fuel tank search

[Alice A.]

Hi, all. We had to take our '92 Legend out early because our aluminum fuel tank was leaking. Now we are trying to find a suitable plastic replacement tank. Has anyone replaced the fuel tank on a 37.5? If so, where did you get the new tank and how did you accomplish the replacement? The original tank was 35 gallons, but we may not be able to fit one that large through the space behind the aft cabin berth. Can anyone help? Thanks, Alice

 

[RichH]

Alternative to new tank .....

I dont know the configuration of your tank nor the boat structure that supports, it etc.; but, its fairly easy to take any leaking metal tank, fill it with water & cut the top off or cut a large access hole (the water prevents the tank from exploding when power-cutting), pump the water, clean the insides ..... and then apply a fiberglass + Epoxy **liner** to the existing tank. Since all the pipe/ tube connections are on the 'top' such a liner is VERY easy to do while the old tank bottom is still in the boat. The only 'trick' is to make a new 'flange' for where you cut into the tank so that its strong when you close it up. The easiest way is to simply be 'creative' and epoxy-in bolts/studs on a new large tank access port on the top. You can use fiberglass cloth and resin ...... or simply use one of the very thick epoxy coatings used in commercial marine service for such tank repair .... just thoroughly clean the surface and then simply roll/brush-on. Interlux (commercial/industrial div.) and lots of smaller Epoxy outlets/distributors who cater to the marine 'tank' market will have such specialty epoxy. An example of such a specialty epoxy supplier involved in such special marine applications would be: http://www.nsp-specialty.com/ If you can do such work yourself - Cost for a 30-100 gallon tank to reline will be about $75-$150 for materials ..... and the best part is the tank usually doesnt have to come 'out'.

 

[Landsend]

You can fix the tank...

Most welding shops pump exhaust gas into the tank as they weld it so it doesn't explode. Then they pressure test it to check for leaks.

 

[Bob]

Throw the tank away!

Your tank is 14 years old if I compute it right, and welding a 14 year old tank thats corroding is a waste of money in MHO. Look for a plastic Tank, no corrosion and they last a hundred years. Todd Tanks in Rhode island makes quite a few sizes. There is another company that has hundreds of sizes some of which are boat specific, ad if they dont have it they will make it for you!

 

[Honeyman]

Bob is right...

get rid of the tank, it's not worth messing with. Poly will last forever and you will have lots of choices as to capacity and configuration. See link below.

 

[Alice A.]

plastic tank our choice

Thank you for your responses. We really do not want another aluminum tank nor will we repair the old one. Our main problem now is finding one of at least 25 gallons that will fit through the opening in the aft cabin. All of you 37.5 owners who have replaced your holding tanks know what I mean. We found one at Ocean Link that might fit. Does anyone have any other ideas? Don at Hunter told me that the failure of these tanks has not been a common problem but he has heard of a few. What would really help would be hearing from someone who has been through this and learning from him or her. When we replaced our holding tank Brian Leney was a big help. God bless him. Is there another angel out there? Alice

 

[(Angel) Brian]

Gee, thanks Alice!

Wish I could help you out on the fuel tank too, but, never did that one and we've now traded the 37.5 for an H41.I do remember eye-balling that fuel tank when replacing the holding tank in the 37.5 and thinking ugh I would probably have to remove the holding tank again in order to replace the fuel tank, if it was ever required. I wish you the best in finding the replacement and installing it.Brian

 

[John Nantz]

Add an Access Opening?

Before installing the new one you might consider adding an access opening for future cleaning of the inside. The 'plastic' tank will last forever so at some point in the future someone, maybe you, might want to clean out all the junk in the tank. Adding an access opening now would make it a lot easier. If top access is difficult when installed then ideally the installation of the new tank should provide for removal for cleaning.What does the boat use for a waste holding tank? Were these aluminum too? If so, if the waste tank hasn't been replaced (and I'd be surprised if it hasn't) it probably won't be long until it needs to be. And on another note, if the water tank is aluminum I give some thought about whether one should drink the water. Even though the water is cool and not heated, it sits in there for a long time so there is a long duration contact with the aluminum. May want to use bottled water for coffee, tea, or cooking with food. We use bottled water just because the water tank water is stagnet and not changed out enough.Boats are a lifetime project! If it isn't one thing it's something else.

 

[Alice A.]

37.5 tanks

Hi, John. We replaced the aluminum holding tank 3 years ago. We have an aluminum water tank also. We never drink the water from the tank.Alice