170 renovations 78'

[Mwar410]

I grabbed another tank yesterday (poly), if I'm going to remove it for inspection might as well replace it.
Couldn't really make out much on the plate, maybe Florida Tank manufacturer? I'll get a pic later to see for sure. Looks original though, so maybe someone thought it was a great idea to foam it.

[RickK]

Make sure you have 2% growth all around the poly tank because it will grow when it is holding gas (something molecular) and stay the new size.

[Mwar410]

Finally got 1/4 of a day with no rain ( we'll light), to try and remove the fuel tank. After a few test spots I feel the tank will be in good shape, so I'm thinking it doesn't need to be removed.


There's a green coating on the tank

And in the few spots I dug out it looks pretty good ( new)

[RickK]

The top looks ok. My advise is you pull the tank, clean all the foam off it and get a good look at the bottom. If it is really ok (be honest), just change the way you tie the tank down. Here is a link to one type of install - main thing is keep air flow around the tank - https://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[boatnamesue]

I'm with Rickk...pull the tank.  And if you plan on keeping the boat, once the tank is pulled have it pressure tested to ensure no leaks.  Remember, your standing on a bomb....no short cutting this job, imo. 

I replaced my tank last year.  Reinstalled using modified pasco method.  Find description here:
https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14273.msg141575#msg141575

[Mwar410]

I was hoping to get away with just pressure testing it for now. Raised transom, floor replacement and liner removal coming this fall/winter, really didnt want to do it twice.
Tank is on hold now till every thing else is completed, hard to get anything done with rain every day/other.

[mshugg]

It’s easy enough to pressure test a tank.  Just plug the fill and either the vent or fuel fitting; rig some kind of adapter from the remaining fitting to compressor or pump.  Since you only need 3-5 PSI, a bicycle pump works great.  Pressurize tank to 3-5 PSI and brush or spray tank with soapy water.  Look for bubbles paying  particular attention to fittings and any visible corrosion.  Bubbles=Leak

I’m in the fix it once; fix it right camp, but if it checks out, there’s no reason you couldn’t get a season out of it.  Just keep your eye and nose on the tank.  If you can get floor, transom and liner done in a winter, my hat’s off to you.  I’m at year three on my CCP rebuild.

[Mwar410]

I've got a pressure gauge I was planning to hook up, figured 5lbs of air should tell you of any problems or soon to be problems pretty quick.

We've got some long winters up here, plenty of time to work.

[umecheme]

Where in Downeast Maine.  I'm outside Calais, just getting started on a 19-1...

[Capt. Bob]

I've got a pressure gauge I was planning to hook up, figured 5lbs of air should tell you of any problems or soon to be problems pretty quick.

What will tell you the problem is when you fill it up and then hit some choppy water. The shifting of a fully loaded tank will break the corrosion under the straps and foam loose. She'll leak then. Not trying to scare you but when addressing the needs of these old (Hialeah hull) Aquasports, tank replacement is first on the list.

Good luck.

[Mwar410]

Where in Downeast Maine.  I'm outside Calais, just getting started on a 19-1...


Jonesport, but I’m actually sitting at a softball game in Calais right now. The 19-1 will probably be what I end up with, not sure the 17 will do.

[umecheme]

Right now it feels like 2' 1" more work...

[umecheme]

https://maine.craigslist.org/boa/d/salsbury-cove-19-ft-aqua-sport/6902894053.html. right up the road...

[RickK]

There is a 191 Osprey for someone - a rare hull.

[Mwar410]

I was thinking about going to look at that the other day.  There's one here that's been sitting behind the trap pile for years, that'll probably be the next one I do.

Been piling up parts for the 170, all new wiring, rigging, lights and gauges. Replaced a soft spot on the rear floor, cut out for new rear hatch and repaired transom. The deck will be just painted to cover the repairs with the transom being gel coated

I'm going to run a bilge pump (1100) on the rear deck or in the trough, just as a precaution For when water comes  over the transom and the ball scuppers can't keep up with it. Still considering putting a small one down in the bilge.

Hopefully a couple of weeks and it'll be ready for the water, it won't be long before the Stripers start running.