Is this a "Factory" fuel tank install?

[TheKid]

Just finished cleaning the out of my boat. Amazing what 3000psi water vapor will do.

Anyway, I popped the cover today to find this:



And this:






This looks pretty good from what I have seen in other rebuilds. It is the factory tank. Just wondering if it is the original install. Everything is clean and almost dry, even under the straps.

What do you think?

[pete]

well it says 1979 on the tank,pretty clean for 30 years old,speaking of old...happy birthday sir!

[wingtime]

Looks like my install with the exception of the 2x4 lumber.  Mine had a block of wood fore and aft to keep the tank from sliding but no wood frame like that.

[Capt. Bob]

I'd have to say yes.

[seagate]

I wish mine looked that good frame was close to yours but mine was roted and tank rusted.

[slvrlng]

The top looks really good for the age, but any issues will be on the bottom of the tank usually where the straps reside. Are you planning on pulling it to check it out now you have it this far?
Without those seats and table in there you can really see just how huge the deck is for a 22 footer!

Oh and by the way happy birthday yesterday!

[TheKid]

Thank you gentlemen, for the kind words and B-Day wishes.

Cool, so the consensus is, this is a factory install.

I will still pull it and check the bottom. I'll probably block it up from the bottom too for future sanity. Also thinking about coating the inside of the tank if I see no reason to replace it. Heck, might even powder coat the outside as well. Then it might just last another 30 years.

Any idea on a replacement price? Have to do a little engineering economics before I proceed with those plans.

Also, It appears the sealant around the edges of the top cover is plumbers putty. Not a bad idea if you ask me. Is this common? I have a tub left over from redoing my sinks in the house. That would be easy...and cheap...and easily removable again. Hmmm......

[Skoot]

Also, It appears the sealant around the edges of the top cover is plumbers putty. Not a bad idea if you ask me. Is this common? I have a tub left over from redoing my sinks in the house. That would be easy...and cheap...and easily removable again. Hmmm......

HAAAAhahaha, sounds all too familiar, but yes we are all guessing plumbers putty.  I asked the same question when I pulled the cover to replace my tank.  I ended up putting more plumbers putty around the lip when I put the lid back on. I also put a bead of silicone around the seam after I screwed the lid down.

[Capt. Bob]

I have a reputation of being wrong several times a day so one more will not matter but.....

I would bet that you will find your tank is corroded and appears (to me) to have been leaking under the tie down straps.

The black residue seen in your photos is the clue.

With that stated, visit the "Resource" forum for tank information.

[Cuda16]

Yes it is mine was a Florida Marine fuel tank on my 81 222 CCP (85 gal)
I would take Capt Bob's recommendation and replace the tank.  They are a little more expensive than all my other quotes, so I went with a local guy here in Naples who is making me a custom aluminum tank to fit.
I'm in the middle of my install, waiting for the tank to be finished and doing a fiberglass repair to the fuel compartment.

Good luck Kevin

[TheKid]

You are saying this was your boat or fuel tank?

I haven't taken the tank out yet. I just ran the boat with a portable. Will investigate next weekend.

Yes it is mine was a Florida Marine fuel tank on my 81 222 CCP (85 gal)
I would take Capt Bob's recommendation and replace the tank.  They are a little more expensive than all my other quotes, so I went with a local guy here in Naples who is making me a custom aluminum tank to fit.
I'm in the middle of my install, waiting for the tank to be finished and doing a fiberglass repair to the fuel compartment.

Good luck Kevin

[slvrlng]

I think what cuda16 was trying to say was "Yes it is." (an original tank). "Mine" as in his CCP tank was made by the same company. "My .02"  

[Capt. Bob]

You are saying this was your boat or fuel tank?

I've edited Kevin's post to what I believe he meant. Please note the bold section at the end of the sentence.
As always, just a guess.

Yes it is (a Factory installation). Mine was a Florida Marine fuel tank on my 81 222 CCP (85 gal)

Good luck Kevin

[/quote]

Edit: Beat me to it Lewis.

[seabob4]

While I agree that the tank is original, I disagree with the "shimming" at the forward end, the 2 X's.  They obviously have not been at least resin encapsulated, let alone chopped, yet they look like they were installed yesterday...unless they are mahogany 2Xs...or Lignum Vitae...

[Cuda16]

Sorry for the confusion, I was saying "yes" it is the factory tank.  I found a local guy who is making me a custom tank for around 700.  Florida Marine came in at around a 1000 dollars.  I just finished my fiberglass repair and I am waiting to install the tank.  Marine Trading has
below deck fuel line for 2.30 per foot.  

   BOAT means Bring Out Another Thousand...

Good Luck Kevin


ps.  Thanks for the edit Capt Bob.   (grammatically challenged!)