[alexh]

I have attached a PDF of my proposed plan to reinstall the fuel tank. (not to scale/estimated measurements) I have extra bullet proof material (1/2" and 1 1/2") laying around from previous jobs, which is just layers of fiberglass/kevlar with poly resin. My plan is to create a perimeter "base" for the tank to be bonded to via 4200 and use the existing tabs to screw into the stingers as before.

Questions:
-The goal is to leave as much tank as possible exposed to air, but do you think there is enough support with the tank being supported by the perimeter?
-I have some 1/2"x2" neoprene material. Should that be used on the bottom of the tank to mount to the perimeter? I do not understand the benefit of neoprene if the tank will be bonded to the cleat material, which will be glassed to the stringers.

I really feel like this will be enough support. If a full tank plus tank weight is at max 350lbs. and there is roughly, at a minimum, 1" of coverage on the tank/cleat perimeter then...48"+48"+24"+24"=144 in^2. 350lbs spread over 144in^2= 2.43lbs/in^2 Doesn't seem like much of an issue as long as the tank DOESN'T MOVE. I think the beating and banging of a loose tank will destroy any sort of mounting system. Open to any and all criticisms.

I've currently got the front tank bulkhead installed, and another bulkhead just forward of the stern bait well. I purposely left the rear tank bulkhead out because I had yet to get my head around reinstalling the tank, which I plan to do this weekend. Ill have pictures up this weekend of current progress.