So why do most boat manufacturers use aluminum tanks? The answer is brutally simple: they're cheap. And then, of course, there is the problem of joints which rely heavily on the experience, or inexperience, of the welder. Aluminum is subject to fatigue when it endures continual flexing, such as when the fuel surges around as the boat pounds across a choppy harbor. Aluminum quickly corrodes when in contact with water and, in particular, salt water. The fact is that aluminum (including the so-called "marine alloys") is a highly anodic material and, in contact with most other metals, it can deteriorate rapidly. It is more than enough to turn your boat into matchsticks, along with anyone unlucky enough to be in it. Consider that just two ounces of gasoline, or about as much gin as you'd put in your martini, has the explosive power of several sticks of dynamite. The gas dock attendant took one look, sprinted for the phone and quickly dialed 911 where the operator gave the almost unnecessary advice, "Sir, get everyone well away from the boat." The McFauls were lucky - but there are literally thousands of aluminum fuel tanks in boats across this country that are time bombs waiting to go off. In the bilge and directly under the engine, was a puddle of gasoline. Frozen with his hand on the ignition, Dave looked at his father and then he, too, smelled the unmistakable tang of gas fumes.
![inboard gasoline boats built after 1981 inboard gasoline boats built after 1981](https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1dRfhtpmWBuNjSspdq6zugXXay/200184617/HTB1dRfhtpmWBuNjSspdq6zugXXay.jpg)
When it comes to boats, a leaking fuel tank can lead to disaster. Photo courtesy of the USCG.