Vinyl-Ester Fuel Tank, Is it a good idea?

[Herman]

Totally depends on the resin used, and the temperature.

The vinylester we provide comes with an extensive list (over 6 pages) of chemicals, with the resistance at different temperatures.

For epoxy less is known. Pure ethanol is definately a problem in most cases, so I would at least be very careful. Although there are several types of epoxy resins that are usable with regular fuel (even with 10% ethanol or methanol)

And glass MAT is mostly not epoxy compatible, due to the binders in them.

[pescaloco]

Originally Posted by darchitzel

Hello,
I need to replace a fuel tank in my 1990 maxum bow rider. I can not use the same tank (plastic) that was there because A) they don't make it anymore and B) I am losing space because I don't want to replace the entire floor.

So I know a custom Aluminum tank will get the job done, however I have a ton of fiberglass laying around and figure I could make it for less then the cost of the aluminum tank.

My plan would be to use a male mold to form the tank and the just a flat top to join it together. I have a book that shows me how to do it and I am fairly proficient in fiberglass layup. So building it won't be a problem.

Ok so my question is will Vinyl-Ester resin provide the needed protection from ethanol or should I just forget it an buy the aluminum tank?

For what its worth I sent an email to a resin company to ask about thier Vinyl-Ester resin and this was the response I got back.


Not exactly reassuring!

Any and all suggestions welcome
Thanks
Dan

In my research I did before making some integrated fuel tanks Vinylester resin is the resin of choice for fuel tanks, however FOR DIESEL FUELS ONLY
fiberglass tanks are not recommended for use with gasoline fuels

[whitepointer23]

thanks for the advice, i am using unleaded fuel only but i guess it won't be long before i have to buy the ethanol stuff.

[groper]

mostly not recommended due to the chance of static electricity igniting the gasoline vapours... - not so much becasue it will disspolve your tanks... just email the manufacturer of the resin and ask... but there are lots of boats out there with glass tanks for gasoline, using everything from polyester to vinylester to epoxy, most resins are ok in this regard...

[ondarvr]

Originally Posted by groper

mostly not recommended due to the chance of static electricity igniting the gasoline vapours... - not so much becasue it will disspolve your tanks... just email the manufacturer of the resin and ask... but there are lots of boats out there with glass tanks for gasoline, using everything from polyester to vinylester to epoxy, most resins are ok in this regard...

Not true, resins, especially polyesters are very susceptible to ethanol in fuel, it has been a big issue here in the states on older boats with polyester tanks.

You can't just use any VE resin either, you need to pick one designed for this type of an application.

[tunnels]

There has been a very good story published in the Professional boatbuilder magazine some time ago that gave all the pit falls and all the good points as well . Its well worth searching for to read if you can find it . Go to Proboat.com and do a search !!
Yes i would make a tank any size using Vinylester including the pick up and outlet pipes . Just all common sense a couple of really good coats of resin on the inside to keep the fuel what every you are using away from the glass fibres . If you use the standard resin you can see the fuel splashing about and how much is in the tank .
Have done a few and some were really big and never had any sort of a problem ever ! Remember to take all the pipes in through a bolt down plate from the top !!!.