Need a new fuel tank!

[ToddW850]

Don't lose faith @MutherTucker . You will get this fixed and it will all be worth it. It's a good boat you got there, just an odd problem is all.

 

[JC6275]

Oh, I am just sick about it! First boat and this is what happens. I honestly just want to get it fixed, throw some seadek on it, and move on!

Photos would be grand!

Just think of it as "really good" spring cleaning!!! You will have the cleanest fuel tank and fuel tank compartment around. Seriously though, I hate that this happened to you with your first boat. I hope it gets fixed and you never have to deal with anything like it again.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I'm certain that once your tank is out, you will find a small issue and have it patched in a jiffy.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I would much rather cut a hole in the floor than have a major motor issue! Good luck and please ask us anything along the way. We are here to help.

 

[MutherTucker]

My mechanic said he would call when he makes the cut and will have beer and tissue ready for me when I come to take photos. Now that's service!

On a serious note, I think I might have gone mad if I didn't have this forum to reference. I feel so fortunate to have met @OperationROL in Shelbyville last summer, he turned me on to this forum and it has been my go to ever since.

I'm hoping no one ever has the problem that I'm having, but if they do and find this thread they are sure to get their answers in these pages as so many of you have such great input! Thank you all!

 

[itsdgm]

@MutherTucker heres a few pics from today. Ignore the siphon hose and the wood blocks. They are there for a different reason . Let me know if I can help with anything else. I'll have it open for at least another week.

 

[RiverRat]

I agree with @Murf'n'surf that it'll be fixed up in a jiffy once the tank is out. And then, I'll get to see that ridiculous stereo in Shelbyville this summer!

 

[itsdgm]

Any update yet? I was thinking about your issue over the past week since I'm working on a fuel tank related issue of my own.

FWIW @MutherTucker i was looking through my service manual and in the list of parts for the fuel system (section 4) it said to cut the deck on the marked line for tank removal. It's kind of funny since my deck is removable. But I'm sure they just used the same diagrams and part lists from your vintage boat and forgot to update the instructions. Let me know if you want me to copy and paste that page for you.

 

[MutherTucker]

Any update yet? I was thinking about your issue over the past week since I'm working on a fuel tank related issue of my own.

FWIW @MutherTucker i was looking through my service manual and in the list of parts for the fuel system (section 4) it said to cut the deck on the marked line for tank removal. It's kind of funny since my deck is removable. But I'm sure they just used the same diagrams and part lists from your vintage boat and forgot to update the instructions. Let me know if you want me to copy and paste that page for you.

He is cutting the floor this week, I would love a copy of that page if it's not too much trouble.

 

[scot71]

Hey @MutherTucker, how is the fuel tank repair/replacement going? Good I hope.

 

[MutherTucker]

My guy just ordered a new fiberglass blade, we are hoping to make a cut by middle of next week. He will take photos. Also talked to Will from @JetBoatPilot about Sea Dek for the cover up. We are going to cut just outside of the suggested line. Will pointed out that the Sea Dek doesn't cover that groove and that's exactly what we don't want. I'm starting to get antsy as Spring is coming too fast in my eyes! Want it done and over with!

 

[ToddW850]

Ah! The suspense is killing me. I wanna know what the culprit is. Thanks for the update.

 

[MutherTucker]

Ah! The suspense is killing me. I wanna know what the culprit is. Thanks for the update.

You and me both my friend! I just can't help thinking, what if he opens it up and there's no hole in the tank? Joke's on me! But then again, I don't know how there can't be a compromise. Stay tuned....

 

[4x15mph]

The suspense is killing us all. I woululd think you could use a circular saw with a blade from a local store. When you do get this back together, I would hold off covering it up with anything more permanent up until you run it for a couple of trials. Don't forget pictures!

 

[MutherTucker]

Ok folks, here's a photo for everyone to cringe at. The floor is cut. Tank will be out by Fri. I want to see this hole with my own two eyeballs! I will post more pics as they come. He cut on the line.

 

[Big Shasta]

Ok folks, here's a photo for everyone to cringe at. The floor is cut. Tank will be out by Fri. I want to see this hole with my own two eyeballs! I will post more pics as they come. He cut on the line.View attachment 18237

Cringe worthy for sure. But don't sweat it, this is a step toward your solution. It will all work out in the end.

 

[MutherTucker]

Here's another. I already yelled at him for stepping on my seats.

 

[Bruce]

Looks like a nice clean cut to me.

I suggest vacuuming the dust out of the hull while the tank is out. Any time I cut fiberglass it seems to create a disproportionate amount of dust.

 

[Gym]

I would also remove as many seats as possible. Especially the cockpit seats.

 

[MutherTucker]

I'm sure he will take out the seats when he needs to get down in there. I'm going to go there on Friday when the tank is out.