Fuel tank replacement

Moredstripe · #1 08-24-2010, 02:21 AM

Would appreciate any advice or comments about replacing a fuel tank. I have a 1987 23' Walk Around that started leaking gas the other day. The info on tank says it was built by Florida Marine Tanks, Inc., in Hialeah, Fl., with a capacity of 112 gallons.
I took part of the deck off today and it seems to be a job too big for me. I believe I've found someone to do the work but finding a tanks seems to be the next problem.
Would any one know if the Florida Marine Tank company is still in business and still fabricating for SeaCrafts?, if not, any suggestions where to get a replacement?

Thanks

Fr. Frank · #2 08-24-2010, 07:27 AM

RJS in Perry, Florida will duplicate what you have. They built mine.

Islandtrader · #3 08-24-2010, 09:48 AM

If you are on the westcoast of FL. check out Sunrise Tanks, very reasonable and quality work.

Sunrise Tanks

CaptLloyd · #4 08-24-2010, 11:32 AM

Sunshine Welding in Port Canaveral built mine.

ElBichoMalo · #5 08-24-2010, 10:14 PM

The question is your location. Seems like there are a lot of alum tank fabricators in FL, and all seem to have pretty good feedback. I had mine made by Quality T-Tops in Tarpon Springs. All of their work is great...tanks included. C.L. Mattson is also one in Tampa. Shop around all of the ones in this post...ask what alum thickness, baffled, etc. If you ask the right questions, you'll know what you are comparing, and if all else is equal, compare the price and convenience!

Fr. Frank · #6 08-25-2010, 12:06 AM

Quote:

...If you ask the right questions, you'll know what you are comparing, and if all else is equal, compare the price and convenience!

Excellent advice!!

grgrmouse · #7 08-25-2010, 07:54 PM

Get that baby coated before the re-install. Zinc or Coal Tar or ....
You got it out, might as well do it right. Might even think about a secondary vent line too. makes filling the larger tanks easier (especially if they are trailered).

just sayin....

toddslures · #8 08-25-2010, 08:26 PM

I had my new tanks made by Tony Perez at Sunrise Marine Tanks in Sarasota, 941-926-8265, www.sunrisemarinetanks.com
I would highly recommend him. He was not the cheapest nor the most expensive. He was very infomative. I also think he is a third generation tank builder to.
I know others here have used him and been happy to.
Call me if you would like to.
He also built my custom water tank. Tony is the go to guy for tanks, in my opinion.

gss036 · #9 08-25-2010, 08:30 PM

Good luck. I put a new tank in last year. It is labor intense.This is one of those situations where you expect to pay a lot of labor for someone else to do the job. If you measured the holes, you will find the opening is smaller than the tank. My tank in my 1989 23WA was 99 inches long,and the width was 25 inches, the hole was 24 inches wide. I had to remove it in 2 pieces as it was too long to just slide out the back, if that was possible w/o removing the engine. Label from Fla. Marine said it was 115 gallons.
I had a local company here make the tank and a glass shop help on the installation: smirk:

Fr. Frank · #10 08-25-2010, 11:12 PM

When I replaced mine, I had to use a come-along and two crow bars to slide it out of the deck opening. By moving the fill-neck just 3 inches, the replacement tank then slid right in.