Installing an additional fuel tank is standard for boat owners planning long-distance outings, but unlike metal or plastic vessels, inflatable structures require a special approach to the placement of heavy loads. Improper tank attachment It can lead not only to loss of fuel, but also to damage to the bottom or side of the vessel, which poses a real threat to safety.
The main challenge is that the PVC material is not designed to be hard drilled or to install massive metal brackets without preparation. The weight of a full tank of 25 liters is more than 18 kilograms, and this cargo will constantly move under the influence of waves and inertia when cornering. fixation must be made taking into account the distribution of the load and the protection of the fabric from rubbing.
In this article, we will discuss proven installation methods that will allow you to avoid shifting the center of gravity and damage to inflatable tubes. You will learn which materials are best suited to create a reliable platform and how to organize the space in the cockpit as efficiently as possible.
Selection of installation site and surface preparation
The first step is always to determine the optimal placement point, and most often the tank is installed on a transom, on a special platform or directly on the floor of the cockpit. centre The boats must not be shifted too far back or sideways, otherwise the handling of the boat will deteriorate.
If you plan to place the tank on the floor, make sure the surface is flat and cleared of sand or fine debris. Abrasive particles under a heavy tank can damage reinforced PVC when friction during movement. To protect the bottom, it is recommended to use special rugs or sheets of plywood, sheathed with carpet.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a fuel tank close to inflatable tubes without a protective buffer. When a boat rolls or a strong wave, the hard plastic angle of the tank can push or puncture the cylinder.
The length of the fuel hose should also be considered when choosing a location, it should have sufficient room for maneuver, but not lie in the water or get confused under the feet. Badger or FlagshipWhere the location of stringers can dictate their terms.
Fixing methods: belts, Velcro straps and platforms
There are several basic ways to keep the tank in place, and the choice depends on your capabilities and the design of the boat. fastecami They allow you to lock the container rigidly by passing the tape under stringers or special handles.
The second popular method is industrial Velcro, where one part of the tape is glued to a rigid base (plywood), and the second part is glued to a tank or belt that covers the tank, which is good because it does not require complex tooling, but requires regular inspection of the adhesive layer, and the third option is to create a wooden platform with sides, into which the tank is inserted as a cell.
- 🔹 Buckle belts: They provide the most reliable fixation, but require anchorage points on the boat.
- 🔹 Velcro: They are convenient for quick removal, but can weaken from water and sand.
- 🔹 Wooden platform box: It protects the tank from all sides, but takes up more space.
When using belts, it is important not to over-tighten them so as not to deform the plastic tank case, especially in hot weather when the plastic becomes softer. Uniform pressure distribution The key to long-term fuel system service.
Use belts with a width of at least 25 mm. Narrow slings can crash into the plastic of the tank when rolled hard and damage its body.
Manufacture of a protective platform yourself
For boat owners, who often ride on shallow water or rocky shores, the ideal solution is to make a removable platform, which not only fixes the tank, but also raises it above the water level, which is especially true for models with low transverses, based on moisture-resistant plywood 10-12 mm thick.
The fabrication process begins with carving the base into the shape of a free space in a cockpit or on a transom, stuffing wooden slats or sidewalks about 2/3 the height of the tank around the perimeter, and putting soft material inside, like a tourist mat, that extinguishes the vibrations.
| Materials | Advantages | Deficiencies | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood + Carpet | Cheap, easy to do. | Soaks up water, gets heavy. | 2-3 seasons |
| Cellular polycarbonate | It doesn't rot, light. | Harder to fix the sides. | 5 years |
| Aluminum leaf | Durable, water-free. | High price, noisy | 10+ years |
The finished platform can be equipped with carry handles or loops to attach to the rings on the cylinders of the boat, which turns it into a modular element that is easy to remove if necessary. quick-load boat.
☑️ Platform fabrication
Protection against rubbing and mechanical damage
Friction is the main enemy of an inflatable boat when carrying heavy loads. Even if the tank is on plywood, micro-movements during the course can cause scuffs to form on the bottom of the boat, and to prevent this, you need to use gaskets to prevent this.
Well-known EVA rugs, which are used in autotuning and boating, do not absorb water, are easy to wash, and have excellent shock-absorbing properties, and you can also use pieces of old linoleum or thick rubber.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using materials with a rough, abrasive surface (such as some types of hard-backed carpet) as lining between the tank and the bottom of the boat.
Pay special attention to the angles of the tank, which are the ones that most often come into contact with the sides when rolling. Installation of soft corners of foam or polyurethane Check the condition of the lining regularly: if it has worn out or sand has filled in, replace it immediately.
How do you extend the life of a lining?
Rinse the lining mat with fresh water after each release to salt water. The salt crystallizes and turns into an abrasive that accelerates the wear of PVC fabric.
Safety rules for operation
Safety on the water begins with the correct stowage of equipment. The fuel tank is a source of increased danger, so its mounting must withstand extreme loads, for example, when braking sharply or hitting a wave. Locking system It must be overly reliable.
Always check the tightness of the hose joints before you start driving. Vibration from the motor can gradually weaken the clamps. If you use a remote tank, make sure that the hose is not twisted and has no clamps, which can lead to fuel-out Stop the engine at the wrong time.
- 🔸 Always carry a fire extinguisher, even for short exits.
- 🔸 Do not smoke near an open or installed tank.
- 🔸 After the fishing is over, disconnect the hose and put pressure on the system.
Remember, a full tank of gasoline is a serious load. When loading a boat, try to place passengers and equipment in a way that compensates for the weight of the fuel and maintains the balance of the boat. This is especially important for small boats, where every kilogram affects the weight of the boat. differentiator.
The main principle of safety - the tank should be fixed so that when the boat turns, it remains in its place and does not drop the engine.
Frequent errors in the installation of the tank
Beginners often make common mistakes that can cost them expensive repairs or spoiled fishing. One of the most common is placing the tank directly on the canopy without a hard base. PVC is not a load-bearing structure for such loads.
Another mistake is the use of rusty metal attachments, and in conditions of high humidity and contact with water, steel corrodes rapidly, soiling the boat and losing strength. stainless-steel or aluminum alloys, as well as high-quality fittings made of plastic.
Sometimes owners forget about the temperature expansion. Left in the sun, a full tank can create excessive pressure, and if it is rigidly clamped on all sides without gaps, it can inflate or deform. Always leave a minimum thermal gap.
Can I attach the tank to the trunk of the boat directly?
The tank cannot be fastened directly to the soft transom of the PVC boat. The transom must have a rigid overlay (transe plate), and the mounting is carried out through it or using special brackets covering the plate without damaging the fabric itself.
What is the best tank volume for a boat 3.2-3.6 meters long?
For boats of this size, a tank of 12-25 liters is considered optimal. A larger volume will create an excessive load on the stern and make it difficult to put the boat on plane, especially with low-power engines up to 5 hp.
Do I need to pump gasoline for the winter?
Yes, it's illegal to store a tank of gasoline indoors or in a garage, and modern ethanol can be delaminated and spoiled when stored for long periods of time, and it's better to keep it empty and dry.
How to clean the plastic tank from traces of fuel?
Use warm soapy water or special plastic cleaners. Do not use aggressive solvents (acetone, Kalosha gasoline) to clean the outer surface, as they can make the plastic matte or sticky.