Fuel tank replacement

[clop52]

Here is the picture of my new tank with the strips of fiber reinforced plastic.

[clop52]

And hit a snag.  The tank is 1 inch wider than the coffin. I must have measured it wrong when i ordered it. I have the new lines ran up (no issues), but the tank wont fit.  I think i am going to cut the center of the coffin to extend it. Since i have metal straps, that should be enough to hold the tank in place and preventing the coffin from completely breaking. Or, i can fiberglass the bottom of the coffin when i cut it at. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[clop52]

[Woodeneye]

Ouch....you can't cut and shut the tank?

[CLM65]

Wow, major bummer.  I'm not familiar with how your boat is laid out.  Do you know how much space you have between your coffin sides and the stringers?  Even if you have room, reworking the coffin and the lid is no minor task.  I hate to say it, but taking the tank back to the fabricator and having him modify it will probably be less headache, effort, and cost than the fiberglass work.

Chalk it up to a learning experience and don't beat yourself up.  We all have made mistakes.  And some of us have made more than we care to admit.

[wingtime]

I hate to say this but the sides of the coffin are pretty much right up against the insides of the stringers.  so there is little room to gain by cutting the coffin sides.  Remember it is angled like that because the stringers are trapezoid shaped.  I know there is a thread in here that has many of the fuel tank sizes listed.

[Capt. Bob]

I'm thinking like Craig in that I'd give Phil a call and see what happened or what can be done before cutting the coffin.

Good luck.

[Brendanpd28]

hey clop, 

  can i ask what you used to get your coffin so clean??  I pulled the tank from my 170 a few weeks ago but havent completely cleaned it out yet.  I've gone at the old dry foam with a scraper etc. but some of it is REALLY on there.

Thanks!

[clop52]

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies.  I will give Phil a call and see what we can work out. I was ready to cut into the coffin once i realized the tank did not fit, luckily, i took a breath and decided to post it on here first. I'll let you know what comes out of it. I won't beat myself up too much. Worst case, i end up buying an new tank ($300-400) instead of ruining my boat.

Brendan, all i use was water, a scuzz brush and some good old fashion bar keepers friend

[Capt. Bob]

If you like chemicals, I found mineral spirits works very well also.

[CLM65]

Holy crap, CB, what a difference!

Clop - I imagine you can sell your oversized tank pretty easily on CL or ebay, so you may only be out a portion of that $300-400 (plus the plastic strips of course).  Maybe even see if Phil will take it in on trade?  Even if he only gives you half of what you paid, it may be worth it to get this behind you.

[clop52]

yeah, that's true.  I'll call him tomorrow, when i get back into town. Hopefully we can work something out. Thanks for all your input, more to follow tomorrow...

[clop52]

Update!!! So, Phil from AMW is phenomenal!!  He was completely understanding of my situation and charged me less ( a lot less) for a new tank.  I have had some people interested on buying the oversize one, so i am happy!

Phil even put a rushed on it and i got late last week (5 days turn around!).  So, here it is...the final product:



It fits!!

[clop52]

Additionally, i got all the lines as well as a new fuel/water sep, which i relocated. She is just now ready for some 38 gallons of fuel and ready to go.

[clop52]

Now, onto the aesthetics. Look at this mulch: