fuel tank 231 wa

[sandflea]

The last couple of posts by me have allready covered all of the above. Without any leakage around any of the open hatches,it's leading me to no alternative too believe it is the tank. Yes the deck will never be the same, but 138 gallons of fuel dripping needs to be addressed.

When you are done, the boat will be fine.  I've seen some decks cut out, and you couldn't tell it was ever done.  Good luck, and please keep us posted with pictures.
Sandflea

[seabob4]

The last couple of posts by me have allready covered all of the above. Without any leakage around any of the open hatches,it's leading me to no alternative too believe it is the tank. Yes the deck will never be the same, but 138 gallons of fuel dripping needs to be addressed.

When you are done, the boat will be fine.  I've seen some decks cut out, and you couldn't tell it was ever done.  Good luck, and please keep us posted with pictures.
Sandflea

Ditto.  Go on Classic Aquasport to see some tank removal and replacements.  That's my first home over there...

[231CALIFORNIA]

Idea?? maybe just maybe,  Because of the tight fit,wouldnt it be possible to Drain tank, Cut tank into pieces in place ,and remove pieces through a smaller hole aft of the fish boxes?
replace with 2 tanks (I remember SEABOBS comment on 2 tanks vs one favoring 1 tank but i'm looking at R&R logistics in this case) new tank one drop in empty hole and slide forward , new tank #2 drop in behind that, put in access hatches for fills,vents,pickups,guages etc =extra work and parts but that deck is a SOB with Fishboxes etc. maybe replaced deck slab can be intalled so as to be serviceable and med deck and fish boxes retain their integrity???
 other than this or somehow   rebuilding or repairing the tank in place or somehow lining it intermally  what else could be done?
for this reason a lot of guys out west attempt to coat the outside of tanks with epoxy, rhino liner, anti corrosion primer for aircraft , all kinds of things to never have to do this again. there is much debate as to if it actually will work,

I would think that maybe someday better alloys or material will beavailable
or at least new prolines(nd others)witheventual procedure  taken into account.

This is one i' extremely interested in for selfish reasons (It could happen to me)
I would volunteer to help If it were nearby just to learn and see.

I have the Lowrise version of the fishboxes (some have the taller Boxes)
seems that there were running changes , ahve seen both around.
Dont know if ones better.
ITs great to have YouGuys to encourage/advise whn this misfortune strikes your fishing machine.
many cases of beer job

[seabob4]

231Cal,
Not a bad idea, and one can always fabricate a fuel manifold to switch between tanks.

The "hard" part would be to cut into that old tank (you aren't going to do it with tin snips!) knowing there are going to be some sparks, and that used to be where gasoline lived...but draining it and filling it with water would do the trick...

Food for thought...

[231CALIFORNIA]

sparks , yes , water will help.
if fuel can be  fully eliminated,  torch maybe.
how about plugging all outlets and drawing vaccum on it (if leak is small)
and helping it along with a large hammer and /or hydraulic cyl to reduce its size?

would it cut up with a roto zip type tool or a cutting wheel on a die grinder?

power shears?

plasma cutters are very sparky but very common now and are nifty cutting tools.

you can probably tell ive given it a bit of thought even though my tank is fine as far as i can tell?
most guys can break stuff in very creative ways.
Ive known  guys who would likely get it out if you could put a bottle of booze under it and tell him its his if ye can get the tank out without hurting the boat.
reminds me of the old joke where the gyno doc rebuilds his  car engine  going through the exhaust pipe.

Just looking for more creative and less destructive ways of servicing 231fuel tank
would likely apply to other boats as well  of similar designed in  limitations.

But big fuel tank is required tosafely go after tuna most of the time out west here.

[56 sport]

I was out on the boat today [in driveway].I think it might be possible to cut at the transition from horizontal to vertical on the fishboxes.Then break it loose and slide it out.Two tanks is an idea but I still have to cut alot of the deck,I would perfer to have one solid tank.The tank is only 13 inches  high it might make it past the transom.But if not i have plenty of saw blades.

[seabob4]

I was out on the boat today [in driveway].I think it might be possible to cut at the transition from horizontal to vertical on the fishboxes.Then break it loose and slide it out.Two tanks is an idea but I still have to cut alot of the deck,I would perfer to have one solid tank.The tank is only 13 inches  high it might make it past the transom.But if not i have plenty of saw blades.

...and plenty of 

[56 sport]

ditto on  .Hopefully the weather up here starts to corporate so i can get into the problem.Drum fishing is right around the corner

[probryans]

I often wonder why there is not access to tanks on alot of boats.

[seabob4]

If I had my way, EVERY boat would have a tank hatch...

[56 sport]

It would be alot less stressful it had a hatch.But we all know what the acronym of boat stands for.Break Out Another Thousand.But I have 2 55 gallon drums I'am picking up tues.along with a pump.Fuel is still dripping and a have friends and my kid to help.The weather up here seems to be warming up this week.It is only becomes a problem when you can't find a solution.Plus I am smarter then the tank.

[seabob4]

Never let an inanimate object beat you...

[56 sport]

anybody know what the top of the deck is made of ? It seems to be almost like plastic .

[seabob4]

anybody know what the top of the deck is made of ? It seems to be almost like plastic .

You mean the cockpit sole?  It's all glass and gelcoat.  Not sure what you're referring to...

[brad1951]

If you are talking about a honeycomb material sandwiched between the glass on the sole and the glass under the sole it is coreing material designed to add strength while keeping the weight down, And yes it is a poly plastic.

There aren't any users online.