I have a fiberglass freshwater tank under the port setee that is leaking. Is there any way to fix it other than refiberglassing the inside of the tank. it seems to be leaking into the bilge.This is no problem while on city water at slip,but makes cruising difficult.Open for ideas.
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Bob is Right
If the tank can be removed, do it! There is never enough air circulation to safely fiberglass the inside of the tank inside the boat. There is a good chance of being overcome by the fumes and passing out, in addition to the fact that they are not good for you in the long run. Vapor type respirators help but you really need a fresh air supplied hood system. Most people do not use them and put their health at serious risk. Due to the volatility of this subject, i would suggest that only experienced fiberglass people respond to this and not those that are just second guessing.
If the tank can be removed, do it! There is never enough air circulation to safely fiberglass the inside of the tank inside the boat. There is a good chance of being overcome by the fumes and passing out, in addition to the fact that they are not good for you in the long run. Vapor type respirators help but you really need a fresh air supplied hood system. Most people do not use them and put their health at serious risk. Due to the volatility of this subject, i would suggest that only experienced fiberglass people respond to this and not those that are just second guessing.
In Addition....
After you have found the leak and repaired it, dont forget to go over the entire inside with a coat or two of epoxy. Also if the tank does not have a good sized inspection hole/plate, this is a good time to make one.
After you have found the leak and repaired it, dont forget to go over the entire inside with a coat or two of epoxy. Also if the tank does not have a good sized inspection hole/plate, this is a good time to make one.
wish i could remove the tank
Unfortunately the water tank was molded into the boat. The good news is the top is able to be removed,which will allow me acsess to the entire tank for repair. What product should i use to coat tank. I'm thinking the fact that the tank was molded into the boat is probably the problem. It's an old 1 toner,with the water sloshing around in the tank i'm sure this led to the fractures.
Unfortunately the water tank was molded into the boat. The good news is the top is able to be removed,which will allow me acsess to the entire tank for repair. What product should i use to coat tank. I'm thinking the fact that the tank was molded into the boat is probably the problem. It's an old 1 toner,with the water sloshing around in the tank i'm sure this led to the fractures.
OK. Do it !!
Since you probably dont own a hood and a fresh air supply system, be especially aware of all the health risks. The only other recourse is to wear a vapor type respirator and dont forget the very important eye protection, especially when grinding. Lots of fans for circulation and definately someone outside in the cockpit if all should go south. I have done this and i can speak from experience, working in a confined area with volitile and noxious fumes can be instantly overwhelming. And of course mix all your resin outside in the fresh air, that will give you a few extra moments of fresh air for your self. Be careful.
Since you probably dont own a hood and a fresh air supply system, be especially aware of all the health risks. The only other recourse is to wear a vapor type respirator and dont forget the very important eye protection, especially when grinding. Lots of fans for circulation and definately someone outside in the cockpit if all should go south. I have done this and i can speak from experience, working in a confined area with volitile and noxious fumes can be instantly overwhelming. And of course mix all your resin outside in the fresh air, that will give you a few extra moments of fresh air for your self. Be careful.
Flexible water tanks
Have you thought about just getting a flexible tank to fit inside the existing tank ? Lots of different shapes and sizes are available.
Have you thought about just getting a flexible tank to fit inside the existing tank ? Lots of different shapes and sizes are available.
Dana, when I
Rebuilt Bietzpadlin and had inside work to do I put a large window fan on the fore hatch to blow air in. And left the companion wide open. If you can weigh all of your resin before mixing. Pour it into a wide shallow pan (I like a paint roller tray) to extend the pot life of the resin.
Rebuilt Bietzpadlin and had inside work to do I put a large window fan on the fore hatch to blow air in. And left the companion wide open. If you can weigh all of your resin before mixing. Pour it into a wide shallow pan (I like a paint roller tray) to extend the pot life of the resin.
Maybe a Dumb Question....
...you say the top is removeable. Is it just leaking from the gasket? I have two molded in tanks that have leaked from the gasket. Maybe you can go into some greater detail about the nature of the leak, the tank and type of boat, model, year, etc. RD
...you say the top is removeable. Is it just leaking from the gasket? I have two molded in tanks that have leaked from the gasket. Maybe you can go into some greater detail about the nature of the leak, the tank and type of boat, model, year, etc. RD
After sealing the leak, paint it with White-cote
After you seal the leak I highly recommend painting the inside of the tank with the 2-part epoxy "Whitecote" paint by POR-15 (see link below). It has the property of the pores closing up in the presence of water and will help prevent the tank from becoming bacteria breeding beds as water penetrates the fiberglass matting over time. It will scrub clean much more easily than rough fiberglass. Wearing a vapor-grade painting mask while applying is important here, as it is with using the repair epoxy. When the tank is all repaired I still like the idea of using a bladder tank as a liner--seems like a drier and more sanitary setup over all. (use the starboard water tank as a locker for sealed drinking water from the supermarket!)
After you seal the leak I highly recommend painting the inside of the tank with the 2-part epoxy "Whitecote" paint by POR-15 (see link below). It has the property of the pores closing up in the presence of water and will help prevent the tank from becoming bacteria breeding beds as water penetrates the fiberglass matting over time. It will scrub clean much more easily than rough fiberglass. Wearing a vapor-grade painting mask while applying is important here, as it is with using the repair epoxy. When the tank is all repaired I still like the idea of using a bladder tank as a liner--seems like a drier and more sanitary setup over all. (use the starboard water tank as a locker for sealed drinking water from the supermarket!)
! HAVE A LEAK WILL TRAVEL!
I worked at BOW in Florida chandlery store, and there are many products to fix fiberglass just ask, I also own a Catalina 27 and did my own repairs on port and under cruising. However in your case a couple of question came to mind: 1) Do you know where the leak is 2) Do you access to all the tank sides, the leak may be located at the bottom(no good). 3) Can you take the tank out without distroying 1/2 of the boat. !If yes! There is a company named with "RONCO" www.ronco.com that specialize in fiberglass water and holding tanks . New and at 1/2 of the cost of what it will cost you to buy from any store, They have a catalog with tanks and measures as well as fittings. I replace my Catalina 27 12 gal holding tank for about $100.00 including the fittings. That may be your ticket and if you have the room may be able to get a bigger one.(Watch for loacation and weight/balance water is 8Lb.per gallon)
I worked at BOW in Florida chandlery store, and there are many products to fix fiberglass just ask, I also own a Catalina 27 and did my own repairs on port and under cruising. However in your case a couple of question came to mind: 1) Do you know where the leak is 2) Do you access to all the tank sides, the leak may be located at the bottom(no good). 3) Can you take the tank out without distroying 1/2 of the boat. !If yes! There is a company named with "RONCO" www.ronco.com that specialize in fiberglass water and holding tanks . New and at 1/2 of the cost of what it will cost you to buy from any store, They have a catalog with tanks and measures as well as fittings. I replace my Catalina 27 12 gal holding tank for about $100.00 including the fittings. That may be your ticket and if you have the room may be able to get a bigger one.(Watch for loacation and weight/balance water is 8Lb.per gallon)
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