I have a leaking water tank that I need to remove. the openings in the hull are not big enough it seems to be able to get it out. any help would be great.
27ft Catalina water tank
- Thread starter Nando
- Start date
I am just wondering if that entails cutting the frame work or does it come apart. it appears to be all fiberglassed together.
If you are okay with using a bladder type to replace the existing tank, then remove the existing tank with a sawzall. Cut it into pieces and pull it through the existing hole.
I have a porter cable cordless one that is very handy.
I have a porter cable cordless one that is very handy.
that is a good idea. I probably will have to go that route. I am new to this sailing and that would be the quickest way around this.
I am an aircraft mechanic by trade and and am great with mechanic stuff but not too much fiberglass wise.
You have a couple of good options but both will require access to remove/replace the tank:
Your water tank should be rotomolded polyethylene, not fiberglass...and an excellent quality tank.
If it's just a fitting that's leaking, any plastics fabricator should be able to spinweld a replacement into it...There should be at least a couple in your area. It would be the least expensive solution.
But if a tank wall has cracked, it may or may not be repairable 'cuz that's not a DIY job. It requires heat welding that requires some skill 'cuz melted PE squirted into the crack won't hold against the pressure on the splitt created by the weight of the contents. Whether it can be done at all depends on the location of the crack.
If replacement turns out to be the only solution, Ronco Plastics has supplied OEM water and waste tanks to Catalina for decades. The mold # will be embossed on the top of it. Get it directly from Ronco 'cuz it will cost you a lot less than going through Catalina.
A decent quality bladder in the size you need would cost you at least as much, prob'ly more, than a new tank directly from Ronco.
--Peggie
Your water tank should be rotomolded polyethylene, not fiberglass...and an excellent quality tank.
If it's just a fitting that's leaking, any plastics fabricator should be able to spinweld a replacement into it...There should be at least a couple in your area. It would be the least expensive solution.
But if a tank wall has cracked, it may or may not be repairable 'cuz that's not a DIY job. It requires heat welding that requires some skill 'cuz melted PE squirted into the crack won't hold against the pressure on the splitt created by the weight of the contents. Whether it can be done at all depends on the location of the crack.
If replacement turns out to be the only solution, Ronco Plastics has supplied OEM water and waste tanks to Catalina for decades. The mold # will be embossed on the top of it. Get it directly from Ronco 'cuz it will cost you a lot less than going through Catalina.
A decent quality bladder in the size you need would cost you at least as much, prob'ly more, than a new tank directly from Ronco.
--Peggie
Make absolutely sure it's the tank itself that is leaking and not the hose fixtures to the pump, or the fill cap, or the vent fixture. Those tanks were placed in different areas depending on the interior configuration. Also, a lot of changes were made to the C27 after 1982 until the 270 came out. An owner's manual may be some help... not guaranteed on that though.
On my boat, circa 1977, the galley is midship on the port side.. it's the dinette configuration... the tank is accessed through the small settee next to the galley cabinet... the opening appears to be wide enough the maneuver the tank out...but if not... the next option is to remove the galley cabinets and lift it out. Pull out the drawers to see if it's possible. I have no experience with the aft galley models.
On my boat, circa 1977, the galley is midship on the port side.. it's the dinette configuration... the tank is accessed through the small settee next to the galley cabinet... the opening appears to be wide enough the maneuver the tank out...but if not... the next option is to remove the galley cabinets and lift it out. Pull out the drawers to see if it's possible. I have no experience with the aft galley models.