Moeller Marine 031624 24-Gallon Polyethylene Marine Fuel Tank
Moeller Marine 031624 24-Gallon Polyethylene Marine Fuel Tank — Product description
The Moeller Marine 031624 (MPN 031624, UPC 739729018217) is a 24-gallon permanent-mount marine fuel tank from Moeller Marine Products - the industry standard in marine fuel system design for over 25 years. This is the seamless polyethylene tank in the 24-gallon capacity, sized for typical small to mid-size powerboats, pontoons, and other recreational vessels that need fuel capacity in the 20-25 gallon range. The seamless thick-wall polyethylene construction is the defining feature: rotationally-molded from a single piece of impact-resistant polyethylene with no seams, no welds, no bonded joints - which means no potential leak points and no failure modes from seam separation under stress. The tank handles ethanol-blended gasoline (E10 and E15) without the swelling, softening, or chemical breakdown that plagued first-generation marine plastic tanks when ethanol blends were first introduced. Modern Moeller polyethylene has been thoroughly proven across two decades of ethanol-blend marine use. EPA emissions-compliant construction prevents hydrocarbon escape through the tank walls - critical for both environmental compliance and for safety (escaped fuel vapors in an enclosed bilge are an explosion hazard). Integrated easy-to-grip handles on both ends let one or two people lift and position the tank during install without specialized lifting equipment - matters for retrofit installs into tight engine room locations where forklift access isn't possible. Compatible with standard marine fuel system fittings (sender, vent, fill, and outlet ports - confirm exact port configuration on the Moeller Open Stock Tank List for this specific model number). Limited 2-year Moeller Marine Products warranty. This is a permanent installation tank - bolts down to the boat's deck or hull and connects to the fuel system fittings - NOT a portable carry-around fuel tank. Use the matching Moeller permanent tank installation guide for the correct hold-down strap configuration and ventilation requirements per ABYC and USCG marine fuel system standards.
The Moeller Marine Products 031624 is a 24-gallon permanent-mount marine fuel tank, rotationally-molded from seamless thick-wall polyethylene. Moeller has been the dominant brand in marine fuel system manufacturing for over 25 years, supplying fuel tanks to boat builders and the aftermarket replacement market across the entire spectrum from small fishing skiffs to mid-size pleasure boats.
Why polyethylene vs metal fuel tanks. Marine fuel tanks come in two main material classes: metal (steel, aluminum) and polyethylene (the modern plastic standard). Each has trade-offs. Metal tanks are stronger, more durable in impact, and can be fabricated to fit any unusual shape (custom welded tanks for specific boat compartments). But metal tanks also: corrode (especially aluminum in saltwater bilge environments where chronic moisture leads to pitting), are heavy (a comparable 24-gallon aluminum tank weighs 2-3x what the polyethylene equivalent weighs), are expensive (custom welded aluminum tanks run $800-2000 vs $500-800 for polyethylene), and have welded seams that are potential leak points. Polyethylene tanks are: corrosion-proof (no rust, no pit, no electrolysis issues), lighter weight (matters for boat performance and handling), less expensive (mass-produced rotational molding is much cheaper than custom welding), seamless (no welds means no leak points), and chemical-resistant (won't react with fuel additives or ethanol blends). For the standard tank sizes that mass-production polyethylene covers, plastic is the modern correct choice for almost all recreational boat applications.
Seamless thick-wall construction. The 031624 is produced by rotational molding - molten polyethylene is rotated inside a heated mold until it coats the inside surfaces evenly, then cooled to solidify. The result is a one-piece seamless tank with uniform wall thickness throughout. No seams means no potential failure points from seam separation under stress. Thick-wall means the tank has enough material to absorb impact (hitting the bottom of the hull in rough seas) without cracking or rupturing - a thin-wall tank would crack much sooner under the same impact. The thick-wall construction is also what makes the tank dimensionally stable - it doesn't bulge or distort when full of fuel (which would compromise fuel sender accuracy and could exceed installation envelope dimensions).
Ethanol compatibility. Modern gasoline in the US contains ethanol (E10 is the standard - 10% ethanol by volume), and some regions sell E15 (15% ethanol) at the pump. Ethanol is incompatible with several older marine fuel system materials: it dissolves certain rubber and plastic compounds, leaches plasticizers from softer materials, and causes corrosion in older galvanized steel components. First-generation marine plastic tanks from the 1990s had real ethanol compatibility problems - the tank walls would swell, soften, or leach plasticizer into the fuel. Modern Moeller polyethylene has been formulated and proven across two decades of ethanol-blend service - the tank handles E10 and E15 indefinitely without material degradation. The same polyethylene formulation is used in Moeller's OEM-supplied tanks installed in production boats from major manufacturers.
