Aluminum tank fabricators

[HeavyDinSC]

Going to need a new fuel tank for my 170. Months back I saw some posts about a good firm in NJ that gives members a discount, but to avoid the shipping, can anyone recommend a good aluminium welding firm closer to Charleston, SC?  Thanks in advance.

[Capt. Bob]

<!-- m -->http://www.floridamarinetanks.com/<!-- m -->

Search function is your friend.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9956.0

They made the original tanks for Hialeah hull Aquas and early Genmars but they no longer reside in Fla.
Other than a local fabricator, these guys are close.


Good luck.

[gran398]

Bob is correct, Florida Marine Tanks is close to you.

On the other hand...these folks are great, and we get a discount

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9353.0

If you could get a quote from both, same dimensions, same wall thickness, no additional coatings, etc. (apples and apples) and report back...thanks.

Per board rule, there can be no discussion of money. Just tell us which one you went with.

Thanks <!-- s:thumright: --><!-- s:thumright: -->

[HeavyDinSC]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the suggestions. I'll get in touch with both firms and see if I can come up with an apples-to-apples comparison to benefit anyone who needs to replace their tank in the future. (Thanks for the heads up on not discussing price. I definitely would have stepped the wrong way on that isssue.)

By the way, I'm hoping to replace the fill and vent hoses this weekend. A friend suggested just sleeving a new (smaller) fill hose inside the old one to avoid the hassle of trying to wrench the old hose out of the foamed area in the gunwale. Do you guys consider that an option?  Thanks again.

[gran398]

You probably should just go ahead and spend the extra time and replace it. Couple of drawbacks with the sleeve....there is no mechanical method of attachment...its riding inside the old hose. You are also diminishing your fuel flow since the area is decreased.

Then at some point someone down the road will need to remove it...its really gonna be rigid then.

When you go to remove it...take some vise grips and "twist" it...breaking the foam bond side to side.

Good luck

[Coverhill]

Re: "just sleeving a new fuel hose inside"

I agree with "gran" and for the reasons he has stated.
I see NO way that you could attach the upper end of the "sleeve"
so that incoming gas would not leak around the outside of the
sleeve and run down the original fuel delivery hose.

It's a tough job to install a brand new full length fuel delivery
hose, from the fuel filler fitting and down to the fuel tank
but since this is a critical system within your boat you should
only do it the right way; otherwise one day you may go -- BOOM !

There is some good information on replacing a fuel filler hose
in an Aquasport under the post entitled "Gas Filler Hose on 222CCP"
in the "Aquasport Discussion" section of this forum.