Fuel Tank Hold Down?

[Dick Litchfield]

I recently removed the fuel tank (for cleaning and pressure test) from my 1981 Hunter 27' sailboat. The aluminium tank was manufactured by Florida Marine Tanks, a model FMT 12 ST (18" X16" X10"), in 1980. I am ready to reinstall the tank and I am having diffculty locating a 3/4" stainless strap that has a clamping range to cover 56.5". I have talked to Hunter who originally installed the tank using stainless banding with crimp buckles before the deck/liner was installed. Unfortunately they were unable to help. This crimp type band was impossible to remove without cutting and now there is not enough space available to install the same type of band and crimp. I have been directed to "T-bolt Type Band Clamps" but have not found a source locally. Large automotive type hose clamps appear to be too light for the application. Does anyone have any source for these T-bolt clamps or have another idea on how to safely secure the tank. Thanks!

 

[David Krozier]

diesel tank hold down

Dick:I replaced my diesel tank about two years ago when the aluminum tank started leaking. Because the tank sat on a piece of plywood it remained damp and allowed the aluminum to pit. The tank was too corroded on the bottom to repair. I replaced it with a stock 12 gallon plastic tank. I used fuel resistant tie down straps purchased from either West Marine, Defender, or BoatUS when I bought the tank (I forgot where). The straps are plastic and have a fitting to tighten them. Sort of like the tie down straps on my battery boxes. I put the straps down, screwed two plywood blocks on top of them, put the tank on top of the blocks, and brought the straps around and cinched them tight. The plywood blocks let air get under the tank so it stays dry (although I doubt it matters now with a plastic tank). The plywood also holds the bottom of the straps firmly in place. The straps have not loosened at all. The tank does not slide or move around at all.David1979 H-27Renegade

 

[Sam Lust]

Tank bands

I ran into the same problem when I pulled the tank from my 33. Went bandless for a year till I came up with the idea of plastic strapping tape. It's very strong banding used to hold heavy items to skids during shipping. Very strong stuff. The type I used has a little metal "buckle" that the ends go through in a double "D" ring type arrangement, and the ends are pulled tight by hand. No crimping tool required, my tank is securely held in place, and being non-conductive plastic there's less concern about corrosion. You could probably snag some in a shipping department. How good are you at begging gifts from strangers? Warning: shipping guys are notoriously surly.