Source for H37 Cutter water tanks

[lingerfeltja]

I am the very happy new owner of a 1982 H37-cutter. The content and enthusiasm of this group was a major factor in my choice. I want to replace the original tanks with PVC. Can someone point me to a source for replacement tanks that will fit the space? Thank you.
Jim

 

[Stu Jackson]

RONCO makes a series of tanks. Call them.

 

[Jim Legere]

There are a couple of approaches to deal with leaking water tanks detailed in the "Owner Modifications" part of the forum. One is to replace with plastic, as Stu recommends:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&cat_id=38&aid=6545&page=article&mn=37-cutter
The other is to put bladders in the existing aluminum tanks:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&cat_id=38&aid=7108&page=article&mn=37-cutter
Both involve cutting the top of the setee open to get access.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Odd shapes, hard to get same capacity.

Our old friend Ron Peterson removed his and posted pictures. Because they were made to fit the hull shape they are hard to duplicate. I'll post a picture when I find it. You will lose several gallons a side with PVC tanks.

As you will see in Jim's link getting in there is a major task. Then there is a baffle that has to be removed in order to use a bladder. But that is probably the best option.

 

[FredV]

How many baffles are there in each tank? Anyone know?

 

[Jim Legere]

How many baffles are there in each tank? Anyone know?

According to Richard Shelby (2nd link) there are two baffles per tank.

 

[lingerfeltja]

I spoke with Ronco and the only tanks that will fit the space considerably reduce capacity. I will continue doing research. Thank you. I am making several major modifications to the interior at the same time, so this may take a while. Thank you for the ideas.
Jim

 

[Ed Schenck]

You need to think about long range cruising plans if you have not already. Sailed to Tampa from Lake Erie with three of us and could have used two twenty gallon tanks. We drink bottled water so tank water is for washing dishes and flushing head. Fresh water for tanks is so readily available unless you are planning an ocean crossing.

 

[Jim Legere]

I have to agree with Ed, but when my girls start taking showers, I wish I had 200 gallons! As it is I fill the tanks 2 - 3 times a season.

 

[lingerfeltja]

I removed the tanks. A hard job. This boat is built. I think Ronco's B119 may fit. I will build a cardboard mock-up and see. Thank you for the feedback. Now, about the bottom...

 

[coleman]

I removed the tanks. A hard job. This boat is built. I think Ronco's B119 may fit. I will build a cardboard mock-up and see. Thank you for the feedback. Now, about the bottom...

I really liked the idea of coating the tank with Line-X, effectively casting a polymer tank around the aluminum tank. Since you already have the tanks out, you could perform all of the required internal cleaning and get the tank prepped for spraying.

It was discussed here on SailboatOwners.com:

Here:
Water Tank Replacement S2 9.2
AND with regard to H-37C's here:
Aluminum tanks, replace or repair?

 

[Blaise]

I have never had any issues with the tanks on Midnight Sun. I have had six guys on the boat for 1000 miles offshore, and with showers (short showers) we arrived with about thirty gallons left. We do drink the water out of the tanks. As everybody has learned, 20 or 30 gallons is good for most use including short trips. When my tanks start to have issues, I am going to pull both and install one 30 gallon tank and a watermaker.

 

[lingerfeltja]

I built a cardboard model of the B119 using the specs from the Ronco website. It fit the space perfectly (both sides) with a loss of only 4 gallons from actual capacity. Thanks for the help.
Jim

 

[Sailorjack]

I will be replacing my water tanks this winter so this information really helps. Would you post pictures of your progress? One question the aluminum tanks have baffles the plastic tanks do not. Will there be any problems with securing the new tanks to the boat? Thanks.