Fuel Tank - Relocation.

XP_Dude · 01 June 2011, 15:08

I want to relocate the fuel tank on my inflatable to maximise the space up the front by utilising some of the wasted space under one of the seats.

The attached pictures show the tank in the original location, that has fixings to secure it to, and the tank located under the seat where I'd like to secure it.

Any ideas on securing the tank in this new location are gratefully received.

Cheers.

kelson · 01 June 2011, 15:12

Since you have an air floor you sure won't be using footsmans loops bolted down! I would consider gluing down a couple of D rings and using straps.

MustRib · 01 June 2011, 15:15

I will try to find pics of my Honwave air floor.
The Honwave tank location is under the seat normally but the strap
they provide is no good. It slopped around all over the place
I glued 4 ring patches to the floor,
and then bungeed the tank to the floor through the ring patches.
It stayed put through even the slappiest seas.
will look for a pic

m chappelow · 01 June 2011, 15:46

How about gluing some strips of velcro to the tank and floor ,should stop it migrating about .

XP_Dude · 01 June 2011, 15:52

The existing fixings are just some PVC glued to the floor, do you think its worth trying to get these up and re-glueing them in the new location? Any easy way of removing them?

Or I have enough of the protection mat that goes under the tank that I could cut off the ends and make a couple of new fixings and just glue them down.

Cheers.

Starovich · 01 June 2011, 16:04

I wouldn't try and remove them, could cause a world of hurt, just add new ones where you need them. T
he surface under the fixing is likely to be discoloured and depending on the glue type, may well cause the 2 surfaces to "melt" and fuse back together. (as opposed to the glue forming he adhesion layer).

XP_Dude · 01 June 2011, 16:16

Ok, I'll make some new ones from the spare that I have on the mat.

Thanks for all your help, I'll post some pics when completed.

Cheers.

Peter_C · 01 June 2011, 18:56

If it were me, I would take a heat gun and remove the old ones. Unless there is some possible use for strapping stuff down with them? Or if you might remove the seat, and put the fuel tank back in the bow? Otherwise it seems they could annoy a barefoot. Acetone should strip the glue right off. There may be a little discoloration, but it will fade into oblivion as the boat ages. *shrugs* "function before form".

Nasher · 01 June 2011, 19:24

I have to say I'd really strongly disagree with trying to remove the old anchor points on an airdeck.

As has been suggested further up you could be in for more trouble than it's worth.

Most joints from the factory are welded in these situations, and you'll end up removing a layer of the deck surface as well, creating weak spot.

Add some new points by gluing them down, it will give you two options for the tank position depending on what you're carrying, plus the option of a spare tank for longer trips or strapping down your picnic basket or other gear.

Nasher.