DIY SIB fuel bladder

[dhaglund]

Instead waiting for the either very expensive or unavailable Zodiac Milpro fuel bladder, has anyone tried to adapt a motorcycle fuel bladder for SIB use? If you already have the Zodiac one, good for you, but where I am it's pretty much unobtainable.

So I was looking at the Giant Loop 5 gal Armadillo bag.
https://www.giantloopmoto.com/produc...wer-reservoir/

It is a spare fuel can/bag (with pour sprout) intended to be carried on an ATV or motorcycle. I was thinking that if I made a hole in the cap and fitted a circular Tohatsu or Suzuki fuel hose connector that it could work as my main fuel tank in a SIB. And right now I can get it on sale for about 130 EUR.

Has anyone tried this or have any thoughts on it?

[dhaglund]

Well, the finger was trigger happy today. So I already placed the order. At 117 EUR including shipping it wasn't that bad. If it doesn't work out I can always use it as just a spare fuel container.

[Max...]

It could work if all sealed and safe, the ex-RNLI bladders come up on here now and again:

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/bombar...tml#post618799

[dhaglund]

Originally Posted by Max...

It could work if all sealed and safe, the ex-RNLI bladders come up on here now and again:

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/bombar...tml#post618799

That looks great!

[Matt]

You can make fuel bladders out of hypalon, some race boats do this.

[willk]

Originally Posted by dhaglund

It is a spare fuel can/bag (with pour sprout)

I note that while it is clearly INTENDED to be such, they are prohibited from calling it that. Must not comply with regulations around fuel storage/transport, etc.

[Peter_C]

To pass our Coast Guard requirements in the USA fuel storage must be USCGA (US Coast Guard) approved. So unless it has a USCGA stamp of approval we would not legally be allowed to use them.

[dhaglund]

Thanks to Ollyit, a very nice gentleman on this forum I now have a genuine Zodiac fuel bladder in my SIB. I haven't tried it yet but it looks like a fantastic piece of kit. Sure saves floor space and looks good too.




Regarding the Giant Loop Armadillo bag I will return that since I didn't need it. But just for information it does look to be fully doable to fit an adapter to the cap and use it as a fuel bladder. It too looks good and the cap is sturdy and has a fair bit of plastic in it. It is actually possible to buy a cap as a spare part and start by modifying the cap. The only thing I don't like about the armadillo bag is that they say it isn't made to store fuel for longer periods of time. It is for short term use, like a few days.

[ollyit]

Looks so good in there mate! - pleased your happy

[SoCal Hurricane]

Hey Olly - How many bladders do you have left??

[Max...]

Looks awesome, bladders are awesome and spread the load and free up space - just take care filling - especially the long RNLI (as per my link) type - they act like a crazy sausage snake with a life of their own!

[ollyit]

@SoCal Hurricane

hope you are happy with yours ?

[SoCal Hurricane]

@ Olly —- they are fantastic! Everyone on here should find you if they need these.

Do you still have any left??

[dhaglund]

@Olly - Well they're not all fantastic. Mine looks like new and has probably seen very little use. But unfortunately it sprung a leak the first time I left it in the sun. It was a sunny morning about 21 C and it had been sitting in the sun all morning. When I picked it up it was inflated from internal pressure buildup and it had a leak in the top seam. I didn't realize it at right then and there but when I went to fill it up gasoline came pouring out. I'm guessing it's just old and not as strong as it used to be.

[SoCal Hurricane]

Have you tried to reglue the seam?

[dhaglund]

Originally Posted by SoCal Hurricane

Have you tried to reglue the seam?

Not yet. I don't know what glue to use. I have PVC glue but I think hypalon glue may be better for this so I'll get some of that and have a go at it.

[SoCal Hurricane]

Those bladders are poly coated. I would used the Clifton "LA4123" glue. The Stabond and Poly Marine are not going to hold well.

[spartacus]

Buyer beware - seller has zero feedback.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305760247...Bk9SR9iKpYfLZA

[ollyit]

Originally Posted by SoCal Hurricane

@ Olly —- they are fantastic! Everyone on here should find you if they need these.

Do you still have any left??

Yes mate, sorry for delay in reading this

[jonp]

I looked into several including the Armadillo ones but found way to much confliction in regards to how long fuel can be stored in them, they seem more suited to using it quickly then storing empty. Ended up staying with the cheaper jerry can option to fill my main tank.