fuel tank for 20' Seafari

[howardchaz]

Hey everyone...I'm posting for my stepdad who has a 20' Seafari he's restoring ...he's looking for a fuel tank...can anyone recommend a place to get one? He's looking to get the original size tank which I beleive is 38 gallons..any Seafari owners out there would would like to share some info on the tanks? Thanks in advance , this guy is obsessing over it

[ocuyler]

Welcome to CSC - home of the obsessed! There are several vendors that have supplied tanks for members here. It may depend on location, as shipping is an issue. I purchased a tank for my 23 from SP Tanks in NJ. They did a terrific job and were also low bidder. The link will take you to a quote wizard, just fill in your dimentions, etc. Highly recommended!

[howardchaz]

Thanks he checked them out and gave him a good price.
He wanted me to post a question though on dimension for the tank. I guess the tank is below the deck and he wanted to make sure of the dimensions. Due to clearance issues with the fittings or fill or something.?? Anyone off hand know the dimensions of there tank..thanks so much- Charles

[CapeBoater1]

Unfortunately I can't help on a new tank recommendation, but I had a question about tanks that may help in selecting one. I just bought a nice original 1974 20SF. The owner had the Tank replaced by Chatham boat works in MA in 1996. The recommended and put in a 38 gallon plastic tank. They told him it would hold up better. I was wondering what everyones opinions were on plastic vs aluminum etc? And how long might a plastic tank last?

[Jon G]

I'm not sure where your from but Lyuthers Welding in RI is the one to go to. I got local prices of $1000 to build a tank and laughed at them all. I dropped my old tank off at luthers and they built on exactly from scratch in two weeks and it was all for $400 a couple of years ago. They build an awesome tank and told me that they build tanks in the North East at Florida's prices gotta love that

[ocuyler]

Charles,

Typically, when you order a new tank, most guys take them out so as to measure the tank exactly. You do not want to make a mistake. Pull the tank and make you own measurements.

Further, you may (probably) find stuff needing attention in there while you are waiting for the new tank.

[dcobbett]

FWIW, I just got prices from 7 vendors for a new tank for my 20' SeaCraft SF (about 47 gallons, net). Spec's were welded aluminum, grade 5052, 0.125 thick, 1 baffle, 1 fill, 1 vent, 1 pick up and 1 sender mounting plate, 4 mounting tabs, epoxy coated, pressure tested, Coast Guard standards, etc. Four of the prices came from vendors in New England and they ranged from $600 to over $850. All of these were pick up (no shipping) and a couple of them didn't include coating; they just didn't want to get into that. The other 3 prices were from NJ (2) and FLA. They ranged from $425 to $500. I did business with a firm in NJ; $485, including shipping (2 days via UPS ground). Tank arrive last Friday. It's right to my measurements, looks good, but I won't know if it leaks until the weather warms up a little!

[howardchaz]

The boat he bought didn't come with a tank, and he's worried about how much room to leave for the fill. 90 degree I believe ...a place in florida 4 $400.

[JW-Tex]

Plastic will last longer however if the boat has a cabin the gas smell actually passes through the plastic, not a good idea for a boat with a cabin or one you want to keep in the garage. For a center console stored outside maybe not so bad. I am considering 45 gallon plastic.

[CapeBoater1]

Thanks, Tex for the input. My boat is a center console so the smell would not be much of a consideration. I was more interested in how long and you answered that. Thanks!