1989 mako 261 needs a fuel tank.

[1977Mako22]

Any suggestions. Im looking at aluminum or plastic ideas. Thanks

[JohnB]

Aluminum and personally if youre hanging newer twin 4 strokes shrink the tank down to 150 gallons to help keep some weoght forward and youre gonna get the same range or more then the boat did in 90s with thirsty gassers. Sunshine seems to be who most on here use

[1977Mako22]

I got a quote where I live for a 200 gallon aluminum tank at $10 a gallon plus $300 for a total of 2300 not installed. 150 gallon plastic tank is $800. I don't go 70 miles offshore and I have no plans to sell the boat so I really wanted to know if there is any issues I should be aware of with installing a plastic tank versus an aluminum tank. My plans were to drop the 150 gallon plastic tank in and move it forward to counteract the weight of the four strokes on the bracket. Please add any concerns of thought you may have. Thanks much

[JohnB]

Poly tanks can have issues with ethanol in gasoline and generally have less or no baffles which can create some big issues. They also need to be installed a little different To accommodate the expansion that occurs with them and they are known to permeate a gas odor that can be annoying to most. Have also heard that when low on gas they sag and water collects on them that over time will wind up in the tank. To me id rather go aluminum and coal tar it but some one else may chime in.

http://www.classicmako.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32676

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/793508-aluminum-vs-poly-gas-tanks.html

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/714445-poly-plastic-fuel-tanks-good-bad.html

[1977Mako22]

Yeah i contacted Sunshine for a quote but I really don't see the point as shipping would be astronomical from Florida to North Carolina. I'm going to make a phone call tomorrow to the Moeller Factory and see if I can speak to someone they are about they're 150-gallon tank. I do drive my boat like I stole it and I'm afraid of the baffles cracking inside the poly tank and cracking all the way to the exterior of the tank.

[1977Mako22]

I also use non ethanol gas only so any ethanol issues associated with plastic tanks won't be an issue. Boat tanks are vented so I don't expect a lot of expansion but I can shim it and from it into within a quarter inch of the tank and then remove the shims to create the needed space for any expansion that may occur.

[nodima]

Funny thing about the shipping and Sunshine. I found that Sunshine was cheaper including shipping to Mass, than the local places were.

Definitely go with aluminum.

[Justin]

quote:

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Originally posted by nodima


Funny thing about the shipping and Sunshine. I found that Sunshine was cheaper including shipping to Mass, than the local places were.

Definitely go with aluminum.

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x2. And remember, your address is a business. []

[Prater]

Order a couple gallons of B2000 from FGCI if you are pulling out the old foamed in tank. drill some holes and pour it around the old tank. Wait a week and it removes the bonding structure of the foam. The foam felt like cake and just crumbled in my hands.