Tank replacement

[HatTrick]

I am a couple stages into a replacement of the 70 gallon gas tank on my 1986 20' SF.

The boat with no console

Deck panel removed. THANK GOD SEACRAFT BUILT THE BOAT WITH A DECK PANEL THE SAME SIZE AS THE TANK! I wrestled the hoses off then had to find a way to get rid of the foam so I could try to pull up the empty tank. I figured that all I needed to do separate the foam from the tank so I ran a sawzall blade in-between the foam and the tank. I then used some 4x4's and levered the tank right out. It came out very easily.


The next stage was prying/cutting out the foam and pressure washing the box that the tank will rest in.




I have ordered a new tank which will be slightly smaller so I can make a small wall in front of the tank in the box/frame as I don't like having nothing in front of it. The tank manufacturer has provided extensive directions for using neoprene strips, 5200, and strapping to anchor the tank to avoid using foam again. Everything I read suggests that foam encourages crevice corrosion and the tank is better off exposed to air.
More to come...

[HatTrick]

i have seen advice to use either plastic strips or neoprene strips 5200'ed to the tank. Any opinions?

[CHANCE1234]

I used plastic strips as I heard rubber can act similarly to foam and hold water on the tank causing a week point. I don't know if there's any fact to that but I figured plastic is less pourus then rubber

[HatTrick]

What type of plastic strips did you use. I believe starboard will not adhere to 5200, correct?

[CHANCE1234]

It will not. I actually used pieces of lattice work or something similar from Home Depot. It will last forever and it's about 1/8" thick if I remember right. Probably cost $3