Fuel tank

[adamcannon]

What is an inca tank?

This is right off the inca website

Rotationally Molded Plastic Fuel Tank vs. Metal Fuel Tank

Plastic has many advantages over metal when used to create fuel tanks and other components:

Lighter weight than most metal
(Plastic fuel tanks are 30% lighter than comparable metal tanks, also contributing to greater fuel efficiency for the product.)

More durable
- One-piece seamless design is virtually indestructible.
(Seamed metal tanks can fracture and leak.)
- Greater impact strength provided.
- Material cannot rust.
- Plastic resists corrosion and damage from fuel additives.
- Longer life span ensured.
Nonexplosive and safer than metal
(A metal tank can explode when it catches on fire.)
Better compartment space utilization
(The shape or design of the product is less restricted by the material, so the plastic can conform easily to the shape required for the product and space availability. This feature saves on cost, size and weight of the component.)
More convenient
(Installation can be easier.)
Material transparency
(Use of translucent plastic allow content visibility, such as content level in a tank or gauge.)
Low cost of material and production

[countshock]

So,
The boat has been hauled. I'm not entirely sure that it's the fuel tank, but it stopped leaking fuel into the bilge when the tank got down to around 20 gallons.
This leads me to think it has a hole about halfway up the tank, and that the lines, filler, vent are fine. (or course, I'll replace them too.) Got the console unscrewed and leaned over, got the hatch up and lines unhooked.
Just need to pull the steering so I can lift the console off and have at that nasty foam. (which is wet.)
The tank still has it's sticker on it . It was made by "Sportsman" in Miami, FL. 47 gallons. In the place labeled "Year" it just says "10-8" Weird.
Any info as to this being an original tank from '79 or so?
It has six tabs, four of which were screwed to plywood blocks that are against the stringers. One of those tabs had separated from the tank.
Also, the tank has some swelling/ buckling going on, like a poly tank left in the sun with the vent closed.
Thanks for all your help guys, one of these days I might get around to posting some pics.

[seabob4]

I think FF is leaving Mike alone for a while...

Got the first Inca tank for a guy on my site, all worked out smoothly, he got the exact tank he needed for his AS, about $100 less than a comparable Moeller, which wasn't the same tank, and I made some money...

I've done 2 tanks through Ray at RDS, all the details have went well...

[countshock]

seabob,
Sounds good. As soon as I get that badboy out and measured, I'll shoot you a pm.
Thanks for your help!

[countshock]

Are there any drawbacks to the plastic tanks?
It just doesn't seem right to me, for whatever reason.
Are manufacturers using them in new boats?

[countshock]

Ok, I know I asked this before.
Does anyone have any idea about the dimensions of the original tank for a '79 20' SF ?
I know it holds 47 Gl, but I'm not sure of the dimensions, and my work area (and boat) are a few towns away.
(And by a "Few towns" I mean about 12 minutes. And it's beer time, and I have striper to cook.)

[seabob4]

seabob,
Sounds good. As soon as I get that badboy out and measured, I'll shoot you a pm.
Thanks for your help!

Email me at [email protected]. That will work better...

[gofastsandman]

Ok, I know I asked this before.
Does anyone have any idea about the dimensions of the original tank for a '79 20' SF ?
I know it holds 47 Gl, but I'm not sure of the dimensions, and my work area (and boat) are a few towns away.
(And by a "Few towns" I mean about 12 minutes. And it's beer time, and I have striper to cook.)

Mmmm Stripers....RDS, Perry Fl. has the drawings...Mmmm Beer.

[countshock]

Thanks guys.

[countshock]

Ok, got the center console off today. Then I went beach fishing.
Time to start hacking at foam. Think I'll need some sort of frame to remove the tank? Bobcat?