www.iFourWinns.com

Hello,

Does anyone know if the fuel tank for a 2000 230H is fiberglass? I'm concerned about the ethanol issue of course. Thanks.

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2000 Horizon 230

FW used aluminum tanks on older models like my 88 200 Horizon, and plastic tanks on the newer ones. I'm not sure which year they changed, but it's easy to check and as far as I know they never used fiberglass tanks. With the plastic tanks as used on newer ones you have nothing to worry about with ethanol. The main issue could be that it will clean any junk out of the tank and may clog fuel filters so keep some spares on hand.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Thanks Lou. I'm getting familiar with Four Winns now and I've been impressed with many things they're doing.

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2000 Horizon 230

I've never even heard of a fiberglass gas tank? Would that even be possible, and what would the advantage of using it be?

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Nubby


Living the DREAM

The gas tank in your boat will be plastic. You can check it out by peeling back the carpet at the back of your boat and you will find a round plastic "turny thing" Open this up and you will see your fuel pickup lines and the sending unit along with the white plastic tank.

I know they have large undergound fibreglass tanks but I don't believe you will find one in your boat.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Fiberglass tanks were in fact used by some very well known builders of Sportfishing boats such as Bertram, for a long time. Until ethanol was added to gas as an oxygenate, there was no problem using fiberglass tanks, and many gas stations and home heating oil tanks are fiberglass too. The problem with ethanol in a fibergalss tank is that the ethanol can break down the resin in the 'glass and that resin can be carried into the fuel system and engine, effectively ruining the engine. I have not heard of 'glass tanks being used on smaller boats but it makes me wonder about all the gas stations that have 'glass tanks. I have heard there are resins that are resistant to ethanol so maybe it's not an issue now. Boat US has an article on their website about this problem.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Nail on the head Lou. I currently own 1996 Caravelle bowrider and the tank is indeed a fiberglass tank. I've run out of options on buying non-ethanol fuel as all the stations around me now carry it. In addition to the fiberglass tanks, any rubber within the fuel system may be susceptible to deterioration. Small engines like lawnmowers are also feeling the pain of this new "additive". Many are getting gummed up from deteriorating rubber fuel lines. If you're not familiar with the ethanol issue it's quite interesting reading. From my perspective, it's looking like a neat idea that was executed before anyone really thought about it. (nooo.. not government! )

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2000 Horizon 230