Fuel tank
 

I've done tons of searches, but maybe I'm not great at making this here search engine work.
I think the fuel tank on my '79 20'SF has given up the ghost. Tons of fuel in the bilge.
Looks like my summer is shot, since summer is my busy time at work (I'm properties & maintenance at a Yacht Club).
I'm looking for all the advice I can get on fuel tank removal on this boat. (Threads, pics, Dimensions of tank, advice on sources, etc.)
Like I said, I've tried the search function, but there is just too much out there! Ya'll have TOO much info!
Anyway, If anyone has any info they wanna share, it would be greatly appreciated.
It would kill me to miss the derby! (M.V.)

Re: Fuel tank
 

Best starting point I've found. Pretty simple too; maybe 5 hrs. plus removal.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

Re: Fuel tank
 

Thanks!
I've seen that one before, but yeah, that's the sorta info I'm looking for!
I plan on following that advice!
Hoping people have some tips, tricks, pics, etc. to convince me that this is not the end of the world.
Fuel tank dimensions? Suppliers? Anyone have good luck with any particular makers?

Re: Fuel tank
 

sunshine tanks in florida. Great to deal with and fast.

Tip- do everything once and right. Re do all hoses hose clamps etc. Follow the above posted article where you can. Be ready for extra work like what I encountered with a foamed in fill hose. See my post title new world record.

Good luck... it is nice when it is done.

Re: Fuel tank
 

Thanks guys, keep 'em coming.
Someone at work mentioned that tank maker today, I'll have to check them out.

Re: Fuel tank
 

So, anyone know the dimensions of the tank? 20SF. '79

Re: Fuel tank
 

I can get tanks from RDS Aluminum in Perry, FL (they supply a lot of builders in the SE) for a little above OEM cost. PM me if your interested. .090" or .125" wall thickness, fully baffled, sender included.

Re: Fuel tank
 

Seabob,
Thanks, I've seen their tanks online, they look nice!
once I find time to pull the console and hatch (thank god mine has a hatch!)
And figure out whats really going on down there, I might take you up on that!
Thanks for all the help guys!
SeaCraft guys/gals are the best!

Re: Fuel tank
 

ooops! and Proline guys are pretty cool too!

Re: Fuel tank
 

Actually, when it comes to a TRULY excellent boat, you can't beat an original Seacraft! I just try to help. And if anyone wants an alternative to aluminum, I can also get a damn good deal on Inca Tanks, which normally don't sell to the public...

Re: Fuel tank
 

I recently installed an alum tank built by RDS. I'm very happy with it so far.

Re: Fuel tank
 

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm still in limbo, too busy to start pulling things apart right now. It's killin me.
While I'm at it, anyone have any thoughts on slapping a Zuke df140 on the back of this thing? Seems to only weigh 50 pounds more than my current '94 evinrude. I have twin batteries under the console, and If I have to replace the tank, I'll get it as far forward as possible.

Re: Fuel tank
 

I've got the same engine on a bracket (non flotation) and it works well. If I were to pick I'd put the 150 if not the 175 on it though. I like to have extra power and a little more than 40mph top end but that's a matter of preference.

The 140 will get the job done all day long. Just try and balance things forward as much as you can.

SOS

Re: Fuel tank
 

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.

Re: Fuel tank
 

FYI - the 150 (and 175/200) E-Tec is about the same weight as the 140 Zuke, and it's a STRONG 150 (actually 165 hp!) The Optimax is similar weight, but the E-Tec's are as quiet as the 4-strokes, maybe even quieter @ 30 mph!

Re: Fuel tank
 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Not having my boat is killing me.
Hopefully soon I will at least have it figured out.

Re: Fuel tank
 

That`s very kind of you seabob! Is fish still stalking Mike over on the otherside?

Someone here used a pressure washer to blast out the old foam. Said it was messy but fast and effective. ;)


Cheers,
GFS

Re: Fuel tank
 

Pressure washer sounds like a good way to go.

Re: Fuel tank
 

When I did my tank on my 1889 23WA, I found that the tank was free of the foam and the screws on 3 our of 4 places were free of the stringers. That made it easy to get the tank out, (other than having to cut 1/2" off of each side of the hole to get the wider tank out. I had to cut 3 feet off the rear of the tank to get it out of the large hole,it was 99 inches long and I probably would have had to remove the Honda outboard to take it straight out the back). I then used a putty knife which peeled the foam from the stringers easily. When the guy replaced the tank, he had them make lips on front and rear of the tank, then made a wood block to fit over the lip and screwed to the tank deck and then glassed them in place. We also foamed the tank w/ neoprene strips under the tank to drain water and foamed in the new tank. I think it will last the rest of my lifetime and boating days. Not that I am really that old so I do expect about 20 more years of service, but don't think I will be boat at 86 YOA. :D

Re: Fuel tank
 

What is an inca tank?

Re: Fuel tank
 

This is right off the inca website

Rotationally Molded Plastic Fuel Tank vs. Metal Fuel Tank

Plastic has many advantages over metal when used to create fuel tanks and other components:

Lighter weight than most metal
(Plastic fuel tanks are 30% lighter than comparable metal tanks, also contributing to greater fuel efficiency for the product.)

