Moving Gas Tanks, CC and T-top Forward On 1980 18'

[flyingfrizzle]

Originally Posted by AnthonyAllen72

I have just purchased my first Seacraft (1980 18'CC). ...

I was beating myself to death trying not to call the number in the add on this one.....I seen it about 2 hours after it was listed and had a hard time talking myself out of it. Glad to see it went to a good home. Hell of a deal you got there. Let me know if I can help in any way. I live about 30 minutes away if you are in Greenville.

[AnthonyAllen72]

Thanks flyingfrizzle will do. BTW I do indeed live in Greenville. I also got it for quite a bit less then the price it was listed in add. I couldnt be happier. I just need about a month off work so I can go to town in this thing. Where about do you hang your hat??

[AnthonyAllen72]

Sorry for reviving an old post. But I had a Question regarding a Replacement tank for my old girl. I know that Erebus recommends The Moeller Polyethelene tank. (Moeller part number #FT4037. 40 Gallons.) But it is now over 500.00 Dollars plus another 150ish for shipping. Needless to say I would prefer cheaper if possible. That being said I was wondering if any of you 18SF guys know what kind of Space I am working with in the Tank Coffin area. I have found this Tank(See Link below) which has some but, very little Dimensional difference. It has alittle small Fuel Capacity but at the price I could live with that.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOELLER-MARI...dYUMYA&vxp=mtr

Thanks for the help Fellas and I hope to be able show my progress real soon.

[rickg]

When I restored my boat I used the coffin unlike some that remove the coffin I had a 60/24/8 alum tank installed 50 gal.and it was a perfect fit.I don't remember how far forward I moved my console but it is 24 inches from the front storage area to the raised platform.There is also 2 group 24 batteries under the console and a 430 lb motor on the transom and I have no issues but I did raise the floor 2 inches for drainage.

[Billybob]

Hey Erebus (or anyone else) your 18 came out great. I see you used the Kiwigrip - how is it holding up after a few years?

I'm doing a Mako and plan on using it.

Thanks

[tunacious]

Why don't you get some five gallon buckets of water and place them forward of the console to see if it raises the stern enough. Or, get rid of the V6 and put a lightweight 4 cylinder on the boat.

[Bigshrimpin]

Anthony - Is your transom 20" or 25". I would imagine you probably have a 20" transom if it's original. The original splash gate eats up a lot of room. You might just get a 8" wide PVC board and glue it (4200) in place or if you want something fancier . . . make a new splash gate out of fiberglass. I wouldn't move the console and T top unless you want to patch a bunch of holes. Some big group 27 batteries under the front seat of the console will help. I used to have a 18 seacraft with almost the same engine.

[AnthonyAllen72]

I have a 25" transom. I am thinking about a starboard splashwell gate to replace the original. I just got to figure this gas tank situation out.

[Tashmoo2]

HI Erebus

My 18 ft is just about finished, 6 years later. I move the fuel coffin ahead and console but have not had it in the water yet.

The picture of your inside is a double of mine including the access plate for fuel line to the fill plate.

Are you going to reinstall a bow rail or the hand rails running forward on both sides?

[AnthonyAllen72]

Hey RickG

Do you remember what RubRail you went with during your Resto. It looks nice in the pics.
If you have any additional pics they are welcome as well.