EPA hydrocarbon emission compliance. The polyethylene wall material prevents hydrocarbon escape (fuel vapor permeation through the tank walls) to a level meeting EPA emissions requirements for marine fuel systems. This compliance matters for two reasons: (1) Environmental - escaped fuel vapors contribute to atmospheric pollution and are regulated by EPA. (2) Safety - escaped fuel vapors accumulating in an enclosed bilge create an explosion hazard. Older marine fuel tanks (especially uncoated metal tanks with poorly-sealed fittings) could permeate enough fuel vapor to fill a bilge with explosive mixture over a few days of inactivity. Modern polyethylene tanks with proper sealed fittings prevent this dangerous accumulation. The 031624 meets current EPA Tier-III evaporative emissions requirements for marine fuel systems.
Easy-to-grip integrated handles. The tank has integrated handles molded into the tank body at both ends. Practical use: getting the tank into and out of the boat. A 24-gallon polyethylene tank dry weighs about 25-35 lb (vs a comparable aluminum tank at 50-70 lb), but it's still bulky and awkward to maneuver into the typical boat fuel compartment without good handholds. The molded handles let two people carry the tank cleanly without bear-hugging the tank body, and let one person reposition the tank during install adjustments. Sounds like a minor feature, but it makes the install meaningfully easier - especially on retrofits where the existing tank location is awkward to access.
Permanent tank installation. The 031624 is a permanent-installation tank - it bolts down to the boat's deck or hull and connects to the boat's fuel system via the fittings at the top of the tank (fill, vent, outlet, and fuel sender). It is NOT a portable carry-around tank (those are different products, typically 6-12 gallon capacity, with carry handles and disconnect quick-connects). Install requires: proper hold-down strap configuration (per ABYC standards, the tank must be secured against shifting under impact), connection to the boat's fuel fill, vent, outlet, and sender wiring, and adequate ventilation around the tank compartment to dissipate any fuel vapor that might escape during fueling. The Moeller permanent tank installation guide PDF (mm085) is the reference - the install must comply with ABYC fuel system standards and USCG requirements.
Port configuration. Marine fuel tanks have a specific configuration of threaded ports on the top surface for the fuel system fittings: a fill port (where the fuel hose from the deck fill connects), a vent port (small port for the fuel tank vent line to the hull-mounted vent), an outlet port (where the fuel pickup line goes to the engine), and a sender port (where the fuel level sender unit installs - typically a 5-bolt SAE-standard sender flange). The 031624's exact port configuration is documented in the Moeller Open Stock Tank List PDF - confirm the port arrangement matches your boat's existing fuel system layout before ordering. Some boats may require fitting adapters if the existing fittings don't match the tank's port threads.
Tank dimensions and weight. 24-gallon capacity with the polyethylene tank's typical mid-size envelope. Approximate dimensions are documented in the Moeller spec sheet - verify the tank fits your compartment with the documented external dimensions before ordering. Dry weight approximately 25-35 lb, full weight (24 gallons of gasoline at 6.1 lb/gallon = 146 lb fuel weight) brings total to around 175-180 lb. Account for the full weight when planning hold-down strap configuration and compartment structural support.
Compatibility - what this tank works with. The 031624 works with any boat fuel system that needs a 24-gallon replacement tank with the standard threaded fitting ports. Compatible engines: any gasoline outboard or inboard up to the fuel flow capacity that a 24-gallon tank reasonably feeds (typically engines up to 200 HP for normal recreational use, though tank size doesn't determine engine compatibility - just fueling range). Compatible boats: small outboard boats (16-22 ft), pontoons, ski/wake boats, small cruisers, and any other vessel that needs the 24-gallon capacity in the standard tank envelope. NOT compatible with diesel fuel (this is a gasoline tank specifically, with polyethylene wall thickness optimized for gasoline vapor permeation - diesel tanks have different material specifications). NOT compatible with portable applications (it's a permanent install tank).
Warranty and quality. Limited 2-year Moeller Marine Products warranty on materials and workmanship. Moeller has been the industry-leading marine fuel system manufacturer for over 25 years with strong warranty support and a deep dealer network for service. Warranty does not cover damage from improper installation (over-tightened hold-down straps that distort the tank, mounting on uneven surfaces that stress the tank base, exposure to fuel types the tank is not rated for) or normal wear from rough use.
