Polyvinyl chloride floating vessel requires a special approach to equipment, since the soft side does not allow you to simply weld or screw heavy equipment. The question of how to fix the tank in the PVC boat becomes critical for the safety of the crew and the safety of the vessel itself. Incorrect installation of the fuel tank can lead to tipping over, shifting the center of gravity or, even worse, to the leakage of gasoline into the water.
The main difficulty is that the floor of the inflatable boat, whether plywood paioles or inflatable floor (NDB), is not a monolithic rigid structure. in choppy conditions or abruptly maneuvered, the loose fuel tank begins to move, which creates a chaotic load on the boards and can provoke a coup. fuel-tank fixation It must be carried out taking into account all dynamic loads.
In this article, we will look at proven fastening methods that will not damage the material of the boat and ensure reliable retention of capacity. You will learn about the types of fasteners, the features of installation in the bow and aft parts, as well as the nuances of operation of various models of tanks.
Choosing the Right Boat Tank for PVC
Before you start installing, you need to decide on the type of container itself. Inflatable boats most often use specialized tanks of translucent polyethylene, which allow you to visually control the level of fuel. However, standard rectangular shapes are not always convenient for placement in a narrow cockpit between cylinders.
Particular attention should be paid to the model Nissamarine or YamahaIt is important that the material of the tank is resistant to the effects of gasoline and ultraviolet radiation, since in a PVC boat it is often outdoors. The use of water canisters or technical liquids is strictly prohibited because of the risk of dissolution of plastic.
The choice of volume should be guided by the range of the expected walks and the carrying capacity of the boat. A full 12-liter tank weighs about 9-10 kg, which significantly affects the differentiation of the boat. For small boats up to 3 meters in length, the optimal solution will be a compact tank with a volume of 6-8 liters, which is easier to place and fix.
There are also soft fuel tanks, but using them in conjunction with an outboard motor requires an additional low-pressure fuel pump, as the flow of squatter often doesn’t work.
⚠️ Warning: Never use containers of ordinary food plastic or glass to store gasoline in a boat. Gasoline dissolves many types of plastics, leading to instant depressurization and a fire hazard on the water.
Methods of fastening the tank: belts and platforms
The most common and safe method is to use textile belts with carabiners or fastex buckles, which do not require drilling of the sides or floor, which keeps the boat tight, and the belts are thrown through cylinders or tied to D-shaped rings (ribs) located around the perimeter of the cockpit.
And you can use a rigid base to increase stability, which can be a carved plywood platform, a carpeted platform, or a special plastic stand, and you can put the tank on that platform and then you can put it on the belts, and that prevents the bottom of the boat from being pushed through the sharp corners of the tank and distributes the weight.
Here are the main elements that will be required to organize a reliable fastening:
- 🧵 nylon slings width of at least 25 mm with a burst load of 150 kg.
- 🔗 Carbines with a fixer or buckles of the "fastex" type for rapid adjustment of tension.
- 🧱 A sheet of moisture-resistant plywood or composite material to create a level ground.
- 🪢 A sea knot is a "twin bayonet" or "twin bayonet" if you prefer to tie the belts directly to the carbines-free romas.
It is important to correctly calculate the anchorage points: belts should cover the tank in its widest part, preferably in the upper third, to prevent tipping. If the tank is high, it is advisable to use a cross-sectional screed scheme, forming the letter "X" on top of the container.
Some owners practice gluing Velcro straps to the boat's cylinder, but this method has a serious drawback: the glue can damage PVC when dismantled, and the Velcro itself quickly loses its properties from salt water and sand.
Installation of the tank in the bow and aft part
The location of the fuel tank directly affects the performance of the boat. Traditionally, the tank is installed in the bow, just behind or in front of the transom can. This is because the fuel hose goes to the engine, and the shorter the path, the better. However, the bow boat experiences the strongest shocks against the wave, so the attachment should be as rigid as possible.
When installed in the nose, it is important not to block access to the anchor ditch or interfere with landing. If the boat is equipped with an inflatable floor (BND), then the heavy tank can push through the cylinders, creating a hammock effect, in which case the use of a rigid pad is a prerequisite.
The tank's aft positioning is less common, but it has its advantages: the tank is closer to the engine, the hose is minimal in length, and the center of gravity shifts to the transom, which can be useful for boats with a short cockpit, but there is a risk of flooding the tank with water when moving against a wave or when it rolls heavily.
The stern mounts often use special brackets that are attached to the squirrel board, but not to the motor itself. This allows you to keep the tank above water. If the tank is just on the floor by the transom, make sure that it does not interfere with the operation of the rummel and does not block access to the drain valve (transe drain).
Why can't you put a tank on the bow of a boat?
Putting the tank in the sharpest nose, in front of the first transom beam, is highly undesirable. When hit by a wave, the boat's nose rises and falls with a large amplitude. A heavy tank attached there will work like a pendulum, rocking the boat and creating dangerous dynamic loads on the anchorages. There is also a high risk that if you brake sharply, the tank will penetrate the thin nose balloon.
