You're Right about Metal
The metal bowl is a requirement for gasoline powered and commercial boats but not for recreational diesel boats in our size range - unless the rules were changed recently. If you're making the change because you want to see what's inside the bowl then take some factors into consideration. For my situation (I made the change several years ago): 1. The plastic bowl is a relatively dark color and it's not the easiest to see through even under the best of conditions. 2. The plastic bowl has, over time, got scratches which has made the former crystal-clear lens a lot more difficult to see through. 3. Even if I could see through it, which I can - sorta, barely, it is very hard to spot any dirt or water. While a plastic bowl is permitted, if I had to do it over again I would err on the side of safety and go with a metal bowl. If you think you've got water or dirt problems and you're thinking of this change to troubleshoot the problem then maybe that would be a good idea, but otherwise I'd suggest saving your money.
