'87 18' SF fuel tank replacement

[Samsdad57]

Ok,
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I bought my 18sf brand new in '87, and have never looked back. It was the perfect boat for me and the wife to enjoy cruises to the barrier islands north of Charleston,SC or full moon/flood tide dinners. The daughter didn't like getting water in her face or ears, so I admit it hasn't been used much lately. But I wouldn't sell it for anything, and have kept it covered since day 1. This pic was July of '16.

Now since I just retired and have more time, I'm reviving the old girl and replacing the fuel tank and all the fuel fill, vent, and feed lines. I've rebuilt the carbs and replaced the fuel pump, along with all fuel lines under the cowl.
The tank is out, and I'm checking to see who the go-to tank builder is these days. I've gleaned a lot of info from the archives, but some are older than others, hence the question.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Littlecraft18]

Hey, I see that you're changing your fuel tank. I did mine about 5 years ago and it wasn't too bad. I was fortunate enough to be able to just tilt the console to the starboard side to get to the tank without disconnecting lines. When I popped the hatch open, I found the compartment was a nice, finished gel coated space. I had the tank replicated at C L Mattson in Tampa for about $500. It fit like a glove. I had to put the tank fill on the port side of the console because I couldn't get the new lines through the old space. Also put the vent near the fill. It is a great boat, only wish it was a 23'. Any questions let me know. Mark T

[Samsdad57]

I went and slid the console out of the way, as I'm replacing the original steering cable (froze up, cut it off at the helm and motor) with hydraulic steering, new throttle and shift cables, and routing a new battery cable so both batteries will be under the console, along with the oil tank. Probably run new wires for all the lights and bilge/washdown pumps too.


The vent hose was starting to leak, and it had some water and fuel in the bottom of the box, but it all cleaned out quite well.

[Old'sCool]

Pics are not showing

[Old Goat]

Originally Posted by Old'sCool

Pics are not showing

Agreed.

[Samsdad57]

I can see them.
I know photo bucket held me ransom on the bike site, so I'm using Google photo. Could it be the size? I'll try to reduce and redo.

[Samsdad57]

Ok,

So I've replaced the tank, along with fill, vent, and supply hoses. I pulled all the wires and control cables out to replace them also. Gutted everything, except the wires to the bow light that I couldn't get to. Basically ending up with all new components, i.e., new hyd. steering, control cables, wiring, bilge pump and float switch, wash-down, etc.

During this, as I removed the livewell and scupper drain hoses for replacement, the thru transom tubes turned and loosened. So I removed them just to check the transom core and reseal. I can't wrap my head around the fact it looks like they just slip through the transom, and a collar just slides down and is held on with a type of ridged fit. Am I crazy, or is this how they did it?

So, what have you used to replace the thru transom drains? These are all original non-metallic. Not sure about going to a bronze, stainless, or a marelon type, all of which have the nut to secure them. I like the idea of the livewell drain having a valve at the transom also.

[Topflitegraphics]

If your transom fitting turned and loosened easily, I would suspect your transom maybe compromised. Get a digital moisture meter and see if it is wet. If it is nice and dry, you may be okay.

[Samsdad57]

Originally Posted by Topflitegraphics

If your transom fitting turned and loosened easily, I would suspect your transom maybe compromised. Get a digital moisture meter and see if it is wet. If it is nice and dry, you may be okay.

It WAS tight, but I twisted the snot out of it trying to get the hose off. Then it moved ever so slightly, so the reason to remove and reseal. The transom core looks and feels incredibly dry.
I just couldn't believe the type of retaining system these thru hull fittings used, with the ridged tube and collar. You are only able to compress the collar so tight. Even with some type of tool, I don't think you could tighten it as well as one with a nut, and not worry about it.

I've been able to find the same thing, but want to use the type with the threaded nut.

[Samsdad57]

Ok, so I hope I corrected my photo problems, and edited the last few at the start. Let me know if they show up.

After removing the old thru hulls, and seeing that the transom was indeed fine, I found these from Gem Products.
http://www.gemlux.com/catalog/Cast-T...Barbed/71007-2

I did have to open up the transom holes, as these were larger. I also cleaned and sealed the old holes for the scuppers, then the new thru hulls with internal scuppers also covered them, so double protection. That hole above the Gem thru hull is for the swim platform.