1976 170 Fuel Tank

[Brendanpd28]

Hey guys,

     It's been a while since my last post.  I've been on the water enjoying my 170 as much as possible on top of many work hours.  I've gotten a lot of striper fishing in along with just cruising around enjoying the water.  Just pulled her out of the water today here in North Shore Massachusetts.  I had a great season and I'm happy to say the boat ran beautifully.  I've been running an above deck 12 gallon fuel tank for this season because I didn't have the time to get the below deck tank done this year.  I am playing with the idea of venturng into it early spring and I was hoping you guys could point me in the direction of past threads that could help me along.  I'm dreading having to pull my cooler seat and coffin cover back off  after just re-installing them last spring.  But I'm feeling like the added value and less fill ups will be worth the while.  I hope Everyone have braved the storms safely!!

[Capt. Bob]

I've been running an above deck 12 gallon fuel tank for this season because I didn't have the time to get the below deck tank done this year.  I am playing with the idea of venturng into it early spring and I was hoping you guys could point me in the direction of past threads that could help me along. 

Here are some 170 tank dims.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=11420.msg112278#msg112278

Slightly larger tank but basically original. He has made many replacements for Aqua members.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=11420.msg112285#msg112285

Nice write up on a 170.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=11420.msg113572#msg113572

Method used by many (in one form or other)
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

Lastly, here is a series of links showing the different ideas on installation. These are done on several different models but the theory is what you need to know. Read each thread, form your own opinion and realize that each method is reaching for the same end result, that is to keep the tank surface dry. Remember, the tank can and will get wet. Your challenge is to reduce that as much as possible (proper sealing on tank hatch and deck plates) and placement so the tank surface can dry. Trapped moisture between the tank surface and whatever (constant immersion in water in coffin, mounting straps, hull ) will lead to corrosion and greatly reduce tank life.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=13250.msg133205#msg133205

Good luck and post up pics of your project.

[wingtime]

Glad to hear your enjoying her.

I think it is well worth the effort. Capt Bob gave you some great links to read. If you go with an aluminum tank remember it's OK if it gets wet. You just don't want it to stay wet. Providing air circulation by installing using the "Pascoe"  method is the way to go.

[Brendanpd28]

 Thanks guys!! I have been trying to find this detailed description of the pascoe method. My big remaining question is why is aluminum still used so much instead of poly? Could I do the same install method with a poly tank? I believe Moeller makes one that fits my coffin.

Thanks!

[wingtime]

Just set the poly tank in the coffin and strap it down. No need for Pascoe method.

[RickK]

Just make sure there is room for it to expand initially. They expand 3% after being in contact with gas.

[Brendanpd28]

 Yeah Ill weigh the pros and cons of each type of tank and make a decision. I'm not having much luck finding a poly tank that will fit. The closest I can find is a 25 gallon but I think it's a little too high (10.5") I've already gotten a price from Alloy metalworks, I'm still waiting for one more price

[Capt. Bob]

Curious,

Did you mention you were a member here and if so did he offer a discount for being same?

[Brendanpd28]

 In my online request I mentioned I was referred to him from fellow members at classicaquasport.com.  His price for the 29 gallon tank for my 170 including the sending unit was $300  not including shipping.  The price from S and P sheet-metal with electric sending unit  was $400 not including shipping. no specific discount was mentioned from alloy or s&p  but both sounded like a fair prices.  Any advice here?

[Capt. Bob]

Estimating price on aluminum tanks has been about $10 + per gallon so that sounds right. The fuel sensor is about $40-$50 bucks (after taxes) depending on type. Shipping has always been costly due to size.

Phil was one of the early members of this site and at one time he offered a discount to the members so...
Don't know if that's the case any more but it helps pay the better part of the gauge (10%).

Still, he has made a lot of tanks for Aquasports and I have never read of anyone who wasn't satisfied with the quality. I believe recently he worked with a member who supplied him with the wrong tank dimensions (of course it didn't fit) and they reach a solution that the member was happy with (even though it was his mistake).

Good luck.