Safety technique when working with fuel
Gasoline is a flammable liquid that is heavier than air and can accumulate in lowlands, such as in a boat cockpit. So ventilation is a key safety factor. Never leave the tank closed in an unventilated rundock or under a seat without air.
The tank must be refuelled only on the shore or, in extreme cases, on the water with the utmost care, the fuel hose must be securely connected to the tank and the paging pear, the use of clamps on the connections is mandatory, since the vibration of the motor can weaken the plastic fixtures.
Notice the condition of the paging pear. It should be elastic and not cracked. If the pear is stunned from time to time, it should be replaced, otherwise there is a risk of fuel entering the engine or, conversely, suffocating the system. It is also important to connect the hose correctly: the arrow on the pear should indicate the direction of flow from the tank to the engine.
If a boat tips over or a strong wave, the tank should not float if it's empty, or sink if it's full. A properly secured tank stays in place. If you use quick-release connections, make sure they're sealed even when partially disconnected.
⚠️ Warning: Always carry a one-handed fire extinguisher and absorbent materials (sawdust, special mats) in the boat in case of a fuel spill. Do not smoke near an open tank or during refueling.
Maintenance of the fuel supply system
Regular maintenance of the fuel system extends the life of not only the tank, but also the outboard motor. The tank can form condensation over time, especially when temperatures vary. The water in gasoline is the main enemy of the carburetor or injector.
To prevent problems, it is recommended to use fuel filters-sludges that cut into the main line between the tank and the engine, they trap water and large debris. Cleaning the tank itself is also necessary: at least once a season it should be rinsed with pure gasoline or a special cleaner, removing the sludge.
Store the tank in winter in a cool, dark place, preferably empty or fully filled (to minimize condensation), with the addition of a fuel stabilizer. Plastic ages under the influence of ultraviolet light, so do not leave the tank in the sun when the boat is not in use.
Hose integrity checks are an annual procedure. Rubber cracks over time, especially in the places where the bends are, if you notice microcracks on the hose or pear, replace the element immediately. You can't save on fuel hoses.
Use a transparent silicone hose between the filter and the motor, which can clearly show the presence of air bubbles or water, allowing you to quickly diagnose problems with the fuel supply.
Comparison of tank fixation methods
To make a final decision on how to attach, it is useful to compare their main specifications. Each method has its pros and cons depending on the design of your boat and the style of riding.
| Mounting method | Reliability | Difficulty of installation | Impact on the boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts through cylinders | High. | Low. | Friction about PVC |
| Hard platform | Very high. | Medium | Weight gain |
| Fixing to the floor fragrance | Medium | Low. | Risk of separation at NDLD |
| Special box-tank | High. | Low. | It takes up a lot of space. |
As you can see from the table, the combination of a rigid platform and belts thrown over cylinders is the most versatile solution, providing stability and minimizing the risks of damage to inflatable elements.
Using off-the-shelf solutions, such as tanks with built-in mounts, makes the task easier, but often costs more. Homemade plywood and sling designs are cheaper and can be adapted to any cockpit geometry.
☑️ Checking exit readiness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the tank be fixed to the inflatable floor (NDND)?
Technically, you can, but it's not recommended, put a heavy full tank directly on the NDND cylinders without a hard pad. Under the weight of the tank, the bottom will bend, the tank will bend, and when you move it will create a pendulum effect. Be sure to use a wide plywood or plastic platform to distribute the load.
How long should the fuel hose be?
The length of the hose should be the minimum necessary for a comfortable connection, but with a margin in case of displacement of the tank when rolling. Optimally, if the hose is not stretched into the string, but also does not lie tangled in water, where it can be wound on the screw. Standard length of 3-5 meters is usually sufficient.
How to wash gasoline with PVC, if it spilled?
Gasoline itself is not a threat to PVC in short-term contact, but it washes plasticizers off over long-term exposure. The spill site should be washed immediately with plenty of water with mild soap. Do not use aggressive solvents to clean the surface of the boat.
Do I need to open the ventilator on the tank while driving?
Yes, the vent screw on the tank lid must be opened while the engine is running, and if it is closed, a vacuum will be created in the tank, and fuel will stop flowing into the engine, which will cause the engine to stop, and you only need to close the screw when transported or stored.
Safety on the water begins with the correct fixation of the cargo, and a securely secured tank is a guarantee that the boat will remain stable even in the event of unexpected excitement.
The proper organization of the fuel system in a PVC boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity. By following simple rules of fastening and operation, you will ensure a safe and secure sailing. Don't neglect regular checks of the condition of belts and hoses, as there are no small things on the water.
Remember that Polyvinyl chloride is sensitive to frictionTherefore, in places of contact of belts with cylinders it is recommended to use protective linings or pass slings through special rings to avoid rubbing the material of the case.