonding wire to the fill if you remove it to facilitate the job. All metallic components of the fuel system need to be bonded/grounded. I believe the spec is to less than 1 ohm of resistance.

As far as chafe protection through bulkheads and longitudinals, it is necessary. Go look at your fuel hoses and their routing, if it is not chafe protected, get it done. This is not BS here, it will save your life.

Again, good post Jimmy.

[JOE_DIRT]

What would be a good chafe protector? We're getting ready to restore an older boat and this is valuable information.

[jawz12]

What would be a good chafe protector? We're getting ready to restore an older boat and this is valuable information.

best chafe protection is,believe it or not,a small piece of soft wall exhaust hose...cut the hose open and zip tie it to the other hose...this is exactly what i do...

to mount the tanks in place...DO NOT FOAM them !!!! use chocks...place the tanks on starboard strips,i like 1/4" starboard...rough the starboard up a little,use "starbond" to glue the starboard to the hull...


that's exactly what i tell grady owners,look under and check the fill hoses...


here's something else interesting...

cfr and abyc codes state,a fuel tank can't be used as a support,right ???
well....take a look at the grady's...grady uses 2"x4" spanned accross the tanks,toe screwed into the stringers,then there's 3/4" plywood screwed onto the 2x4 to support the deck...the 2x4's rest on the tanks...the fuel tanks support the decks in these boats...so much for that great grady white construction huh ???
their ground/bond wires are black in color for the static grounds for the fills and the tank is the same color...and as in line with that famous grady white construction and use of the finest materials,the wiring isn't marine grade tinned wire,it's cheap automotive copper wire...nice huh ??

[nautiduck]

Jimmy thanks for the heads up on the hoses I didnt know about the new fuel and old hoses. When did this start becoming an issue? In other words in what year boat did the new hoses start being used? Also if I replace a tank what is the best material to use I would assume stainless but I havent heard anybody mention it just poly, fglass, and aluminum, and if there isnt a problem with stainless and I cant imagine what that would be, why isnt it used? Actually I think the Chris craft I just sold had a SS tank. You say not to use foam I understand not on the bottom but what about the just high in the corners for stability, like someone else posted about?

[Questsportfishing]

seems that Hess now is mixing the ethanol...the stuff is even bad on the fuel sending units... I seen the first electric (24 volt) outboard yesterday by the way what a cool little rig they are by torqueedo and called a cruise 2.0 , $3,000 range ... supposed to be equal to a 6 hp... I will post more after I fish bonefish on it this week.. Jimmy they sell some neoprene strips now made by shields they come in 1/8" to 3/8" strips by 2" wide they come in 10' rolls have you used them yet? I have now 3 times I just 5200 them down to the bottom (usually where the baffels are) and then I do use 8 lb foam.. all the tanks I do I also make a drain to speak of on top just in case water gets there somehow..

[cdail28590]

For those of you that don't know Hess-Wilco in NC has been putting ethanol in their fuel since October. They have none of their tanks marked, as it is not required as long as you have10% or less, and none of their employees seem to know anything about it when you ask them. I am currently trying to get Hess to pay for a new gas tank since their employees lack of knowledge and them not advertising caused me to get Ethanol in my Fiberglass tank. What type of fuel lines are Ethanol friendly? My lines are only 2 years old.

[Questsportfishing]

the new hose is also a lot more fatter than the old hoses..

[jawz12]

[QUOTE=nautiduck;384032]Jimmy thanks for the heads up on the hoses I didnt know about the new fuel and old hoses. When did this start becoming an issue? In other words in what year boat did the new hoses start being used? Also if I replace a tank what is the best material to use I would assume stainless but I havent heard anybody mention it just poly, fglass, and aluminum, and if there isnt a problem with stainless and I cant imagine what that would be, why isnt it used? Actually I think the Chris craft I just sold had a SS tank. You say not to use foam I understand not on the bottom but what about the just high in the corners for stability, like someone else posted about?[/QUOTE


stainless steel isn't a good choice for a tank material-it will "crevice corrode"...fiberglass,unless the tank is made from an epoxy based resin,the tank can't be used with ethanol fuel,aluminum or poly is the best choice...
no foam,anywhere...foam holds moisture...

[Cardinal Joe]

Cardinal Yacht Service Dept. - we use "Starboard "and " Neoprene " sheet Rubber - designed for use under Fuel tanks to Comply with USCG Requirements for air space ! Can also be used for Gaskets, Component Padding & under Wire Straps ! Sizes 1/8, x 2 x10 , 3/8 x2 x10 & 1/4 x2 x10 ! And " NO " Foam for supports around the tank !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Cardinal Joe

[Questsportfishing]

not only do I strap them or cleat them down and in I foam them all the new foam's are great and they should not get water around them anyway. that is small boats with underdeck I speak of Mako / intrepid /grady hatts and topaz have straps.. but I use foam on small boats ...