The diesel fuel tank on our newly acquired Holland 25 is rusty on the outside and looks like it hasn't been moved since it was installed in 1976. The boat has been moored for 11 years with half a tank of fuel. Not sure if I can remove the tank without pulling the motor out first, and there is no inspection hatch. I will syphon the fuel out and have a look inside with a scope, but if the inside looks suspect I'm wondering if a replacement plastic tank (from Whitworths) would be a viable option for the long term?

shaggybaxter said..
G'day Frank,
I run a plastic diesel tank, and it was deemed acceptable for Cat A offshore certification, so I don't see any negatives at all. Make sure you spend some time on the mounting, it shouldn't be able to move in any direction at all. I have a floor mount, webbing and dyneema straps that took a bit of readjustment to get it all snug again after I pulled it out for inspection, it's no the sort of thing you want to be wrestling at sea in dirty conditions
Cheers!
SB

Thanks SB. Does it matter whether it is red or does it have to be yellow?

If you're referring to a Diablo tank (Whitworths sell em), they're great. I've used them as waste Tanks, water tanks, and diesel tanks. They have different lids for different purposes, and a great 20cm wide lid mouth for cleaning if necessary.

Thanks everyone - plastic tank it is!

Went with opaque as it is the best fuel gauge I have ever had.