Replacing the holding tank on a Bristol 38.8

JimT2

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Nov 21, 2018
1
Bristol 38.8 Marion
I would like to have ~30 gallons capacity. I plan on removing the factory original 15 gallon fiberglass holding tank under the forward double berth. (My 38.8 is a 1987 model with a forward double berth, not a V-berth). The existing holding tank seems to be very heavy glass.
Does it provide any structural support to the hull?
Do I need to leave a few inches of the aft side as a frame for the hull?
Is it safe to remove the base of the existing 15 gallon holding tank?

Thanks,
Jim S/V Lost Horizon Bristol 38.8 #63