I'm in the midst of replacing my twin fuel tanks and was thinking about using a 60 gallon plastic tank to replace the 75 gallon aluminum tank in the aft section. I will still use aluminum for the forward 125 gallon. Does anyone have any experience with these newer poly tanks that are permanently installed below deck? Reason being, the aft tank barely gets used as I have never burned 125 gallons on any fishing trip in or around LI Sound. When I fill both tanks, the extra weight sits the ass end of the boat so low she never drains right, as this topic of discussion has hit the forum a lot lately. But thats another story.
Anyway, the tank gets filled sparingly, so with low or no fuel in the tank, the inside of the aluminum will protect itself and oxidize over time adding to future problems with crap in the gas when I do fill it up. I was hoping to eliminate these long term issues for a seldom used tank, plus save some weight to boot. But I have read that these tanks expand a lot, ie, a 40 inch tank will expand to 41+ just from normal swelling with the fuel, and they "bleed" a little vapor as well....no biggie I guess if installed right but I'd like to hear any pros or cons from anyone with experience or horror stories with these tanks. The price is also about 40% less than a quality aluminum version. Thanks
Anyway, the tank gets filled sparingly, so with low or no fuel in the tank, the inside of the aluminum will protect itself and oxidize over time adding to future problems with crap in the gas when I do fill it up. I was hoping to eliminate these long term issues for a seldom used tank, plus save some weight to boot. But I have read that these tanks expand a lot, ie, a 40 inch tank will expand to 41+ just from normal swelling with the fuel, and they "bleed" a little vapor as well....no biggie I guess if installed right but I'd like to hear any pros or cons from anyone with experience or horror stories with these tanks. The price is also about 40% less than a quality aluminum version. Thanks