Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

Has anyone had any experience replacing a fuel tank on a 1988 Seacraft 18cc Tracker? Can the tank be easily lifted out of the hatch? Does anyone have any specs or photos of previous projects? What size tank does it take and where can I find a replacement?

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

srussel, mine is a 78 18' which may be different from an 88 Tracker. The fuel tank was foamed in place. I used a tree saw to cut the foam on all four sides then made an A frame out of 2x4s and lifted it out useing a come-along. It seemed like a pain in the ass at first but further work has put in proper perspective. New custome alum tank was about $500.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

keyscruz, where did you find a leak when you removed the tank. I'm experiencing gas smell and minor leakage in bildge on my 83' 18 cc, and getting ready to remove the tank. Why did you choose to replace w/ aluminum.
LT

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

LT, My tank was half full of water when I bought the boat. No leaks but the tank looked shot. The original tank lasted almost 30 years. I chose aluminum because it could be custom built to maximize capacity. I will install it on 1/4" PVC strips and no foam.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

i have a 78 18 , new tank waiting to install, what exactly are you using for strips, the material pascoe recommends is impossible to find. i was thinking starboard, but bonding with the 5200 is the issue. i do have tabs to screw the tank down on each corner so the bond between the deck and strips doesn't have to be perfect. any thoughts?

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

You might want to look at this Fuel tank strips or
neopreme

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

PVC strips are a matrial called Sintra (brand name). It is a rigid expanded PVC. Expanded means it has air inside much like foam. Plastics suppliers and better lumber yards usualy carry it. Comes in 4x8sheets.Neopreme strips are probably cheaper.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

ok, neoprene-rubber , right? cathodic to aluminum from what i understand, shields depicts their strips with plastic tank on their site. uncertain of compatibility, someone please educate me.
as for the pvc. is it waterproof, i hope. mentioned air -inside like foam, if retains moisture it will defeat purpose, right?
just want to make sure, i don't want my new tank failing in my life time

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

The PVC does not absorb moisture. It is closed cell smooth surface and very easy to work with. It can be cut routed painted glued or bent (with heat) and it floats. I have built cabinets seats boxes and hatches on my trawler. It is great stuff.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

sounds good, what to use for adhesive? 5200 i imagine.
any idea on cost of a sheet. thanks

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

5200 liquid nails also works. Cost of 3/4" 4x8 sheet is about $150. 1/4" is probably $50-70

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

thanks for the info, hopefully i will be able to get around to install, been on hold for awhile.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

Hey guys I installed my tank on strips cut from a U channel designed to cap white lattice panels from Home Depot. I used my table saw to rip into two usable pieces from each U channel 8 ft long. The 5200 took a long time to cure (6/7 days) but held in place very nicely. Less than $50 for the 5200 and the material.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...air4-07016.jpg

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

I'm ready to install solid vinyl strips, 5/8"x1-1/2", on bottom of a new aluminum tank. Anybody have comments or recommendations.

Re: Fuel Tank Replacement - '88 Seacraft 18cc
 

I am presuming I can get the old tank out of the deck hatch.
Has anyone not had this experience?