Gas tank questions

[ricknewman]

I'm getting ready to pull up the foor in my '78 23cc. It's been sitting for a number of years and the motor is shot. So while I've got the deck up I want to take a good look at the tank. Any chance it's still good? Do I have to remove it to properly inspect?

[Oldboat]

You won’t be able to inspect the bottom and that’s most likely were there would be corrosion . since your in there I would pull it and clean it inside and check sender. Get it all checked and done so you don’t have to go back there

[DonV]

To answer your questions....1. slim chance, if it's original very slim chance, 2. Yes sorry gotta remove it, getting it out that's the tough part.

[Oldboat]

Originally Posted by ricknewman

I'm getting ready to pull up the foor in my '78 23cc. It's been sitting for a number of years and the motor is shot. So while I've got the deck up I want to take a good look at the tank. Any chance it's still good? Do I have to remove it to properly inspect?

There are some post of guys building a wood rack or tripod kinda thing over the tank to lift it out with come along.

[Vezo, Part II]

Unfortunately, opening up the hatch is a whole new world. How it all started for me. Hatch needed to be recored. All fuel lines upgraded to new methanol standards ($10/‘). The “$10/gallon” rule of thumb seems to be of the Baby Boomer era, especially with new tariffs on the aluminum. Go at least .125 thickness over standard 0.90 (should in theory last longer). The foam around tank will reflect where water held and corroded tank worse than where foam was not in contact with aluminum. Cut it out using a sawsall, but be careful determining if there is a floor in the hold. My ‘79 20 had beautiful gel coat finish inside. Be careful. Otherwise, not a bad job. As said, triple your time, money and beer budget. Or BOAT: Bring Out Another Thousand. A pic may help you see how to raise, pitch console out of the way without disconnecting or removing. Hope this helps.

Vezo

Oh and the Coal Tar Epoxy

[Vezo, Part II]

Two best suppliers should be RDS aluminum, Perry, Florida or Sunshine Tanks of South Florida, original builder of Potter era SeaCrafts.

Vezo.

[Capt Terry]

Maybe 12 years ago I ordered a tank from RDS made to my drawing duplicating the original dimensions. Looked good and have been satisfied. However discovered the bottom had some downward bow to it due to weldng distortion. I ground down any high spots where it would sit. But also had to grind the access hatch to avoid interference with the fuel fill elbow. Also put a rubber strip around the hatch to raise it slightly. Maybe should have requested a smaller height dimension. Just FYI

[Vezo, Part II]

Agreed. Once you send them the measurements, they develop a mechanical drawing, including fitting locations, email it back to confirm specifications. Once you sign in agreement, they’re building it and you’re paying for it same with Sunset, I believe, but they have specific drawings for you to approve.

Vezo.

IIRC...

[ricknewman]

Thanks guys, I trailer my boat so gassing up isn't a big deal and my fishing and playing is all inshore therefore I don't need a big tank.I plan to put a Honda 250 on the back.What's the opinion on tank size keeping in mind that the bigger the more money.

[DonV]

MY '78 23'er has a 144 gal tank, the previous owner had a V-6 OMC looper and needed all the gas he could carry for his grouper fishing. If I were to replace my tank I'd go with a 100 gal mounted as far front as possible. My 250 ToHondaSu gets 3.8 to 4 mpg at 28 to 30 mph, so a 100 gal is more than enough.