New World Record!
 

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

Re: New World Record!
 

that does sound pretty damn quick

Re: New World Record!
 

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

Re: New World Record!
 

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.

Re: New World Record!
 

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

Re: New World Record!
 

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

Re: New World Record!
 

Sunrise Marine Tanks
Tony
941-926-8265

He has a Seacraft also.

Re: New World Record!
 

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.) :D

Re: New World Record!
 

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

Re: New World Record!
 

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.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG00089.jpg

Old Tank on the way out.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG00090.jpg

Old tank out:

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG00095.jpg

Ugly mess.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG00094.jpg

Empty tank well.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/IMG00091.jpg

Re: New World Record!
 

BTW-
New tank is in and works great. Everything went back together very well after I got the fill and vent hoses out with some professional help.

Cut outs along the line of the fill hose were covered with starboard for now. I may glass in later but with the closed forward deck it is not necessary as it can not be seen.

Ran yesterday and did fairly well. Still having a few issues with the 150 Merc not getting all cylinders at mid range RPM's and higher. I will be checking spark and going from there. But had a great ride home last night while the moon came up so I will not complain too much.

Re: New World Record!
 

I used Tony at Sunshine 6 years ago when I replaced my tank. I also epoxy pained. I went from a 8 1/2 ft tank to 5 1/2 ft. That reduced my gallons from 155 to about 95 or so. The main reason was to move weight forward. With my twin 115's getting 2.5mpg LOADED for fishing that still gives me range to safely go about 85 miles offshore.

Tony did quality work and the tank was done in 5 business days.

Re: New World Record!
 

That's really good economy for twins. If I want to run the 80+ miles to the Middle Grounds, with only 27 gallons usable in my tank, I have to carry at least 24 gallons extra on my deck for the trip out. (I usually carry 29 extra: two 12 gal portables, and I have a 5 gal jerry can stowed)