Replacing Fuel Tank

[GoneFission]

Send the sketch to Phil at Alloy Metal Works and ask for a quote.  They did mine - price was very good and they shipped it within one week of the order.  Here's the contact info:
Phone 631-694-8163 fax 631-694-1213
e-mail:  http://www.alloymetalworks.com/103/2716.html

See ya on the water!

[Skoot]

Give us the dim.'s of the old tank and maybe RDS can build one for you at, how shall we say, a substantial discount...

That would be awesome,  I will get some detailed dimensions as soon as the tank comes out.  Thanks alot.

I also need the locations of the fill/vent/pickup/sender. They are always centered so a dim. fore or aft will do.

Bob, On my current tank the Sender is the only thing centered. Its located directly below the access hatch in the first pic.  Now, the Fill, Vent, and Pickup are located on the starboard side of the tank, about 3-4" from the side.  Not sure it has to remain this way, but thats the current setup. (see pics)

Thanks again for everyones help you guys rock.

[Skoot]

So I got the tank out today.  All in all it wasn't that bad.  I was even able to get it out without removing the console .   The tank appears to be in good shape.  There is some pitting, but it doesn't look too bad.  The foam that secures the tank towards the stern was soaked with gas.  Just the the bottom and  about 3 inches up.  Im not sure if it was a leak or if it sloshed out when the tank was full.  There is about 5-6 spots on the tank that have some pitting, (see pics).  It doesnt look that bad, but I dont know how much pitting it too much?   Is there a way to fix the pitting?

Top of tank


bottom of tank


Heres the worst of the pitted areas


Coffin where tank was sitting


The wood and foam look/feel really good, no rot what so ever


looking toward the bow

[Capt. Bob]

Skoot,
You repair pitting by replacing the tank.
That baby is primed for a major failure. Notice how the outline of the foam follows the pitted area. The foam also trapped water along the leading edge.
It's time for a new tank.

[Skoot]

Yea, I figured as much, just didn't know if some pitting on the tank was okay. I guess its not.

I will get the dimensions later today and post back. Your ears will be ringing soon seabob4

[seabob4]

Yea, I figured as much, just didn't know if some pitting on the tank was okay. I guess its not.

I will get the dimensions later today and post back. Your ears will be ringing soon seabob4

I'll be around...

Looks like a simple rectangular tank.  Easier to fab then one with a V-bottom.  Just make sure of the dim.'s on the fill, vent, pickup, and sender locations.

[flkeysaqua]

Is that really a sheet of marine grade plywood with no glass over it       Is that a stock deal or omething done afterwards never thought that our tanks sat on an old piece of wood good way to rot the tank out just by itself.

[seabob4]

Is that really a sheet of marine grade plywood with no glass over it       Is that a stock deal or omething done afterwards never thought that our tanks sat on an old piece of wood good way to rot the tank out just by itself.

In the "Wellcraft" days, it was a board made of a material similar to Coosa which was glassed in place.  I'd have to say that came at a later date by someone who had no concept on how to build a boat...

[Skoot]

Is that really a sheet of marine grade plywood with no glass over it       Is that a stock deal or omething done afterwards never thought that our tanks sat on an old piece of wood good way to rot the tank out just by itself.

Yes that is bare plywood, I dont think its even marine grade.  As far as I know thats how they came from the factory.  There is also bare plywood Frame that holds the foam in front and back of the tank.

Look at terntwo 24, his has bare wood also.

[Asport-Rog]

My 1977 170 has a glassed in coffin. They must have changed it between 75 and 77.

[Skoot]

Okay, I got the dimensions of the Tank, Fill, Vent, Sender and Pickup.  I hope it makes sense.

Since Im getting a new tank should I have them make the Vent, Fill and Ground with the same B measurements(see below) instead of the current configurations? Or leave as is?

Let me know if you need anything else

Got the drawing from RDS website, then filled in my measurements.


This photo shows the Vent, Fill and ground which is located near the bow. Notice the slight angle towards starboard


Heres the tank toward the stern, showing the pick-up. Also angled towards starboard.

[seabob4]

Scott,
The issue I see with the "B" dim.'s is that, per RDS's drawing, they would be further fwd than your current loc.'s, correct?  But not by much...

Just want you to get a tank you'll be happy with.

Tomorrow, we'll see if Ray can help you (and others) out...keep out fingers and toes crossed!

[Skoot]

Scott,
The issue I see with the "B" dim.'s is that, per RDS's drawing, they would be further fwd than your current loc.'s, correct? But not by much...

I'm not sure I'm following you.  I modified that RDS drawing to match the overall dimensions, fill, vent, sender and pick-up locations of my current tank.

I got that drawing from the RDS Stock Marine Tanks - Below Deck section of there website.  Its the 18gal tank.  I just used it as a starting point because it was the same shape as my tank.

I just dont know why the "B" dims are that different on my current tank. If you look at the second pic, you'll see they are all in slightly different locations.  Im not sure if there is a reason for that, or when I get a new tank built should they just be lined up to have the same "B" dims.  (Hopefully this makes sense)

[seabob4]

Scott,
I'm probably just seeing things. We're good to go.  For some idiotic reason I thought they were standard dimensions given by RDS...

We shall find out tomorrow what they can do for us/you...

Sorry, some other on my mind...

[flkeysaqua]

Being bare wood on the bottom like that makes me rethink leaving the stock tank in for so long   Can't wait to find out the price of a new one might have to wait for me untill I get back from PA just bought a new truck and a vacation so for once this year the boat is taking a backseat for a month or so.