My new boat would you use this fuel tank

[Tinhead1986]

I just bought a 13ft thornes boat that’s in really good shape that’s comes with a mint looking metal tank . i’ve always used plastic fuel tanks but keep reading that the plastic ones are junk and split over time and the only bad thing about the metal ones is possible corrosion problems. What’s everyone’s thoughts


pictures of the tank and my new boat

 

[sonny1]

Did you look inside the gas tank?

 

[Tinhead1986]

looks clean ,also is it better to leave the tank full of fuel or empty

 

[FuzzyGrub]

The prior owner did a nice job.
Nice find.

I’d put a gallon of gas in it and slosh it around good. Run thru a coffee filter and repeat until you are not getting any debris.

Keep it full.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Personally I would prefer plastic, much quieter and can be had in various sizes AND they don't rust.... ever....

 

[Tin Man]

I prefer plastic for corrosion reasons. I've used them for years and never had one crack or split. The metal ones are nice for nostalgia and keeping things original....but for practical purposes, IMO, plastic is preferred.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

That metal tank goes nicely with that boat. I still have one for my ‘63 SportTwin.

Never had a plastic one split. My old ones look pretty grungy, though. Power washing cleans them up.

 

[overboard]

If it's clean inside use it, I have used metal fuel tanks for years.

 

[airshot]

Take your choice, both have pro's and con's...way back when plastic tanks first came out, they had a bunch of issues, but in the last 20 years they were fine if taken care of !! Same for metal tanks, they also need care and maintenence and if done, they will last forever. You need to be sure there is no corrosion inside the metal tank, if it is corrosion free, then your good to go, same with a plastic tank, no damage, gouges, cracks or dents, then your good to go. After some years, both might need some new parts, gaskets, fittings etc but just normal maintenence items. Like most everything, if taken care of, they last longer than you and I...

 

[Tinhead1986]

Take your choice, both have pro's and con's...way back when plastic tanks first came out, they had a bunch of issues, but in the last 20 years they were fine if taken care of !! Same for metal tanks, they also need care and maintenence and if done, they will last forever. You need to be sure there is no corrosion inside the metal tank, if it is corrosion free, then your good to go, same with a plastic tank, no damage, gouges, cracks or dents, then your good to go. After some years, both might need some new parts, gaskets, fittings etc but just normal maintenence items. Like most everything, if taken care of, they last longer than you and I...

The 2 previous owners both have been using this metal tank there was even some gas in it when i bought the boat . what’s the best way to keep it corrosion free

 

[sonny1]

Keep it full of gas. During the off season add a fuel additive. Most important is use real gas.

 

[airshot]

During the off season, I always treat my fuel, even back before ethenol fuels with seafoam, and as mentioned keep the tank full in off season. Never had a corrosion issue in my 60 yrs of boat owning by doing this.

 

[sonny1]

Seafoam is some good stuff.

 

[AlanT]

I have 2 metal tanks and never had a problem with them. No corrosion used in brakish salt water.

 

[MrGiggles]

If it's not too rusty inside run it. If it's got a little rust inside, drop a couple 1ft sections of small chain inside with some gas/diesel and shake it around a good bit. Dump the rusty mix out, rinse and repeat until it's coming out pretty clear.

Take that silver line off and throw it in the trash, it will disintegrate on you.

 

[Fishingman48]

Wow seems like everyone covered all! I started with a plastic however wanted more fuel in case staying out longer went & got two metal / not checking out first because outside looked great /// as they say looks can be deceiving sure enough both not cared for inside. So I acid them and cleaned them out totally MAKE SURE NO RUST HOLES along seams, going to do the primer shake it up and the give both a coat inside. get it over and done with. I just see throwing a chain in and some fuel and sloshing it around going to clean debris, but you still got the prob. of raw metal and possibility of rust.

 

[Crazyboat]

I've always use a metal gas tank, if they gave me one with the boat I'd never swap it out, but that may just be me. If I got a plastic one I wouldn't worry but I'd be less happy.

 

[Fishingman48]

Personally I would prefer plastic, much quieter and can be had in various sizes AND they don't rust.... ever....

I have to admit I do like the plastic in my Jon , it's nice light & compact up right or laying down it feed's / unlike the metal which of course has to be on its bottom. I guess a little pro's & con's both sides of table with plastic vs metal. It all depends on your pref.

 

[AlanT]

Wow seems like everyone covered all! I started with a plastic however wanted more fuel in case staying out longer went & got two metal / not checking out first because outside looked great /// as they say looks can be deceiving sure enough both not cared for inside. So I acid them and cleaned them out totally MAKE SURE NO RUST HOLES along seams, going to do the primer shake it up and the give both a coat inside. get it over and done with. I just see throwing a chain in and some fuel and sloshing it around going to clean debris, but you still got the prob. of raw metal and possibility of rust.

You're going to paint the inside with primer? Not sure about that.

 

[sonny1]

Am sure he is talking about a product made specifically for coating gas tanks. Very popular in the motorcycle world. You clean out the inside and then add the coating usually sold as a kit.