Key Features
- Moeller Marine Products 24-gallon permanent-mount marine fuel tank - the industry-leading marine fuel system brand for over 25 years
- Seamless thick-wall polyethylene construction via rotational molding - no welds, no seams, no leak points from seam separation
- Rotationally-molded one-piece tank body with uniform wall thickness - dimensionally stable under fuel load, impact-resistant against hull contact
- Modern ethanol-compatible polyethylene formulation handles E10 and E15 fuel blends indefinitely without material degradation
- EPA Tier-III emissions-compliant hydrocarbon permeation control - prevents fuel vapor escape through tank walls (environmental compliance plus bilge safety)
- Integrated easy-to-grip handles on both ends for two-person carry during install or repositioning without specialized lifting equipment
- Approximately 25-35 lb dry weight - significantly lighter than comparable aluminum tanks (50-70 lb), matters for boat handling and install ergonomics
- Corrosion-proof construction - no rust, no pitting, no electrolysis issues that plague metal tanks in salt-bilge environments
- Chemical-resistant polyethylene - won't react with marine fuel additives, gasoline blends, or normal bilge contaminants
- Permanent installation tank - bolts down with proper hold-down straps per ABYC fuel system standards (NOT a portable carry tank)
- Standard threaded ports for fuel fill, vent, outlet, and fuel level sender (5-bolt SAE-standard sender flange)
- Compatible with gasoline outboard and inboard engines - NOT for diesel applications
- Limited 2-year Moeller Marine Products warranty on materials and workmanship
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Moeller reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Genuine Moeller Marine Products 031624 24-gallon polyethylene fuel tank. From Moeller Marine Products - the industry leader in marine fuel system design for over 25 years. Backed by Moeller's 2-year limited warranty. Ships from NVN Marine with order-by-3-PM same-day shipping.
Technical specifications
| Title | Moeller Marine Products 031624 24-Gallon Polyethylene Marine Fuel Tank |
|---|---|
| Brand | Moeller Marine Products |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 031624 |
| UPC | 739729018217 |
| Capacity | 24 gallons (US) |
| Material | Rotationally-molded seamless polyethylene |
| Fuel Type Compatibility | Gasoline including E10 and E15 ethanol blends (NOT for diesel) |
| Wall Construction | Seamless thick-wall (no welds, no seams, no leak points) |
| Emissions Compliance | EPA Tier-III evaporative emissions compliant (low hydrocarbon permeation) |
| Tank Type | Permanent installation (NOT a portable carry tank) |
| Ports | Standard threaded ports for fill, vent, outlet, and fuel level sender (5-bolt SAE sender flange) |
| Handles | Integrated easy-grip handles molded into both ends |
| Dry Weight | Approximately 25-35 lb (per spec sheet) |
| Full Weight | Approximately 175-180 lb (24 gallons fuel + tank weight) |
| Color | Standard Moeller polyethylene tank color (per current spec) |
| What's Included | Tank only - fittings, fuel sender, and hold-down straps sold separately |
| Install Standard | ABYC fuel system standards plus USCG requirements |
| Manufacturer Heritage | Moeller Marine Products - industry leader in marine fuel system design for over 25 years |
| Warranty | Limited 2-year Moeller Marine Products warranty |
Frequently asked questions
Is this tank ethanol-compatible for E10/E15 gasoline?
Yes. Modern Moeller polyethylene tanks have been formulated specifically for ethanol compatibility and have been proven across two decades of ethanol-blend marine fuel service. The tank handles E10 (standard 10% ethanol blend) and E15 (15% ethanol blend) indefinitely without material degradation, swelling, or plasticizer leaching. First-generation marine plastic tanks from the 1990s had ethanol problems, but those issues were fully resolved in the polyethylene formulations Moeller has used for the last 15+ years.
What's the exact tank capacity?
24 gallons U.S. (per the tank model designation and Moeller spec sheet). Useable capacity is typically 95-97% of rated capacity (slight volume reserved for vapor expansion space at the top of the tank), so plan for about 22-23 gallons of usable fuel between fills. The fuel pickup tube draws from near (but not at) the bottom of the tank to avoid sucking up any water or sediment that may settle to the very bottom.
What size boats does this tank fit?
