Fuel Tank Replacement

rericg · #1 02-10-2004, 12:51 AM

I really enjoy the site and all the inspirational photos.

I have a 1979 23' CC which recently developed a slow fuel tank leak (about a cup every 2 months appears in the bilge). The tank has a 100 gallon capacity. I need advise on my options from the "field of experience". Do I try to repair or replace? What is the best way to do this? What type of tank is recommended, aluminum, plastic, fiber-plastic? What are some good resources for tank purchase? (Have a quote from CustomMarineFuelTanks.com for almost $800 shipped). Any helpful hints on the entire process would be very much appreciated.

ScottM · #2 02-10-2004, 09:25 AM

Welcome to the site. I don't want to sound like a wise a$$, but since tank replacement is one of the top 5 most popular topics on this site, you may want to do a search. You'll find LOTS of info - mfg's, size, placement, etc., etc. Quite a few members have gone through this already and have posted their results.

Good luck!!

FELLOW-SHIP · #3 02-10-2004, 09:49 AM

Hi Rericg
Welcome to the board, I had to do mine like a lot of the guys here. You will definitely need to replace it with a new one. For me Aluminum is the only way to go and Scott is correct there are ton’s of info on this board of sizes and approaches to your problem. I would also replace the deck that the tank is resting on while you are at it. Oh by the way if I were you I would remove your batteries from the boat asap and ventilate the bilge area with as much fresh air as possible, hate to see a fellow SeaCraft boat owner using their boat for a barbeque pit.
FellowShip

Capt Chuck · #4 02-10-2004, 09:41 PM

Welcome rericg

Scott and Fellow-Ship have given you great advise [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I would also consider increasing to 135 gal after you dump the 100 gal one. Even after increasing to 135 gal. You will still have room for approx 15 gal fresh water in front of the fuel tank up against the rear of the forward deck hold [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] The added weight will help during re-entry!

Definately go aluminum and use a CG approved vendor. Do it right the first time [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Good Luck!!

strick · #5 02-11-2004, 12:34 AM

Hi!
Welcome to the forum. Dont mess around with fuel tanks. Have a new one built by a pro. Well worth the $$ for the added feeling of security. This one cost $750 for a 100 gallon tank.

Strick

rericg · #6 02-11-2004, 04:08 PM

Thanks to all for the good advice. After browsing the site I'm getting more and more inspired by all of the photos and ideas. Can't wait to get started.

Briguy · #7 02-12-2004, 10:29 AM

Call Marine Surplus in Sarasota Florida. They have all spare or left over fuel tanks from Wellcraft, Aquasport, Chris Crafte etc. Prices for what you are looking for are in the $300 range. They may even be able to put you in touch with a manufacturer, too.

Dave Hirshberg · #8 02-17-2004, 10:16 PM

I may be a little late on this, but remove every bit of fuel from the tank before you try and break it loose from the boat. I left the last few gallons in and it was a big mistake. When it broke free from the foam the corroded spots 3/4 of the way down the tank were popped out and it started flowing like a pitcher of water out the sides of the tank. Big Big Big mess. [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]
It did however clean the bilge up pretty well. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]