Gas tank replacement on 200CCP

[ktisdall]

I'm about to install the new gas tank I had built for my '84 200ccp.  The tank came from Alloy Metal Works in Farmingdale, NY.  It looks great, was reasonable cost-wise and they were easy to work with.  I went with the same size and fitting layout as the original one (about 72 gal).

Now I need to put it back into the original space.  I plan to replace the original metal straps with new ones and I have a source for those.  What do I need to place under the tank and what do I need in order to pad any straps or mounts with?  I expect that will be rubber of some kind.  But what kind and where do I get it?  I'm in CT.

Thanks for any ideas / help on this.

--Kevin

[gran398]

Hi Kevin,

Many of the members have been going with the Pascoe method of install. This involves fiberglass strips running bow to stern underneath and chocks on top (not made from treated wood)

There are several examples here, search for "Pascoe".

Alloy Metal Works offers a discount to our members, however you must mention it upon order. Info in the Vendor forum.

Best on the install

[Capt. Bob]

Clicky. <!-- s:idea: --><!-- s:idea: -->

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=2597.0

[wingtime]

Here is how I installed the tank in my 200XF.  Should be the same size tank as your 200CCP.  Do not use rubber or anything that has carbon in it since that will react with the aluminum and cause pits.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4460#p28562

[Capt. Bob]

 Do not use rubber or anything that has carbon in it since that will react with the aluminum and cause pits.

Well..............
You'll probably end up using some carbon product on your aluminum tank so stay awake. :bounce:

[ktisdall]

Thanks guys.  I'll look into the pasco method.  I think I mentioned this site when I got the tank but don't remember exactly.  It seemed pretty reasonable vs a few other quotes I got.

--Kevin

[ktisdall]

Here's some shots of the tank, now installed.  I did the pascoe method (mostly) but couldn't bring myself to glue the tank into the well entirely.  At least not every frp strip was glued to the well so there's some hope of being able to remove it someday.  Plenty of support there though, and good spacing for airflow around the tank.  Added a deckplate to allow me to get a dinghy pump into the space if water does get in.  And an access plate to get down to the bilge more easily without removing the deck.  Two new bilge pumps there now.

http://flic.kr/p/efuonX

http://flic.kr/p/efuoqg

http://flic.kr/p/efA93h

http://flic.kr/p/efA95s


--Kevin

[kaptainkoz]

After thinking long and hard about the whole gas tank tub design and why they did it (to contain the fuel if the tank leaks i figure), I decided to drill holes and permanently drain the bin. I will also drill holes as high up as I can to  vent the tank tub. My reasoning is that I will be able to see and smell the fuel/oil glistening on the water in either the bilge, or in the drain water when i pull the drain plug (I trailer so I pull the garbord plug every time). The venting holes will help to counter condensation and keep the tank dryer. Water will get in that compartment somehow some way as it gets everywhere.
Yes, I have a 246CCP so you may be saying "what bilge can you see?" True, but the way I am re configuring my boat I am going to have a 9 inch bilge area against the transom, then the livewell tub against the gas tank tub. Even unmodified, you would be able to stick your head into one of the side compartments of the 200CCP (if you have them) and smell gas from the bilge. I am not a fan of the solid tub. I know the are pros and cons but for me venting seems to tips the scales somewhat. Please chime in if I am missing a point.

[gran398]

Kevin,

You got a nice job. Glad to see you used teak as the chocks and not treated pine. Also the bilge hose versus tank rubber was a good choice.

Regarding your pics, it is easy to upload them to the Photogallery here. It works just like attachments on your e-mail.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10343

Koz,

I agree, drain holes front and rear would be my choice. Pretty good size holes too, say 3/8'th or even half inch. Will allow that area to vent condensation, or at least help. The CCP's are deep vees, there is a good amount of bilge space directly beneath the tank coffin. If water intrudes the tank coffin from the bilge....there's a big problem somewhere with leakage, bilge pumps, etc.

[slvrlng]

nice looking tank

[Capt. Bob]

After thinking long and hard about the whole gas tank tub design and why they did it (to contain the fuel if the tank leaks i figure),

Somewhere out there (on this Forum) is a post as to the fact that early Aquas had above deck tanks. The coffin design allowed Aqua to meet CG regs and place the tanks below deck. It did, as you stated, provide a compartment to contain fuel in the event of a tank breach. I'm not going to search for that post (GF comes to mind) but I would think logically it is correct.

I would reason then that drilling holes in the coffin for drainage is a federal offense that is punishable by keel hauling but that's just a guess.

[ktisdall]

Thanks guys.  

I did think hard about vent / drain holes.  That's pretty much how I arrived at the tank compartment deck plate just aft of the tank.   And another in the aft end of the tank compartment to access the deep bilge from there (I have looong arms).  I can pump out / ventilate given the three deck plates over the tank, and should be able to monitor there pretty easily for vapors, while keeping vapors out of the deep bilge as much as possible.

ALL of the ideas that went into this were cobbled together from others on this site.  So thanks much for a great resource.

In the process of the tank project I moved the single battery from the stbd aft space by the transom to under the console and added a second battery and 1-all-off switch.   Also cleaned up a bunch of tangled wire mess under the console.  Good solid wiring, and as mentioned earlier, new pumps.  One large 2500gph with an auto switch set on the little platform that aquasport built into the bilge and another 500gph in the deep bilge under the baitwell to really get the bilge dry (as much as possible).  

I'll try the photogallery upload with some pics of the console tackle locker/cabinet my buddy rebuilt for me and the generally cleaned up space under the console.   I also have the baitwell lid off to fix up some rot around the engine bolts.  I'll add .25" aluminum plates to stabilize the engine bolts and then seal up the baitwell a bit better.   Should be a much drier boat this year.

--Kevin

[RickK]

Somewhere out there (on this Forum) is a post as to the fact that early Aquas had above deck tanks.

My 170 had an above deck tank inside the console - I say had, because I'm putting it under the sole now and not in a true "tub" but close.

[ktisdall]

Yes - at least some of the early boats had the tank under the console.  I was an OMC certified mechanic back in 1977-80 and installed lots of Johnsons on new Aquasports that were sold by Rowayton Marine.

--Kevin