Hey all,
CaptBob asked me to post some pics showing a fuel tank replacement I did on my Xscape 190BR.
I am going to post them as links at first, until I can get a chance to upload the originals to the gallery. (originals are higher res than the ones at Photobucket)
Picked up a 1978 Xscape 190BR, as I mentioned in my welcome
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=16.msg125893#msg125893 (second post down), it seems that the Dual Console/Bowrider version of the 190 is extremely rare (the 180's were the tri-hull, and usually the open bows, and the 190's were the closed bow v-hulls). Anyway, here goes:
When I got the boat, the PO was using a portable tank above the deck, because he said the onboard tank was dirty... so first thing I was going to do was pull the main tank, and have it cleaned... well lo and behold, when I pulled it out, it was a MESS!
location of the fuel tank "coffin":
First photo when I popped the fuel tank compartment lid, the lid itself was a bit nasty, and sagging, wood was rough:
Here are a couple of the compartment itself (sadly I forgot to take one of the old tank, sitting in the compartment):
Once I got the tank out, I was surprised at just how bad a condition it was in:
This tank had something like 37 screws jammed in, where some where JBWelded over, some epoxy'd over, and some fiberglass'd over.
Needless to say, the tank was completely shot, and needed to be replaced.
I contacted a local Tank Manufacturer here in Pinellas (Oldsmar), and had them make a new tank for me. I went ahead and had the tank designed to fit the compartment, with a wedge shape, so it drops right in, and doesn't move around at all:
I also had the fill/vents moved more towards the bow, so that it would allow for easier/maximum filling.
There were some poly tanks that were close, but I felt this would be the best way to go. Tank cost me $795.00 (as much as I paid for the Boat/motor/Trailer) lol! And ended up being around 48 gallons (old tank was estimated to be a 45gal, but with the new wedge shape designed, picked up a few extra gallon capacity).
When I get a chance, I will take a couple pics of the tank installed in the compartment.
Anyway, enjoy. I will post more to the Xscape story when I have time.