Why Installing A Custom Fuel Tank In Your Boat May Be Necessary
The fuel tank in your boat needs to hold enough fuel to get you where you are going and back again, but the tanks in some boats are not adequate for long trips. Replacing the tank with a custom marine fuel tank may be the perfect solution, but there are some things you need to know when buying a custom fuel tank.
Tank Size And Placement
When you are selecting a custom marine fuel tank for your boat, you need to take some time to plan the location of the tank so that you can choose a tank that will fit properly. In some boats, the tank may need to be custom-made to work in a specific location, especially if the tank is being added to the boat as a secondary tank to extend the distance you can travel.
The placement of the tank needs to be carefully figured out to ensure it does not change the draft or buoyancy of the boat. Placing a large amount of fuel in the bow of the boat, for instance, could make it harder to get the boat to come up and plane off as it travels through the water. The result could be a boat that pushes through the water and uses more fuel, defeating the purpose of the extra tank.
Tank Construction
Most custom marine fuel tanks are made from aluminum to save weight and because the material is corrosion-resistant. The marine environment can be tough on metal, so there are some tank manufacturers that are using polyethylene to make boat tanks, and these can work well if you prefer them.
Most marine tanks are also lined with an expandable bladder that holds the fuel and helps reduce sloshing around as the craft moves through the water. A full tank of fuel can have a lot of momentum when moving around in the tank and could cause the boat to lean or move from side to side, making it hard to control.
If you are using a custom marine fuel tank for your boat, ask the manufacturer about the baffling or if the tank has a bladder system in it before you buy the tank. It is also essential to check the local laws regarding fuel tanks on marine craft before you change your tank because your area may have a law the dictates the type of tank and the material it is made from for a boat in your class size.
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