83 18' CC Fuel tank cover

LTsHoney · #1 07-01-2007, 07:42 PM

Help, Trying to inspect the fuel tank for a possible leak. Can't understand why only three sides of the fuel access floor hatch is cut away and the most rearward side is part of the deck and not cut. How would I go about removing the tank. Has anyone experienced this and come up with a solution.

Tashmoo2 · #2 07-03-2007, 02:11 PM

I just removed the cover over my fuel tank in 18' 86. It is about 27" wide by 60" long. You can see the seam between the cover and the deck along with the screws that secure it, but u have to lift the console 1st.

Can you post a picture?

LTsHoney · #3 07-03-2007, 09:06 PM

Tashmoo, thanks for your reply. Yesterday I found the end of the hatch cover which somebody had glassed over. I guess they didn't want to show the hatch seam in the deck. Tank and fittings all look good and secure, no leaks.
LT

Tashmoo2 · #4 07-05-2007, 02:04 PM

I removed my tank this weekend. It is 60" x 24" x8" and was made in Rhode Island. Tank was in very good shape. There was some water in it and the shellac like colored fuel.

I am replacing the spongy/rotted part of deck by cutting top layer with circular saw and scraping rotten wood out. I contemplated raising deck so boat would self drain but decided it wasn't worth it and I did not like loosing 1 1/2" of freeboard.

LTsHoney · #5 07-05-2007, 07:05 PM

Could you do me a favor? On another topic, I replied to Skiipper on 7-1-07 subject "Water In Hull" and told him of a water problem I'm having in the starboard side at the transom. Could you check on your boat while you have the tank out, if there is an area behind the tank where water could enter this cavity, and if so could it be sealed. Don't go out of your way, but if you have your head in there I'd appreciate your taking a look. Thanks,
LT

Tashmoo2 · #6 07-06-2007, 05:20 PM

LT,

There is 1 " drain hole in the aft 27" vertical wall of the fuel tank box which probably drains into the bilge. The floor of this cavity the tank sits in has to be 4-5" higher then the bilge( just guessing) I was planning on posting pictures as a project boat once I figure out how to do it

LTsHoney · #7 07-07-2007, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the response. I'm sure my tank sits in the same location with the same drainage ports. Good luck with your restoration/ repairs etc. Look forward to the pictures.

Tashmoo2 · #8 07-09-2007, 01:57 PM

LTS

Sorry, I made error. There are 2 drain holes on either end the tank box not 1