fuel tank straps

[jamaica]

I just discovered my fuel tank has not been tied down since I've owned the boat. The straps are there but there are no clips to secure them. Upon closer inspection I have found that the straps are damaged where they go through the bottom hold downs. So...I need to install new straps. Does anyone have a source for them? I've been looking and cannot find them. Is there an alternate method to strap the tank down that might be better than the "stock" technique? There are 3 plastic straps and it looks like when a PO repowered or took the tank out they just left the clips off because it would have been difficult to get them back on. 1992 SR '19 with the standard 48 gal tank set up the usual way.
Thanks

[Markshoreline]

The ones I use are from Seattle Fabrics who supply outdoor gear.  They have straps in any length and most widths.  I used 1" width nylon straps on my boat.  You just secure with screws and sealant the nylon anchors on the floor front and back of the tank, and get long enough straps to circumnavigate the tank.  I used nylon adjusters to tighten them and nylon snaps and receivers to connect the ends.  They work great and are easy to install if the tank is empty.

[dbhazjack]

The Defiance online parts store is no longer in service but you can call Belinda here: http://www.arimaowners.com/index.php?topic=14496.msg169375#msg169375
and she can get you what you need.

[AJFishin]

I bought some lashing straps from Home Depot, I think they were $9 for 2.
Or Harbor Freight 2 for $5.
Then I trimmed them to length and melted the ends.

[Mcneilcab]

Dont buy them from Defiance....You can purchase some nylon web with buckles that tighten down (like on a pack) that work great and it will be cheaper too

[beancounter]

In my opinion they are a waste of time and money. I never replace them. With the panels in place and fuel fill connected and gas in the tank you tell me how it can move even one bit. Saves time not fooling with straps as you really should pull your tank out every couple years and clean under it and the bilge area by your drain plug. Just my  :twocents: some will probably disagree.

[Yachter Yat]

    I'd be a little reluctant to go without some kind of tie down.  An alternative might be to use a single stainless steel endless tie down strap.  They make those 2" wide.  On line for about 30 bucks.  Just put one near the center of the tank.  That's probably the way I'd go next time. 

Yat

[jamaica]

Thanks for the ideas, I'm checking them out now. I'll be tying it down somehow, it's just the way I am. Is there any problem with the tank wearing through on the bottom caused by the slight movement of the tank? Mine shows some wear on the fiberglass where the tank rubs on it.

[birdman]

I agree with bean. With that said, mine is tied down with 2 1" nylon straps-with metal buckle/clamp-purchased at Home Depot. Hasn't moved in 5 years...

[Tom Mac]

I used really long zip ties, connected two together per side of tank.

[Yachter Yat]

    The straps I'm talking about come in 1" widths as well.  The beauty is they have stainless steel ratchets.   I honestly think that's the way to go..........either a single 2" wide strap or two 1" straps. 

Yat


Edit:  I think Suncor Stainless has these endless ratchet straps.

[troll4fish]

my tank straps were pretty bad when I bought the boat 3 years ago and when I pulled the tank and got the underneath all cleaned and put a perforated aluminum screen over the drain hole leading to the bilge pump I just used 3/8" diameter poly rope and tied the tank in. I feel that the tank with fuel in it as well as the fill hose connected is not going to move anywhere. The ropes are just added security in case I hit a real big bump on the highway or worse going upside down which I will have way bigger worries than my fuel tank position! 

[steeler]

I had to cut the original straps when I removed the tank on my SH.
Then I had to pry the tank out with the help of a neighbour .
I did strap the tank in again but just used flat nylon webbing and clips from an outdoor store.
In my case it was probably just overkill to strap the tank in cause it isn't going anywhere.

[familyrig]

I used really long zip ties, connected two together per side of tank.

This is exactly how I have done both boats.  Worked great! 

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[jamaica]

I went with straps and buckles from Seattle Fabrics  like Mark Shoreline suggested, about $25. Whether you believe in strapping or not check out the site, they have a lot of cool rigging stuff.

[Markshoreline]

Stainless eyelets rust, nylon don't....

[Threeweight]

When I cleaned the tank on my old 17', I used 1" nylon cam-lock straps in my replacement.  Worked great.  The strapping that was on my tank was just cheap shipping straps, the kind used to lash and reinforce boxes for shipping.  You might be able to find it from some place that carries shipping supplies.

[Yachter Yat]

   www.uscargocontrol.com has was you want.   Black endless straps with the stainless steel ratchets.

Yat

[Diablo]

Well I guess I'm Mr Cheapo. I got straps and the clips out of the trash at Home Depot in the lumber area. Nice big wide heavy duty ones.
I do think the straps are necessary. Things happen out on the water that you never thought could happen and offen more than one thing goes bad at the same time.

[croaker stroker]

Well I guess I'm Mr Cheapo. I got straps and the clips out of the trash at Home Depot in the lumber area. Nice big wide heavy duty ones.

👍🏻 👏🏻

[Markshoreline]

Diablo- I can imagine even worse things can happen on a trailer while towing if the tank was not secured...

[Diablo]

 

Diablo- I can imagine even worse things can happen on a trailer while towing if the tank was not secured...

[Rokefin]

Diablo- I can imagine even worse things can happen on a trailer while towing if the tank was not secured...

They should be strapped, but if there were a roll over I really doubt my straps would hold....

[Yachter Yat]

   Yeah, I hear you, Rokefin.  If you have the factory straps, your probably correct.   I must say, however; tie-it down with two of those 2" black nylon straps with stainless ratchets, and I honestly believe that boat could fly with the Thunderbirds without having to worry about that tank moving.  :biggrin:

Yat

[Markshoreline]

Assuming the little screws didn't pull out...