1973 Tsunami to Center Console Conversion

[jgrisham]

Ok so I picked up a 23 Tsunami/Scepter for short money and I am looking to convert her to a center console, pretty much the same way this boat was done except without the livewell. http://s728.photobucket.com/albums/w...view=slideshow


So for my first few questions: Does this fuel tank look like stainless to anyone else? Whats the chances that the "314" written on top of the tank is in fact the grade of steel used?

It looks like provisions may have been made to allow for "breathing" around the tank to prevent corrosion.

I am on a very tight budget and would rather not fork out 1k for a tank but at the same time, I don't want to die in a fiery explosion. Which of you forum members would risk keeping this tank? Thanks

[DonV]

The welds in the second picture, along with the fill elbow makes me want to say yes.

[DonV]

Actually I meant to say it's a vent elbow, my mistake.

[pelican]

Originally Posted by jgrisham

Ok so I picked up a 23 Tsunami/Scepter for short money and I am looking to convert her to a center console, pretty much the same way this boat was done except without the livewell. http://s728.photobucket.com/albums/w...view=slideshow


So for my first few questions: Does this fuel tank look like stainless to anyone else? Whats the chances that the "314" written on top of the tank is in fact the grade of steel used?

It looks like provisions may have been made to allow for "breathing" around the tank to prevent corrosion.

I am on a very tight budget and would rather not fork out 1k for a tank but at the same time, I don't want to die in a fiery explosion. Which of you forum members would risk keeping this tank? Thanks

stainless steel is a poor choice for a fuel tank- stainless is prone to failure at welds,along with it being prone to crevice corrosion...

[jgrisham]

Boats gonna be put to the test so I'm trying to think ahead a little.

Will a .25" Moeller Cross linked poly tank hold up to the abuse of daily pounding offshore?

[kneedeep]

welcome aboard. where you fishing out of? show us some pictures of the boat as she sits now. what's your plans for power. just remember to take on 1 part of the project at a time,complete that then move on to the next.

[jgrisham]

Hi Kneedeep, I'm on Cape Cod. The pics don't look like much, but I must say I am extremely impressed with the solidness of the deck, and the general condition of the gelcoat.

The only real structural issue I have found is with one of the engine bed/mounts. It seems like the mount is delaminated, i'm guessing it got water in a bolthole and freeze/thaw cycle did it in. Should be an easy fix.

Probably gonna throw a gm small block and use the I/O the PO had rebuilt.

BTW your project gave me the grapes to tackle it, thank you.

If you don't mind me picking your brain I have quite a few questions to ask about how to make things go smoothly.

[McGillicuddy]

The 73 Tsunami was damn near perfect. Hate to see one get carved up, but hey, it's your boat. Any chance I could get the balance of the cap, bulkhead and windshield from you? For cheap?

Good luck with your project. Knee Deep did a heck of a job! I'm sure he'll be a tremendous resource

[krisis7]

I can get Chevy Marine V8 long blocks for a good price with water pump and all, approx 4500-5000, new from chevy

[kneedeep]

j i have never used expoxy on anything i have ever built. as far has the fairing goes yes on the long board, air file too if you have a big compressor. i would not go with 3/8 coosa with glass on one side only. 1/2'' or 3/4'' nida core or divenacell would be good for that part of the cap with layers of 1708. i wouldn't cut corners with the glass work, people stand ,sit and jump off the dock on to that part of the boat. it's a large area that is not supported by much other than the front bulkhead for along way. everything you build should be glassed on both sides composite or wood a sandwich construction is by far better. the side where the bolster goes is just 1708 glass 3-4 layers, the white is the nida core later covered with glass.