support and install diesel tank catalina 30 1976

[Rick Arnold / Arrow]

I recently discovered,while cruising,that I had developed a leak in my diesel tank.After a somewhat frightfull extraction and repair of the tank, I wonder if anyone has any tips on re-installation,securing and strapping this monster back in the belly of the beast. Thanks Rick

 

[Don Guillette]

Support And Install Diesel Tank C30 1976

Rick: A while back I went through the process. I did not repair the tank but had one fabricated to exactly match the old one. Incidently, once they start to leak (their life is only about 10 years) it is only a matter of time before you develop new leaks. When they pressure tested my tank I had little pin holes all over the place in addition to a big leak in one of the corners. The problem I had in getting it out was that the original tank installer used 4 philip head screws. Three came out relatively easy but the 4th one located aft on the port side stripped out and I had a bear of a time getting it out. When I reinstalled the tank, I used hex head bolts.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Current Catalina Replacement Tank

Catalina carries replacement tanks that may or may not fit. They're longer (fore and aft) and not as tall as the original in my '81. Although I was able to get the new tank into the space, there is a thruhull (macerator outlet) mounted just aft of my tank that was too close for me to mount the tank. If your's doesn't have a thruhull there you might be able to fit the new replacement in your boat. You might want to call Catalina and get the exact measurements. Once you get the measurements, you can make a cardboard mock-up to make sure it will fit before you order it. As I recall it was about $280 and came complete with a new fuel guage sender already mounted. I went ahead and had mine repaired and it passed the pressure test. I really wanted to replace it since I know that another leak isn't far away but I didn't have the time to have a tank fabricated.