BELOW DECK - BOB DOC'S SLÁINTE

[BOB DOC]

God does take care of drunks and Irishmen....think I came up smelling like a rose again. The MUSHY floor was an empty cube designed to hold additional gas or water...probably for wash down. found this out from some of the old sales literature form the sites you steered me to.

This is what was under the big hatch

 
 

100 GAL AQS ALUM tank Guage thick .125 mat 5052 Aluminum built in 1979. Less than 1/2 inch of water in one corner, 2x4 wedges rock solid and dry, and no sign of gas anywhere. I know every thing works because I ran it in the gulf so I should get the gauge back when the boys rewire it.
So Cap'n John, seems like I'm probably Okay as you said last year, just took me awhile to get the guts to find out.
Thank you all for your help and direction.
Hatch cover was very heavy and grody with mold and condensation, but it sems dry now

[LilRichard]

Question is, why not replace the tank now that you have everything up?  It's about a $500-700 insurance policy so that you will not ever think about that tank again (for 15+ years).  Just my $0.02.  I would at least run new hoses to it...

[Bushleaguer]

Ditto- I bet you a buck you'll find pitting on the bottom of that tank.  Even if there isn't, pull it, coat it in epoxy and re-install it- you will be good to go for 20+ more years.

[BOB DOC]

Thanks folks that's what i'm looking for is input and direction on the alternatives to consider from here.

Replacing it would estimate out at $500-$700 ??? Who to go to for a new 100 gal tank for that price???? Do I get anotherr aluminum tank ?

Would the pitting be on the  inside or outside on the tank?

What's the underside of the hatch cover made of? The cover seemed very heavy so I'm wondering if it's not soggy 3/4 ply with a coating of glass or epoxy on it ????

Did figure on replacing the hoses, clamps etc

How bout you gmcjohnny, & GoneFission, what are your thoughts guys?

Thanks folks for your help, Bob Doc

[Mad Dog]

Here is the place I ordered my tank from.  It was in the price range and the turn around was quick.  The tank I ordered is 62 gal, solid, 2 baffels, epoxy coated, with a sending unit.

http://www.speedytanks.com/

[Bushleaguer]

B Doc-
The pitting would be on the bottom of the tank, outside, most likely under or right next to the foam padding under your hold down straps.  That's where the water gets trapped and the corrosion starts.  My tank looked exactly like yours from above, but when I pulled it, I found the pits- mostly around the aft hold down straps.  The pits weren't bad enough to replace the tank, but I was glad to catch them and get them coated.  Now I have peace of mind.

My hatch was glass with a plywood core.  Heavy, but not wet- I didn't have many holes in it to let the water in.

[LilRichard]

The hatch is cored with wood - you can simply glass a new piece of wood to the bottom of the hatch - there should be some demonstrative pics in the projects pages - but basically you cut out the old core, bed the new core in with a bonding putty, then glass over it with a layer of 1808 or similar.

I went to RDS in Perry for my tank - but shop around and see what you can find.  My tank was dead on $7 / gallon with a sending unit.  The higher priced tanks I have seen are $10 / gallon.  Make sure you compare apples to apples though - my tank was 0.125, I know some guys build 0.090 (I think).  The low end of $500 was if you find a surplus tank - those go for less - if available.

My suggestion would be to abrade the outside of the tank, and coat with coal tar epoxy (once again, pictures of this being done are in several threads here).  Then reinstall with stainless clamps (double clamp everything).

[GoneFission]

Been through the whole process - here's the thread to it with pics:

http://www.classicaquasport.com/forum/v ... b49d171bf9

See ya on the water!

[aqua70]

If you are interested in a TEMPO fuel tank. Try www.boatingchannel.com.
We replaced our's with a plastic tank. VERY reasonable as well.

[billh1963]

If you are interested in a TEMPO fuel tank. Try www.boatingchannel.com.
We replaced our's with a plastic tank. VERY reasonable as well.

Are plastic tanks affected by ethanol? I know fiberglass tanks are affected and aluminum isn't. I don't remember hearing the consensus about plastic tanks.