Boats that have an existing fuel compartment sized for a 24-gallon tank, typically small to mid-size outboard boats (16-22 ft), pontoons, ski/wake boats, and small cruisers. Confirm the tank's external dimensions (length x width x height) match your boat's fuel compartment before ordering - the Moeller spec sheet documents the exact external dimensions. The 031624 is a specific tank shape that may or may not fit a particular boat compartment regardless of capacity match.
Can I use this for diesel fuel?
No. This tank is specifically designed for gasoline applications. The polyethylene wall thickness is optimized for gasoline vapor permeation control - diesel fuel has different vapor characteristics and Moeller's diesel-specific tanks use different material specifications. Using a gasoline tank for diesel may work in the short term but is not approved by Moeller and could create compliance issues with marine inspectors or insurance.
How do I install it?
Permanent installation: secure the tank with proper hold-down straps per ABYC fuel system standards (the tank must not shift under impact), connect the fuel system fittings (fill, vent, outlet, sender) to the boat's existing fuel system, ensure adequate compartment ventilation, and verify the install meets USCG requirements. The Moeller permanent tank installation guide (mm085 PDF, available on Moeller's website) is the reference document. Most owners hire a marine mechanic for full installs - the work isn't difficult but the ABYC compliance details matter for safety and insurance.
Does it come with fittings or do I need to buy separately?
The tank itself includes the threaded ports machined into the top surface - the fittings (fuel line barbs, vent fitting, fill fitting, sender unit) are typically purchased separately based on your specific fuel system requirements. Different boats use different thread sizes and fitting types for their fuel system connections. Order the appropriate fittings to match your existing fuel lines, vent hose, fill hose, and sender unit. The Moeller spec sheet documents the tank's port thread sizes so you know what fittings to buy.
What about the fuel sender - is that included?
No - the fuel level sender is a separate component (Moeller and others sell standard 5-bolt SAE-pattern fuel senders that fit the standard sender flange machined into the tank). Pick a sender that matches your boat's fuel gauge resistance pattern (typical US standard is 240-33 ohms for full-to-empty, but some boats use European 10-180 ohms or other patterns - check your existing gauge or sender). The wrong-pattern sender will read wrong on your gauge.
How long does a polyethylene tank last?
Typical service life under normal recreational use: 15-25 years with no maintenance issues. The polyethylene material doesn't degrade significantly under normal fuel exposure - the same tank will outlast most boats. Failure modes are rare and typically trace to mechanical damage (hit by something, mounted with excessive force) rather than material breakdown. Many production boats are still running their original polyethylene tanks from the late 1990s without issues.
Are polyethylene tanks really as good as aluminum?
For typical recreational boat fuel storage in the standard tank sizes that production polyethylene tanks cover, yes - and arguably better. Polyethylene advantages: corrosion-proof (aluminum tanks pit and fail in salt-bilge environments, eventually leak), lighter weight, less expensive, seamless construction. Aluminum advantages: stronger against severe impact, fabricable to custom shapes for unusual installations. For mass-production standard-size tank applications, polyethylene is the modern correct choice. For custom-fabricated tanks in unusual hull geometry, aluminum still has a role.
What's the warranty?
Limited 2-year Moeller Marine Products warranty on materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. Moeller has well-established US-based warranty service and a strong dealer network for support. Warranty does not cover damage from improper installation (over-tightened hold-down straps that distort the tank, mounting on uneven surfaces, exposure to non-approved fuel types) or normal wear from rough use. Register the product with Moeller at purchase for warranty activation.
Can I install it myself or do I need a marine mechanic?
Self-install is feasible for owners experienced with marine fuel systems and ABYC standards. The mechanical install is straightforward (hold-down straps, fitting connections), but the ABYC compliance details (proper ventilation, hold-down strength specifications, vent line routing, fill hose sizing) matter for safety and insurance. Most owners hire a marine mechanic for full tank replacements. Realistic pro install cost: $600-1500 labor on top of the tank cost, depending on access complexity and how much existing fuel system work needs replacement.
What if I have a different brand of tank now - will this fit as a replacement?
Possibly, but verify dimensions first. The 031624 has specific external dimensions documented in the Moeller spec sheet. If your existing tank's external dimensions are similar, the 031624 may drop into the same compartment with minor adjustments to hold-down straps and fitting locations. If the dimensions are very different, you'd need to modify the compartment or pick a different tank. The Moeller Open Stock Tank List PDF shows all the available Moeller tank sizes and dimensions for selection.
