Integral fuel Tanks

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Mark Buckland, Apr 17, 2021.

  1. Mark Buckland
    Joined: Apr 2021
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    Location: perth

    Mark Buckland New Member

    Hi, I've taken on 6.0m fiberglass runabout as hobby project. I thought the fuel tank was placed in the bow but now opening up the main port I see that its actually just a fiberglass roof and one sided wall and the tank floor and other walls up three sides are simply the hull? I assume this is complete no no or is it actually allowed to do this?

    upload_2021-4-18_9-59-3.png
     
  2. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    It's a no no. Integral tanks are not permitted on gasoline powered boats in the US, Canada, the EU. It's my understanding that in Australia boats have to comply with ISO standards or ABYC standards to be in compliance with Australian laws. However, a few caveats. I don't know if this applies to boat owners, or home built boats. Here's a link to Australia requirements for manufacturers. https://static1.squarespace.com/sta... Recreational Boats, Edition 5, June 2020.pdf

    You could check with transport Australia see Boating behaviours and initiatives https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/boating-behaviours-and-initiatives.asp or ARBSC & ANZSBEG https://www.anzsbeg.com.au/

    Frankly though it's not a good idea to have a integral tank, especially in a vulnerable area like the bow. There are good reasons why it's not allowed in most of the world.
     
    DogCavalry, fallguy and bajansailor like this.
  3. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    Try something different. Ike has given you an exceptional answer.
     
  4. Mark Buckland
    Joined: Apr 2021
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    Location: perth

    Mark Buckland New Member

    Thanks and I agree so the decision is made I'll decommission it regardless of the legality. logically its just a dangerous set up. I'm sure in Australia the rules follow ISO standards which means its not allowed in any event., may use it for fresh water storage, which means i'll be cutting out the deck mid-ships and will install a proprietary HDPE tank there. Thanks for the help.
     
  5. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    I would only add, a fuel tank is a dynamic weight and dynamic weights are best near the center of gravity or in a planing vessel, there or aft of. The tank placement itself seems questionable.
     
  6. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    True. My boat has a bow tank, but everything was well balanced by the manufacturer (Sea Ray) You might want to experiment with different locations and see how it changes the trim at rest and at speed.
     
  7. Mark Buckland
    Joined: Apr 2021
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    Location: perth

    Mark Buckland New Member

    Again thanks and now i'm thinking to not even use it for water storage for the reasons you state. just cut it out and re-establish back to deck level with storage hatch.
     

  8. Mark Buckland
    Joined: Apr 2021
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    Location: perth

    Mark Buckland New Member

    All sensible advice, I think i'll get the new motor on (its on a pod so quite back heavy) and see how it sits in the water
     
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