Tanks (Fuel/Water/Waste)

Rigid and flexible fuel, freshwater and waste tanks from Vetus and Nuova Rade, with inspection lids and installation kits, stocked at Bosun’s Locker.

Boat tanks for fuel, fresh water and waste all have to survive vibration, heat and constant movement, so we stock rigid and flexible tanks from Vetus and Nuova Rade along with the lids, fittings and installation kits that make a tidy job of the plumbing.

Fuel, water and waste tanks

Vetus makes the same tank in configurations for water, waste water or diesel, which simplifies a refit where all three have to fit in awkward spaces. The Vetus 215 Litre Water, Waste Water or Diesel Tank suits a cruising yacht or a larger motor boat, and the 61 litre version fits where space is tight. For holding tanks specifically, the Vetus Bulkhead Mounted Waste Tank 60 Litre mounts vertically against a bulkhead rather than eating floor space. The Nuova Rade Diablo Universal Tanks are a low-profile option at 230mm high for under-berth and under-sole installations.

What do I need to install a boat tank properly?

A tank is only as good as its fittings and its access. Plan for inspection before you plan for capacity, because a tank you cannot open is a tank you cannot clean, and diesel bug and biofilm are a fact of life in Queensland heat. The Vetus Inspection Lid Kit for rigid waste and drinking water tanks adds a sealed access point, and the Vetus Installation Kit supplies the fittings for filler, vent, outlet and gauge in one package. Beyond that: vent the tank properly so it can breathe while filling, keep the filler run as straight as you can, and chock and strap the tank so it cannot move under way. Related ranges: pumps and plumbing, freshwater pumps, and engine and steering for fuel filtration and lines.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same tank for fuel and drinking water on a boat?

No. A tank that has held diesel cannot be converted to drinking water, and the fittings, vent arrangement and materials differ. Vetus builds the same tank shell in separate specifications for water, waste water and diesel, so choose the version for the job at the point of purchase.

Why does a boat water tank need an inspection lid?

Because a tank you cannot open is a tank you cannot clean. Biofilm in a freshwater tank and diesel bug in a fuel tank both build up faster in Queensland heat, and an inspection lid is what lets you get in with a brush rather than replacing the tank.

How do I stop a boat tank moving under way?

Chock the tank so it cannot slide, then strap it down. A full tank is heavy and a partly full one slugs from side to side, so the mounting has to take dynamic load rather than just dead weight. Keep the filler and vent runs as straight as practical so the tank can breathe while filling.