All,
I come to the list with an extensive boating background (sailing), have
faced the issue of tank replacement several times myself and have helped
friends with tank issues too.
I have found that the good folks at Ronco Plastics do an exceptional job
at an exceptional price. They're located in Tustin CA but could be located
anywhere based on my previous experiences in dealing on the phone and fax
with them.
All that said, the last tank I had made was one I went down there to
pick up. What a neat experience seeing them made and seeing the holes being
put in. These tanks (like all others of this type) are rotomolded, a
process wherein molten polyethylene is injected into heated molding plates
forming a box that are spinning during the process. The actual making of
the tanks takes mere minutes from start to finish so they keep very little
stock on the shelf other than what they're making for immediate shipment.
They will make a tank to any size you want and in any shape.
For anyone considering having a new holding tank or for that matter,
fresh water tank made might, want to consider talking to them first. You
can see their online catalog at http://www.ronco-plastics.com.
My experience is that whatever the stated price in the catalog is,
they'll charge you half. Don't ask me why, just trust me that a stated
$120.00 tank cost me $60.00 two years ago.
About the installation of fittings:
The fittings (up to a 3" inspection plate) are all included for free in
the purchase price AND they'll put them anywhere and any size in the tank to
your specs. They first cut the holes into them with a hole saw of
appropriate size and then the polyethylene fittings are spun into the holes
using a mandrill and the same hand drill used to make the holes, melting the
faying surfaces into a single fused, fillet bond. Each fitting takes about
a minute to install including the cutting of the hole. I was wearing shorts
at the time (always do year 'round) and the fellow told me to stand back as
the heated liquid plastic debris gets flung a few feet when the fittings are
being spun in. All in all a way cool thing to see.
The next thing to being there is to talk to them on the phone, fax an
isometric sketch to them indicating size and location of fittings and after
giving them payment info, sit back and wait for your custom made tank to
arrive on your front steps in just a few days. I've done it that way too
and have been just as satisfied.
I should note that the most recent tank I got from them was to replace
the original factory installed one in our boat. In the years since the
first tank was made and now, their manufacturing practices have changed to
the extent that the new tank has a wall thickness that's twice what the old
one was. The outer dimensions stayed the same, the walls were just thicker
on the inside so the tank slid into the old holding structure just
perfectly.
I have no economic interest in the company, but just want to share my
personal experience dealing with them with you all.
Happy Holidays,
Glyn Judson
1969 Caravel, #508
Santa Monica CA