Cal 2-29 fuel filler location

[John Dawson]

It appears I need to relocate the diesel fill to the cockpit seat. Is this a bad location?I understand a spill would be less convenient than on the cockpit sole. Also that fumes are higher (although there is a 'bridgedeck' that bars them going below). The third objection is sitting on the cap, but it would be right next to the traveler where you couldn't sit anyway. Am I missing any considerations? Opinions appreciated.I know many boats put it on the winch island or out on deck, but I can't do this without plumbing it through the quarterberth.The problem is I must replace a rusty steel tank and want to go with a poly one. The fill hole is at one end rather than in the middle for all suitable models. There is a perfect space for a straight vertical run between the walls of the cockpit and engine compartment to the cockpit seat. For those familiar with this boat, are there other solutions short of a custom aluminum replacement?

 

[Ken Yeomans]

Diesel tank replacement

I just went through the replacement of my fuel tank as it was rusted and leaking. We relocated it further forward with a custom built aluminum tank (about $150).We relocated the fill from the cockpit floor (a bad place to be if your O ring is bad) to the flat surface just aft of the port winch. Seems to work fairly well.My only problem is how to get the old tank out. I will either need to remove part of the engine compartment bulkhead, or cut the tank in to two pieces. Neither one is a very attractive solution. We moved the tank forward to get weight out of the stern as the boat takes on water through the stern cockpit drain on certain points of sails. Does anyone have any ideas for removing the old tanks?Ken YeomansCal 2-29 Vieux Bleu

 

[Richard Stefan]

Fuel Tank for Cal 29

I replaced my fuel tank several years ago with a poly tank. I have an atomic 4, not a diesel, but I found an 18 gallon poly tank that lined up with my cockpit floor fill fairly close. But I don't remember the manufacturer, but there are several out there. To install without pulling the engine we cut starboard side wall where there was a small hole with a board. We slipped the tank in and out through this hole and then we made a mahogany sliding cover like the port side has. But according to the other article the custom tank for $150 is a good price. If you need anymore information you can e-mail me at paljudi@eriecoast.com.

 

[John Dawson]

Tanks a lot

Surprising answer from Ken, just be sure to fill the thing with water first to drive out fumes before you start cutting on the old tank. You must have plumbed the fill through the quarterberth to reach the winch island, right? Most responses on other sites say they cut through the wood partition to get the old one out and then replaced the panel.Couldn't find a poly tank like you descibed, Richard. Someone said the Tempo 18gal poly would fit if the fill were moved all the way to stb on the cockpit sole. I'm thinking I will either do this or mold a niche into the vertical surface of the port cockpit seat to mount the fillcap. Thanks to all.