Fuel tank

[countshock]

Has anyone here ever dealt with SpeedyTanks.com in NJ?
I think they are called Atlantic Coast Welding.
They sent me a very prompt, reasonable sounding quote, in about 3 hours.
Just have to find out what the shipping would be.
Unless anyone from Jersey happens to be driving up to the Vineyard anytime soon. (Hint Hint)

[PackRat]

I had a 20 gal aux. tank made by them for my 24 Topaz. I specified what i wanted in terms of shape, thickness, etc. Did have a quality issue as they shipped the tank with a stripped/cross-threaded fitting at the pick-up. However, they did repair quickly and paid shipping, etc. Overall seemed to be OK - not bad quality for the price and quick turn. They were the least expensive of the three places I contacted. Some of the welds on the repair could have looked a little better but really more cosmetic than functional -at least I hope so.

[countshock]

Ok, got the fuel tank out finally.
No chain hoist, no frame, just me, a hand saw and a crowbar!
Anyway, as I suspected, there was a hole about 1/3 of the way up on the tank.
The area looks pretty good, but there is some de-lamination going on between the stringers and the pan that holds the fuel tank.
Any suggestions?

[countshock]

more pics

[countshock]

There is a big chunk of foam both fore and aft of the tank. i.e., under the leaning post and before the casting platform.
Is there any reason to leave that foam in there?
Or should I pull it out and get rid off the old wet, heavy foam, which would maybe allow me to through-bolt the new leaning post.
Also, would drilling a few holes in the pan that holds the fuel tank be ok?
I'm thinking that would allow water to drain away instead of sitting around the tank

[countshock]

Any fiberglass gurus out there?

[Islandtrader]

There is a big chunk of foam both fore and aft of the tank. i.e., under the leaning post and before the casting platform.
Is there any reason to leave that foam in there?
Or should I pull it out and get rid off the old wet, heavy foam, which would maybe allow me to through-bolt the new leaning post.
Also, would drilling a few holes in the pan that holds the fuel tank be ok?
I'm thinking that would allow water to drain away instead of sitting around the tank

I think it has been said many time before...get rid of the old wet foam.

Place the tank on 1/4 inch runners and place some limber holes in the coffin.

[JohnB]

There is a big chunk of foam both fore and aft of the tank. i.e., under the leaning post and before the casting platform.
Is there any reason to leave that foam in there?
Or should I pull it out and get rid off the old wet, heavy foam, which would maybe allow me to through-bolt the new leaning post.
Also, would drilling a few holes in the pan that holds the fuel tank be ok?
I'm thinking that would allow water to drain away instead of sitting around the tank

I think when you go to drill holes in the gas tank platform, you will find it's rotten. Most are after 10 or so years. They where just plywood, and they usually were not seald up very well. You want that platform to be very solid. 100 gallon tanks is over 600 pounds when full, and you want it supported correctly, both for the tank and the hull.

You can look at the link below to see some pictures of when I did mine.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...=&fpart=2&vc=1

[countshock]

Thanks guys, we'll see what I find.
I didn't know if those chunks of foam were needed. I removed all the foam around the tank itself, but there were still those big squares fore and aft, under the deck.

I'll definitely put some strips down and drill some limber holes.
It may be rotten, but if feels really solid. Jump up and down on it solid.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Keep 'em coming.