New World Record!

[CaptMick]

Just spent the morning pulling the tank on my 18'. I think I set a new record. Pulled it (ALMOST) solo in 2 and 1/2 hours. Had pictures but since it was raining my blackberry did not like to sync with my computer.

Pulled console screws then deck plate screws with little trouble. Slid console to starboard side and tilted so it would lean on the gunnel. I pulled deck plate and then cut foam. Removed all hoses from tank and sender wires. Because console was slid to the side I did not need to pull any other wires or cables.

Hooked hoist to fill connection on tank and lifted back end up. Slid it towards the stern a few inches. Was then able to get a wedge under it and lift. At this point a buddy showed up in clean clothes and he and his brother helped for a few minutes. We got it to deck height and then cranked to gunnel height. I moved to the ground and we swung the tank then lowered it to the ground.

I measured and am ordering replacement tomorrow.

Anybody have feedback on plastic vs. Aluminum? Give up suggestions quick so I can order and have the new on in by Saturday.

Thanks,

Mick

[eggsuckindog]

that does sound pretty damn quick

[CaptMick]

Ok got the first quote back on my tank. Aluminum in the same dimensions was $980 shipped. I had to pull the tank to get the dimensions. I may be screwed here. It would be bad if I had to run a 12 gallon above deck until I found a tank that would work. (I already got the 12 gallon just in case.) If so I better be fishing close and no trolling!

That sounds high to me and especially to my budget. I am waiting on additional quotes but if anyone has a suggestion please let me know. I see a Tempo below deck that is close so I would love to hear pros and cons.

Thanks,

Mick

[Islandtrader]

I got a custom made 54 gal. aluminum tank with sender for $420.00. It may be worth your while to pay for shipping out of FL. if no one comes up with a better price for you.

The cons on plastic tanks are: No baffles and that they expand 3% of there size. So keep that in mind when looking at space.

[CaptMick]

The guy I tried was in Florida. He was the first of three I have sent a request into. Who made yours if you remember.

Thanks

Mick

[nitz]

Try these guys they were very inexpensive and did a great job.
http://www.sunshinemarinetanks.com/contact.htm

[Islandtrader]

Sunrise Marine Tanks
Tony
941-926-8265

He has a Seacraft also.

[Fr. Frank]

Sunshine Marine is good. I had mine made by RDS in Perry, Florida. 28 gallons with baffles, custom-made to match the original. It listed at just under $400 in '05.

I have to admit, though, it was given to me free because the VP-CFO of ProLine boats was a parishioner of mine, and RDS comp'd the tank as a "display model".


Often, it's not what you know, it's who you know, (and whether you're willing to shamelessly ask for favors.)

[CaptMick]

Sunshine got the job. Nice folks. Good price. I cannot wait for it to be in so I can get on the water. The cobia bite is starting and I do not want to miss that.
Thanks everyone for the input. I opted for the aluminum tank because of the expansion of the plastic and that there was only like a $100 difference between the closest plastic tanks and the one I ordered.

Plus I will be getting everything where I want it under my inspection hatch. And I will be doing all new hoses and mounting the deck plate with a little more 5200 so it will actaully be sealed. Seemed that was the problem on the old. Water getting on top of the tank.

Mick

[CaptMick]

Pictures I thought lost are now found. I got a replacement for my blackberry and put my memory card in a bingo... my lost pictures were still there. So here we go as I have gotten a few requests for these shots.

Deck Plate pulled after console un screwed and leaned to stbd. side.



Old Tank on the way out.


Old tank out:



Ugly mess.



Empty tank well.