Help Tank Removal

[Islandtrader]

I thought this might get more attention if it was a single post. If I over stepped sorry.

Joeweed
stranger


Reged: 08/11/08
Posts: 1

Re: Started 20' upgrade and restore [Re: billythekid]
#65022 - 08/11/08 12:44 PM
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Please HELPPPPP... I also have a 20 footer (1979 center console seacraft) that I am trying to restore but I am having a heck of a time getting the fuel tank out... I pulled my console, pulled the 3 "decklids",, un-bolted the 4 brackets on the fuel tank from the hull (2 bolts each),, took a sawsall and cut into the foam all around the tank,,, thinking that all of that would allow me to pull the tank out - I then took 2 floor jacks/double 2 by 4's and steel braided wire to pull the tank up and it didn't budge,, in fact the 2 by 4's were about to snap... Is there something else holding that in??

[gofastsandman]

George @ G&S told me about his last tank job on an old Mako 21. He took all the foam out and hooked up his forklift to the tank. He lifted the whole boat off the trailer a few inches. Halfway through the third day he heard a mechanical slurping and pop. Steady pressure and a little patience maybe.

[SC302FB]

Try cutting the foam with a presure washer. It will make a mess but the foam disapears.

[gofastsandman]

Endured is thinking outside the box. Nice.

[Joeweed]

thanks guys for answering,, i will get back on the task this weekend. i will indeed try the pressure washer.. i am amazed that the foam could be that strong,, i am guessing there is foam on the bottom as well that i can't get to??? maybe the tank sits on a platform with foam between..

[dragin22s]

on my 77 18sf i cut the foam out with a sawzall cut into little triangle pieces and cut around the tank and then pride it out

[1bayouboy]

Almost certainly foam on the bottom.......if you can get a thin steel wire under the tank you might be able to use it to cut the foam.

[seabob4]

Once picked up a fully rigged Aquasport 250 Osprey from the rigid hardtop on top of the T-Top frame with only 3M double-sided foam tape providing the bond between the top and the rest of the boat. Twin 150 Fichts already hung and rigged. Incredible! That was in '98.

[Ed]

DO NOT use any powertools while removing foam from a fuel tank. Use hand tools, such as a pruning saw or bow saw blade.

I know someone who spent 3 days in the hospital after fuel vapors in the foam flashed over as the result of an electric tool that was being used nearby.

[gofastsandman]

Sage advice, but you have a long hose w/ the pressure washer in the driveway 20' away no?