I went with a 35 gallon poly tank. It was the closest thing I could get to fit without going custom. I would need to raise the deck in one spot to compensate for the fill, not a big deal the fill will be under the console. The old tank was 40 gallons and the new to me engine would have half the fuel consumption. Not once last year did I use more than 20 gallons on a trip even with the 2-stroke and I didn’t want to lug around hundreds of pounds of extra fuel so I decided I was alright with the 35 gallon tank, we will see I can always replace it. The tank dimensions from Moeller were 69.5in length, 16 width and 8 height.
Everything glassed back in place
You will see in subsequent pictures under the console I raised the deck and added an oversized hatch to observe the tank and make space for the fill. Tank was secured using moellers neoprene chafe guards under the tank and and securing hardware, no foam. I decided to place the fill in the console. Original idea was to place fill on gunnel but I couldn’t see ripping up more deck and drilling 2” holes through the stringers, I just couldn’t get myself to do it. The console will be open to ventilation at all times.
At this point, it was a fairing party for days, weeks…
I got a used console that was swiss cheese and fiberglassed it back to a blank slate.
In the above image you can see the console, and under the console the oversized raised box to observe the tank and for the fill, and some Penske I tabbed to the deck exact dimensions of the console. Console will be thru bolted to Penske board. I’m trying to limit any holes in deck where I can.
From there on out it was a lot of fairing and sanding
I was able to get two coats of Alexseal primer #442 on by rolling
First coats of primer sanding the final coat before the topcoat
Then topcoat went on in Alexseal Matterhorn White roll and tip. This boat will not look showroom new. I keep it in a slip and fish it hard. The alexseal has a few advantages. I have used awlgrip before and it is an excellent product, the two are matched in price. I never learned to spray so I’m a roll and tip applicator. Alexseal can be brushed and repaired, awlgrip is tough to repair. The way I see it Alexseal is like a good compromise between awlcraft and awlgrip and it was easy to work with although I did get some usual runs and the finish didn’t come out like a mirror due to applicator error, not product error. Alexseal can be buffed out, waxed, and if needed new paint applied to a clean surface so I’m really happy with the product. The primer was really good as well. I went with the soft sand particles for the non skid, my first time dealing with that product, we will see!
Getting some topcoat on
Lets get to rigging!
