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A Look At The Pros And Cons Of Custom Aluminum Marine Fuel Tanks

10 January 2020

Pearl Welch

Sometimes, investing in a custom fuel tank for your boat is a necessary thing to do as a boat owner. You will have two primary choices when you visit a custom marine fuel tank manufacturer: aluminum or plastic? Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of aluminum fuel tanks over plastic. 

Pro: Aluminum takes are really quick to make. 

When compared to polyurethane or plastic tanks, aluminum marine fuel tanks can really come together fast. A good manufacturer can easily have a custom aluminum tank done within a few hours most of the time. These tanks are made out of sheets of aluminum that get welded together, so creating a custom tank is a matter of taking measurements, making cuts, and then assembling the new tank. If you need a fast option for your boat, aluminum is definitely the way to go. 

Con: Aluminum marine fuel tanks can bend easily. 

Aluminum can be easier to bend or scar than plastic because it is a more malleable metal. Therefore, it is best if the tank is placed in an area where it will not have a lot of direct contact on your boat. 

Pro: You do not have to worry about extra weight with aluminum tanks. 

Aluminum is one of the most lightweight metals that there is, so if you are looking for a tank that will not add undue weight to the boat, it can be the best option. Even though it is easy to assume that plastic would be lighter than metal, this is actually not the case. 

Con: Aluminum tanks may be slightly more expensive than plastic. 

Opting for a custom made aluminum fuel tank for your water vessel can mean you will spend a bit more money. Most of the time, the cost of aluminum is slightly higher than the cost of polyurethane plastic. You can keep the cost of your tank low by opting for smaller or more basic shapes and designs. 

Pro: Aluminum fuel tanks work well in saltwater settings. 

A major reason people love aluminum for their boat is that it is resilient to corrosion. You will not have to be worried about exposure to the salty air or water causing your tank to break down over the years. The tank will remain attractive and appear well-kept for the long haul, and fuel loss will not be an issue due to degradation. 

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