85' 17.6 Unintentional Rebuild

[floridacracker]

Hi everyone. I like so many others landed here after buying a AS that needed more work than I ever dreamed. I found so much helpful information on here. Thanks. I am new to this site, as well as trying to rebuild a boat! I have a question about the gas tank.. When I opened the floor, I found a poly tank. I haven't seen anyone talk about using these. Can I put it back in? Or should I toss it, and have an aliuminum one made? I would have to get the right dims, cause this tank is smaller than the coffin. I will try to post some pictures, but I am new at this, and don't get a lot of time to work on it. Thanks for any help. FC

[floridacracker]

[floridacracker]

OK. I got the picture posting down, I think. I will post some more. I have been slowly working on this boat, so I am pretty far into it...


This is when I brought her home. Looked good to me, before I started digging.





This was inside the hull, banging around! It is a tactor wieght! Redneck anchor.


So, It begins.....

[RickK]

Welcome aboard floridacracker  :!:  :!:
She looks pretty good now  
I cleaned up your first few attempts at posting pix and it does seem you have it down pat now - keep 'em coming  8)

[Capt. Bob]

I have a question about the gas tank.. When I opened the floor, I found a poly tank. I haven't seen anyone talk about using these. Can I put it back in? Or should I toss it, and have an aliuminum one made? I would have to get the right dims, cause this tank is smaller than the coffin.pictures, but I am new at this, Thanks for any help. FC

It appears the PO replaced the factory aluminum tank with the poly. The giveaway is the forward strap. In any case, if the poly isn't leaking, appears in good shape and holds enough fuel for your needs, no need to spend additional money at this time. Use it in other areas.

Since you're in Fla. there are several shops, in State, that can make you an original size aluminum tank. Alloy Metal Works(?) in NJ/NY (I can't remember) is very familiar with these tanks and has made numerous ones for members rebuilding like yourself. So getting an original size and shape is not a problem.

Good luck.

PS...... The decals don't appear to be circa 1985 or am I reading the post (85') wrong?

 EDIT:That's a 1995 model 175, my bad. SeaBob4 may be able to confirm if that came with a poly tank.



Here's a link to the specs: http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff108/r-berlin/95Catalog016.jpg

[floridacracker]

Thanks RickK, and Capt. Bob.

Bob the boat is an 85' (least thats what the title says.) The stickers were added I am sure. The tank too, for that matter. It is obvious that it is not the original. The boat had a lot of cover ups. What set me on this adventure was the gash in the bottom of the hull, close to the keel, that appeared to be bad enough to let in water.   It was hidden by the front support of the trailer. That was what got my looking deeper. I will post some of my firts attempts of working with fibergass, and trying to repair some of the damage. I still have a long way to go. I pulled the floor and transom out this weekend.