More durable
- One-piece seamless design is virtually indestructible.
(Seamed metal tanks can fracture and leak.)
- Greater impact strength provided.
- Material cannot rust.
- Plastic resists corrosion and damage from fuel additives.
- Longer life span ensured.
Nonexplosive and safer than metal
(A metal tank can explode when it catches on fire.)
Better compartment space utilization
(The shape or design of the product is less restricted by the material, so the plastic can conform easily to the shape required for the product and space availability. This feature saves on cost, size and weight of the component.)
More convenient
(Installation can be easier.)
Material transparency
(Use of translucent plastic allow content visibility, such as content level in a tank or gauge.)
Low cost of material and production

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

So,
The boat has been hauled. I'm not entirely sure that it's the fuel tank, but it stopped leaking fuel into the bilge when the tank got down to around 20 gallons.
This leads me to think it has a hole about halfway up the tank, and that the lines, filler, vent are fine. (or course, I'll replace them too.) Got the console unscrewed and leaned over, got the hatch up and lines unhooked.
Just need to pull the steering so I can lift the console off and have at that nasty foam. (which is wet.)
The tank still has it's sticker on it . It was made by "Sportsman" in Miami, FL. 47 gallons. In the place labeled "Year" it just says "10-8" Weird.
Any info as to this being an original tank from '79 or so?
It has six tabs, four of which were screwed to plywood blocks that are against the stringers. One of those tabs had separated from the tank.
Also, the tank has some swelling/ buckling going on, like a poly tank left in the sun with the vent closed.
Thanks for all your help guys, one of these days I might get around to posting some pics.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

I think FF is leaving Mike alone for a while...

Got the first Inca tank for a guy on my site, all worked out smoothly, he got the exact tank he needed for his AS, about $100 less than a comparable Moeller, which wasn't the same tank, and I made some money... :o

I've done 2 tanks through Ray at RDS, all the details have went well...http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...88doubleup.gif

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

seabob,
Sounds good. As soon as I get that badboy out and measured, I'll shoot you a pm.
Thanks for your help!

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Are there any drawbacks to the plastic tanks?
It just doesn't seem right to me, for whatever reason.
Are manufacturers using them in new boats?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Ok, I know I asked this before.
Does anyone have any idea about the dimensions of the original tank for a '79 20' SF ?
I know it holds 47 Gl, but I'm not sure of the dimensions, and my work area (and boat) are a few towns away.
(And by a "Few towns" I mean about 12 minutes. And it's beer time, and I have striper to cook.)

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Email me at seabob4@tampabay.rr.com. That will work better... :cool:

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Mmmm Stripers....RDS, Perry Fl. has the drawings...Mmmm Beer.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Thanks guys.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Ok, got the center console off today. Then I went beach fishing.
Time to start hacking at foam. Think I'll need some sort of frame to remove the tank? Bobcat?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Pressure washer. Blast the foam out.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Yeah, I've heard of the pressure washer theory. Might have to give it a shot.
Anyone have good luck with the plastic tanks?
I don't really know the pluses and minuses vs. aluminum.
I know some people have gone with the plastics, but is there anything to look out for?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Ok, most of the foam is cut,
I can slide (with a 2x4 as a pry bar) the tank fore and aft a bit, and I got it up about an inch or so on one side.
Think I'm gonna wait for help before trying to get it out any further.
Measures about 8" x 24" x 60"
Making (slow) progress.
Man there's some nasty stuff in there! only a couple of rot spots, nothing too bad, but I think there is about 30 years worth of rotting leaves where the engine rigging runs through!

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Has anyone here ever dealt with SpeedyTanks.com in NJ?
I think they are called Atlantic Coast Welding.
They sent me a very prompt, reasonable sounding quote, in about 3 hours.
Just have to find out what the shipping would be.
Unless anyone from Jersey happens to be driving up to the Vineyard anytime soon. (Hint Hint)

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

I had a 20 gal aux. tank made by them for my 24 Topaz. I specified what i wanted in terms of shape, thickness, etc. Did have a quality issue as they shipped the tank with a stripped/cross-threaded fitting at the pick-up. However, they did repair quickly and paid shipping, etc. Overall seemed to be OK - not bad quality for the price and quick turn. They were the least expensive of the three places I contacted. Some of the welds on the repair could have looked a little better but really more cosmetic than functional -at least I hope so.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0395.jpg
Ok, got the fuel tank out finally.
No chain hoist, no frame, just me, a hand saw and a crowbar!
Anyway, as I suspected, there was a hole about 1/3 of the way up on the tank.
The area looks pretty good, but there is some de-lamination going on between the stringers and the pan that holds the fuel tank.
Any suggestions?
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0393.jpg

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

more picshttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0387.jpghttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0391.jpg

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

There is a big chunk of foam both fore and aft of the tank. i.e., under the leaning post and before the casting platform.
Is there any reason to leave that foam in there?
Or should I pull it out and get rid off the old wet, heavy foam, which would maybe allow me to through-bolt the new leaning post.
Also, would drilling a few holes in the pan that holds the fuel tank be ok?
I'm thinking that would allow water to drain away instead of sitting around the tank

Pics
 

Any fiberglass gurus out there?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

I think it has been said many time before...get rid of the old wet foam.

Place the tank on 1/4 inch runners and place some limber holes in the coffin.