New fuel tank question.

[Mhiggins]

It is time to replace the fuel tank in the boat. It's a 1979 31 ft. Bertram with 330 hp 454's. I want to get the tank built out of aluminum. I want it prepped for a diesel upgrade later. What do I tell the tank builder to do when he builds the tank. I am located near Detroit Michigan and the tank builder is in Harrison Twp. off Industrial Dr. Thanks for the help. A diesel conversion is out of the question for now also. I am happy with the gas 454's.

[CaptPatrick]

You'd be best served if the tank were coated both inside and out while new...

The outside coating could be a cold tar epoxy coating or an epoxy bed liner coating. Proper prep and passivation of the aluminum is a must. The inside coating must stand up to ethanol laced fuel. I'd recommend POR-15 Fuel Tank Sealer.

You'll need 1/2" return fittings for diesel and make double 5/8" vents, one each forward corner. You need bonding tabs so that the tank and fuel are grounded to your bonding system.

Get back to us when you have the tank, but before you install it...