275 explorer fuel tank accessibility

[fighterpilot]

Just started considering the 275. Fuel tanks on older boats are subject to leaks and replacement. On the early model 275, like 1999 up thru 2003 was the tank readily available. Does the top deck have to be cut?? Is the tank foamed in? Or how big a deal is it to replace the tank? Thanks

[Capt. Bob]

A couple of thoughts.

viewtopic.php?p=24581#p24581

viewtopic.php?p=52750#p52750

[wingtime]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm sure it is like other late model Aquasports.  The tank is not foamed in.  It usually is in a "coffin" below the deck.  The deck should have molded in lines where you have to cut the deck to gain access to the tank.  A replacement tank would have to be custom made but there are several shops that can do that for you.  I doubt would would have any problems with the tank anytime soon.

[gran398]

Agree.

Tank issues this early in her life are a non-consideration.

2000 model...single aluminum tank should go 25-30 years, maybe more depending on engineering.

Seabob can tell us more....he had a hand in building this boat.

[seabob4]

The tank will be fine.  I'm out playing with a trailer right now...

Scotty, CONGRATS!!!      

[seabob4]

No, seriously, what I find with older boats is improper installation, water intrusion from dumba$$ previous owners, and...foamed in tanks!  God, I hate those!!!

The 275 tank will be fine, trust me!  And I really am out back messing with a trailer...  

[Aswaff400]

we've had 5 fuel tanks develop leaks this year, 2 of the boats are 20 years old, with original tanks(foamed in), 2 where 10 year old boats with NEW tanks installed within 3 years(tanks weren't foamed in). 1 was a 10 year old boat with original tank. all tanks leaked because of poor installation, inadequate ventilation/drains in the tank coffin, tanks sat in a pool of water, pie plates leaked, and/or owners didn't care to inspect anything regularly...

[fighterpilot]

seabob4 I value your comments, since, as I understand your background, you have been there and done that. Believe that the no wood in subject Aquasport out weights the easy tank access but wood in the Grady 272. Thanks

[seabob4]

fp, thank you, but you've got a bunch of good experienced people members here that offer some excellent advice, not just myself...

It would have been nice if Aquasport (and other builders) kept a tank hatch, but I can see the elimination of it as a 2-fold measure.  One, of course, is it cut's cost.  1 less part to lay up, 1 less part to install...and install properly.  Second, if a hatch isn't bedded properly, the seam is just a huge area inviting water on the sole to just creep in...and fall right on the tank, puddle around the base of the tank, in general, wreak havoc later on.  For a builder, they can have a lot more confidence that the average deck rigger is going to seal a couple of 6" pies a whole lot better than a 3' X 6' hatch.

I've always admired Grady's, but they are not on my list of boats to own.  Neither is BW, neither is Pursuit.  There are just some things that each company does that don't really work from a service standpoint.  And all boats WILL need servicing.  The more difficult the service is, the more it will cost.  Which is fine for the new owner, as obviously he has a bunch of money if he can afford the brands mentioned above.  But what I am seeing is people with not so much $$ buying used models of these boats, then cringing when chit craps out and they get the bill for the service.  When considering the purchase of a used boat like the CW 272 or the AS 275, take a good hard look at major equipment locations and the potential need to service said equipment.  Generators, AC units, Vacu-flush systems, that sort of thing.  Ask yourself, if X craps out, how difficult is it going to be for yourself or a tech to service it?      

[fighterpilot]

Since I used to do a lot of the work myself I understand the accessibility angle for a boat. I was impressed with the hatches etc. on the AS275 particularly in the Eurotransom area. Of course they are a potential leak if not sealed properly but in a Eurotransom configuration unless there are plenty of hatches doing any maintenance in there will be a nightmare.

Not looking for built in A/C or Gen. nor have found many of those in the nintys and and early 2000s models I have found. In fact I would rather not have them as part of the boat. More stuff to go bad and hard to work on. I did my own install of a A/C system in a AS Tournament Master so have an appreciation for the maintenance aspect of that unit. And we have a 7.7 Gen on the Californian we are going to sell, but that is a big boat and accessibility is a lot easier than on the WA. I'm thinking a RV roof mounted 9000 btu powered by my Honda 2000 gen. would be adequate for me--just need the helm area cooled--the cool air that falls down into the cabin is what it is. Low priority. Overnight on the boat not more than once or twice a year.  I know placement of the gen. is critical to avoid CO issues but used it safely on a 31 foot Chris Craft Commander and on the AS 29 Tournament Master so that is the way I am thinking now. Thanks for the advice. FP

[seabob4]

A lot of people who use the Honda locate it on the other side of the transom wall in front of the motors.  Works very well for those that have integrated swim platforms (that's what the builders like to call "euro-transoms") in regards to exhaust and CO issues.  Even though the gennie is not a permanent install, I would highly recommend a CO detector down below.  This also protects you should you overnight in a marina, and your neighbor is running his gennie...

[wingtime]

A few weeks ago I participated in a local lighted Christmas boat parade  with my 245.  I bought a Ryobi 2200 inverter generator for $549.  It just as quiet as the Honda at half the cost and it has wheels and other features the Honda does no have.  I was going to run the generator on the swim platform "on the other side of the wall" like Bob says.  But it was kinda snotty that night so I didn't want the generator to get wet.  It turns out the generator fits in the transom door!  So I placed it there by strapping it in place with ratchet straps and placing a block of wood under that aft feet (to make up for the height of the slight step in the transom door).  This worked out great.  It placed the exhaust aft so it blew out of the boat.  It placed the outlets of the generator facing into the cockpit.  It kept the generator nice and secure in a relatively spray free area.

[fighterpilot]

I agree with the co detector. Had one on each of the other boats in the cabin or helm area. I wondered about the eurotransom location. I thought that might have possibilities. Don't want any gasoline fumes getting down into the bilge area so will have to check it now and than to make sure no leaks. Thanks for the suggestion.