Aluminum fuel tanks: paint them?
 

I'm getting ready to install the new IMCO tanks. Would you paint the tanks for corrosion resistance and if so with what paint? The glass shop doing the work on the hull said to use zinc chromate primer.

The tanks on my previous boats weren't painted (lasted over 15 years+).

Thanks
Due

Get them powdercoated,
its cheaper and last forever

aluminum is a self preserving alloy providing that water is not trapped against it! I just replaced both of my fuel tanks, they rotted from the inside out! go figure!

yup, if they are new.........

coal tar epoxy
 

It's not pretty, but it's the best. I've worked at a shop and one of my jobs is coating fuel tanks, for many years.
Usually, the tanks we see that have come back corroded from the inside out, is because they were not properly grounded. The electrolysis causes it.

Coal tar epoxy is good but just about any epoxy paint would work as long as it is the 2 part kind. Don't put rubber on it between any hold down straps (if you use these) and don't put foam around it. Foam will hold the water and keep it next to the tank.