1998 246 Explorer - Gas tank

[flycaster1]

Who has had to replace a tank on one of these?
Wondering when the hammer will fall on me.
Thanks in advance.   :geek:

[Capt. Bob]

Here's some light reading to get you started.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=11399.0

Same deal here, just a slight less detail.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=7600.0

Yes, these are both Osprey models but......

The hulls are the same as yours.
You won't have a console to remove.
It appears that you will need to add a hatch (if so please note what the members encountered).
Last post in 2nd. thread is interesting in that it hints that there is a possibility of a poly tank. <!-- s:scratch: --><!-- s:scratch: --> Open a plate to confirm. I would have guessed alum. but if it is poly, you should be in good shape corrosion wise.

Good luck.

[wingtime]

I have a 1998 245 Explorer.  My tank is 141 gallons and is made of aluminum.  There should be no need to add a hatch.  The deck has to be cut along the molded in lines in floor to gain access to the tank.  If it is done properly (nice thin straight cuts) it will look factory when you reinstall it.  Now this can be an easy way for someone to really screw up your boat.  Going at it with a sawz-all will make a mess really quick.  Also your deck has a balsa wood core in it.  It is imperative that the edge of the core is sealed properly.  If not water will quickly rot out the balsa ruining your deck and boat.  At the VERY least the balsa should be sealed with a quality epoxy.  The PROPER method is to dig out say 1/4-3/8" of the balsa core and fill the edge in with a thickened epoxy.  This will ensure the core does not rot.  Caulking the seem with 5200 alone will not work.  Same thing goes for the screw holes.  Don't foam in the replacement tank either.  Not unless you plan on replacing it again in a few years.   Plan on about $10-12 per gallon to have a replacement tank made.