Installing new fuel tank

Medusa

.
Mar 13, 2021
4
Catalina 30 Northern Harbour
Howdy!
Just bought a 1987 Catalina 30 and before i could even begin the fun projects I found a leak in the diesel gas tank. So I removed the tank, gave Catalina the model number and I have a replica being delivered to me next week. Now I'm trying to figure out the best way to secure the new tank. The previous tank's tabs were epoxied to the fiberglass and it looks like the epoxy broke free, essentially having the tank loose under the quarterberth. (Which might be part of the reason why there was a leak)

I've read that I shouldn't use wood to mount the aluminum tank, as that would encourage corrosion if the wood got wet. Anyone done this recently and have some expert tips?
thanks!
 
Jan 19, 2010
1,169
Catalina 34 Casco Bay
Can't advise on the installation, but I would suggest that you use the opportunity to release all the hoses and the sending unit.
 
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Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
If wood won't work, why not pick up a composite deck or trim board from Lowe's or Home Depot ?
 
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Medusa

.
Mar 13, 2021
4
Catalina 30 Northern Harbour
Can't advise on the installation, but I would suggest that you use the opportunity to release all the hoses and the sending unit.
By “release” you mean replace right? I thought about this. Prob a good idea
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,759
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
There is a Catalina 30 io.group, betcha they'd tell you exactly what to use. Good luck, nice boat.
 
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RitSim

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Jan 29, 2018
406
Beneteau 411 Branford
I needed to remove the fuel tank on my C30 to rebed the strut. The tank was glassed to the hull across the tabs (4 each approx 3" wide x 3" long) located at the bottom edge of the tank. The glass was approx 4" wide and ran fore/aft
 
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RoyS

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Jun 3, 2012
1,739
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
I had to research this a couple of years ago when my tank leaked and had to be replaced. I built a new base support out of 3/4" marine plywood which I covered with epoxy. Before covering I drilled large drain holes through the plywood. On the underside of the new aluminum tank I bonded pvc strips to keep the tank from ever being in contact with water. On the base I fastened PVC cleats to prevent lateral movement of the tank. I used an adjustable hold down strap to keep the tank from any vertical movement. Photos below:
E1B06C0D-812E-4402-9304-FE2E70CCAC90.jpegA400E98A-7CB3-41E0-A9EA-FD00EF8629D8.jpeg7B9F0F7A-94A5-41E7-9990-4A075A7BC010.jpegB7E7F939-C35E-428A-BCEB-CAA8F4C0542C.jpeg
 

Medusa

.
Mar 13, 2021
4
Catalina 30 Northern Harbour
I had to research this a couple of years ago when my tank leaked and had to be replaced. I built a new base support out of 3/4" marine plywood which I covered with epoxy. Before covering I drilled large drain holes through the plywood. On the underside of the new aluminum tank I bonded pvc strips to keep the tank from ever being in contact with water. On the base I fastened PVC cleats to prevent lateral movement of the tank. I used an adjustable hold down strap to keep the tank from any vertical movement. Photos below:
View attachment 191997View attachment 191998View attachment 191999View attachment 192000
Nice! How did you secure the plywood to the boat?
 

RoyS

.
Jun 3, 2012
1,739
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
The plywood was secured to the boat by fastening down to two existing stringers with screws. The hold down strap (not shown) also went around an existing fiberglass transverse panel just behind the tank.