Using an Integral Fiberglass Tank for Diesel

[svkestrel2]

I have tried to ask this question a few times on other forums and have only received cryptic responses but no concrete information.

Here is my situation:

I am outfitting my 38' cheoy lee for some long distance cruising. Currently she has 30gal of tankage for diesel. I would like to expand this by using the boats 100gal integral fiberglass water tank for diesel as well.

I will then add additional tankage in steel tanks for water.

As far as I am aware this should work fine.
Are there issues that I'm not aware of?

The hull is solid (no core).
The tank is sturdy and baffled.
Again, the tank is integral to the hull.

I know I could build the new tanks for diesel but i would prefer not to drink out of an old fiberglass tank.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Valiente]

Have you considered HDPE plastic for the water tanks?

As for fibreglass diesel tanks, I know they exist, but you need to research whether the current trend in mixing bio-diesel or other supplements to straight diesel can affect fibreglass. My limited understanding of this is that epoxy fibreglass is better for fuel tanks.

The advantage, of course, of "fg" tanks is that you can simply build then out of encapsulated plywood and then glass in a cloth interior in order to make them "form fitting".

[svkestrel2]

Thanks.

I am not trying to build a new tank. Only trying to figure out if I can use my existing tank for diesel.

The tank is INTEGRAL to the hull. the boat was built with polyester resin the tank as well.

Should this be a problem?

[copacabana]

It might be a good idea to talk to a paint or epoxy company to see what coatings you can use for the integral fiberglass tank. I think there are special epoxies to coat tanks for diesel. I'm also interested in the response this thread generates as I have integral water and diesel tanks in the keel.

[blackbart500]

the answer is yes, i have been using a fiberglass tank for 35 years with no trouble.