Refurbishing a sunk 23 Center Console

[ScottM]

I've noticed the same with the picture under my name .... Its there sometimes ...gone others [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

I'm thinking the picture host is having trouble.

Scott, I can't see it either.

[fetzel]

Hi Dink
My sceptre sank in feb 2003 snowstorm. Loose all the fuel,electronics and gear wont last more than a year anyway. Salt water will wreck the fuel tank in about 8 to 10 months,i had to replace the tank due to a leak. Check the fuel tank hatch cover core for delam all my other hatches are teak so they were ok. Stringers and foam dried out with help from wet/dry vac and heater.Good luck with her.

[thedink9]

Scott
A update of my progress. The fuel tank, live well and rear filler hatches were all soaked and have been stripped and await new core material and reglassing. The decks are also soaked and I'm now removing the core material, as well. The fuel tank and tank support has been removed as it was soaked and drooping, as well. The tank looks in real good condition though and I will have it checked. I've noticed from other related posts that some members have applied resin and a coal tar coating. Does anyone know where to purchase this tar coating in the Northeast? I have tried to post pictures but are still having trouble. Any suggestions?

[Ed]

Dink-

You can order coaltar epoxy from FCGI.com (fiberglass coatings inc out of Florida).

I know restoring a boat can be really expensive, but I would think twice about putting the old tank back in, even if recoated with epoxy. Even if you get three years out of it, do you really want to have to rip up the hatch, console and wiring again??

Give Kentfab engineering in Norwell a call. They make really nice, high quality aluminum gas tanks. USCG certified.

Ed

[thedink9]

Ed

Thanks for the input. You are right. Did you buy your tank from this place in Norwell?
Dink

[Ed]

Hey Dink-

No, I did not order a tank from Kentfab. However, I did have them make me a casting pulpit/station last fall and it came out really well. When I was there picking up my boat, I was able to see the quality of their tanks first hand and was quite impressed.

I have seen tanks from some of the florida manufacturers and the welds were okay. Plus, they often get beat up in the shipping process and the shipping costs almost negate any savings vs. the Florida manufacturers.

Lastly, when you do get a new tank...you may want to consider going with .190" thickness aluminum versus .125" thickness, which is standard for a boat our size. Obviously, the tank will weigh more than the original but it will be more sturdy.

-Ed-