Securing poly water tanks

  • September 02, 2014 11:25 PM
    Message # 3091199
    Anonymous

    We're replacing the water tanks on our W32.  The old stainless steel tanks were held in place securely by the straps over the top of them.  I'm not sure how well the plastic tanks will work with metal straps holding them in place. 

    There is a gap between the front of the bilge and the front of forward tank.  I'm concerned about the tank shifting around.  My thought is to build a block to put there and let the straps just do the job of holding the tank down.  

    How have all of you secured your plastic tanks?

  • September 03, 2014 1:19 AM
    Reply # 3091210 on 3091199
    Deleted user

    For what it is worth, I just used the stainless straps that were there for the old stainless tanks and there hasn't been any problem. I did however add padding between the straps and the new poly tanks.

    Peter

  • September 03, 2014 5:35 AM
    Reply # 3091294 on 3091199

    My poly tanks are held in place with SS straps as well with what looks like sections of firehose placed where the straps bend around the corners of the tanks.

    As far as the gap goes, they're situated pretty low to the COG/Righting Moment. I've been in some pretty big/rough seas and they've never shifted even when full.

    Last modified: September 03, 2014 5:43 AM | Anonymous member
  • September 03, 2014 1:52 PM
    Reply # 3091703 on 3091199
    Anonymous

    Thanks for the idea of adding padding beneath the straps.  I'll give that a try and see if it feels secure enough.  If the forward tank shifts further forward it could pull the hoses of the manifold apart which is my biggest concern. 

  • September 03, 2014 4:45 PM
    Reply # 3091783 on 3091199
    Deleted user

    Low Density pour foam for bottom and sides and a padded block on top?


  • September 06, 2014 7:09 AM
    Reply # 3093920 on 3091199
    Deleted user

    When I installed new tanks in Second Wind I was also concerned about the steel straps cutting into the edges of the poly tanks.  I took some leftover 1/4" plywood and ripped down some 1x2 strips to make very shallow "U" channels that spanned the tanks.  I rounded down the ends of the channels to ease the bend in the straps and gave them a couple of coats of extra Interlux Bilgecoat.  Worked great and had no movement in a storm with 70+ knots of wind and rolls to 45 degrees.  Simple and cheap solution.  Tom

  • November 23, 2014 11:33 AM
    Reply # 3156577 on 3091199

    Hi Tate, when I installed our poly tank, I used some small double braid rope through pad eyes that I installed to hold it down. Here is a photo.

    https://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#photo/101945798606645671347/5214038215011392353/5292112275086410130

    I set the tank on some of those plastic tiles you can get at West Marine, don't remember the name right off. 

    -Aaron 

    Last modified: November 23, 2014 11:34 AM | Anonymous member