Aluminum Water Tanks

[Charlie]

I will be installing cleaning/inspection ports in my (2) 50 gallon aluminum water tanks soon. The tanks have not been cleaned to my knowledge since the boat was built in 1981. I intend to clean them and would like to know if there is a paint or coating that works well for the interior of these tanks. Charlie S/V destiny

 

[William Jowell]

Aluminum water tanks????

Man! Don't even use deoderant that contains aluminum!The best cleaner would be Aqrisept. It is a citrus cleaner.BillSpirit of Texas

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

No need to coat if they're not corroded

And if they are corroded, you'd better off replacing than trying to stop it with a coating. Just clean them with detergent and water, after recommissioning the entire fresh water system according to the directions in the article "Fresh Water Maintenance" in the Head Mistress forum reference library. Btw...aluminum water tanks have been used on boats for decades...and continue to be used by many major boatbuilders. Average lifespan of an uncoated aluminum water tanks is 25+ years.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Re. H37C water tanks.

Be sure to check out the link below. Also write Gene with questions, he is very knowledgeable. I have not done this with my own 1979 tanks because I guess I am afraid of what I will find. I use Peggy's commissioning advice and find the water quite good although we seldom drink it. But replace two 50 gallon aluminum tanks that are glassed in? Don't even want to think about it!

 

[Edward Brennan]

Coatings

Peggie Hall is the expert so I would probably defer to her. However, There is a manufacturer of an excellent coating. Ceram-Kote is a potable water rated epoxy coating. You can find them on the internet no problem. It is an industrial coating which has been used for quite some time in fully submersible applications from water/chemical tanks to oil platforms. In addition to it's potable rating, it has been very sucessfully used as a barrier coat on many vessels. It isn't cheap though as it's a high solid(ceramic)coating. Good Luck.Eddie B.SV OLTOSY (H33)