Has any one of you Vision owners ever had the rear bulkhead removed from your boat? It seems to be possible as it has some screw in in but wanted to get any feed-back on experience before I start tearing into something I may not want to. The real problem is my fuel system. Since I got the boat almost three years ago I am still dealing with fouling in the line. I had someone out to circulate and filter the tank but the didn't do the job they wanted to because of limited access to the fuel tank. I believe the only way to get to this is via the bulkhead. I am also thinking about cutting an access panel in the bulkhead to get to the top of the tank (asking Hunter for schematics on this one) Any thoughts on the bulkhead or Fuel System experiences are welcomed. Thanks for your anticipated input. Rob Sherrill "Endless Adventure" '91' Vision 32 Jacksonville Florida
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Mike Webster
Rear Bulkhead Fiberglassed In
Hi Rob, The rear bulkhead in my Vision is fiberglassed in. You can see the top of this bulkhead by looking in the rear cockpit seat lockers. Yours might be attached differently. I recently added an access door to this bulkhead to access the batteries. I purchased a 12 x 18 teak door with frame, cut out the hole, and installed it. It looks very nice. There are also access panels you can purchase. Some are in the WM catalog. There is also a set of pictures in the archives showing another way of installing an access panel using the section you cut out. It gives a good looking installation. You could probably do something similar in the area of the fuel tank. I have also had a small buddy climb down into the starboard cockpit locker and install a fuel gauge on the fuel tank for me. Pretty tight (I can't get in there), but with the right size person can be done. You can purchase plastic fuel tank access door kits that can be installed in the top of a plastic fuel tank. If you had a small buddy, and a 1/2" 90 degree drill, you could use a hole saw to cut a hole in the top of your tank, install one of these access panels, and be able to get into the tank to properly clean it. Be aware that some tanks have internal baffles, and both sides of the baffle need to be cleaned to do a thorough job. There is a fitting on the top of my tank that can be removed. Its where I installed the fuel sender unit. You may be able to remove that fitting and, using a mirror, look into the tank to see its construction. This is a small hole and may be of limited use to clean out the tank. Good luck, Mike
Hi Rob, The rear bulkhead in my Vision is fiberglassed in. You can see the top of this bulkhead by looking in the rear cockpit seat lockers. Yours might be attached differently. I recently added an access door to this bulkhead to access the batteries. I purchased a 12 x 18 teak door with frame, cut out the hole, and installed it. It looks very nice. There are also access panels you can purchase. Some are in the WM catalog. There is also a set of pictures in the archives showing another way of installing an access panel using the section you cut out. It gives a good looking installation. You could probably do something similar in the area of the fuel tank. I have also had a small buddy climb down into the starboard cockpit locker and install a fuel gauge on the fuel tank for me. Pretty tight (I can't get in there), but with the right size person can be done. You can purchase plastic fuel tank access door kits that can be installed in the top of a plastic fuel tank. If you had a small buddy, and a 1/2" 90 degree drill, you could use a hole saw to cut a hole in the top of your tank, install one of these access panels, and be able to get into the tank to properly clean it. Be aware that some tanks have internal baffles, and both sides of the baffle need to be cleaned to do a thorough job. There is a fitting on the top of my tank that can be removed. Its where I installed the fuel sender unit. You may be able to remove that fitting and, using a mirror, look into the tank to see its construction. This is a small hole and may be of limited use to clean out the tank. Good luck, Mike
Why not change out the fuel lines?
Rob: I assume that you think your tank is clean. Why not change out your fuel lines. This will eliminate and additional hassel with them. If you really want to clean out your fuel system, try using a high concentration of Bio Diesel in your fuel (40/60 or 50/50 Soy Diesel/Diesel) H & L Marine in Southern California can provide you with any size access door you need. Their prices are reasonable and the quality is good.
Rob: I assume that you think your tank is clean. Why not change out your fuel lines. This will eliminate and additional hassel with them. If you really want to clean out your fuel system, try using a high concentration of Bio Diesel in your fuel (40/60 or 50/50 Soy Diesel/Diesel) H & L Marine in Southern California can provide you with any size access door you need. Their prices are reasonable and the quality is good.
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James Marohn
Photos?
Is it possible for you to share us some pictures of your installation? I would love to have full access to those lockers from an angle other than from the top only...I feel like a contortionist with many bruises. Ack. Did you install this door from the aft berth? Also, I searched through the photo forum archives to find the photos you refer to, but can't seem to find the particular posting. Can you give us more detail about this posting to so that we can find the article? Thanks!
Is it possible for you to share us some pictures of your installation? I would love to have full access to those lockers from an angle other than from the top only...I feel like a contortionist with many bruises. Ack. Did you install this door from the aft berth? Also, I searched through the photo forum archives to find the photos you refer to, but can't seem to find the particular posting. Can you give us more detail about this posting to so that we can find the article? Thanks!
J
James Marohn
Getting to the fuel lines
I need to change the fuel line from the tank to the fuel filter /water separator. Only problem is I can't reach the top of my tank to remove the old line!
I need to change the fuel line from the tank to the fuel filter /water separator. Only problem is I can't reach the top of my tank to remove the old line!
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James Marohn
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Tom Boles
Tanks for the ideas, and a question...
Mike- I am trying to picture where you put the access door. I'm thinking it's below the bookcase in the aft cabin. Is the long side across the back of the boat? How did you hinge it-top or bottom? I am looking for a "small friend" to do the same to my fuel tank!
Mike- I am trying to picture where you put the access door. I'm thinking it's below the bookcase in the aft cabin. Is the long side across the back of the boat? How did you hinge it-top or bottom? I am looking for a "small friend" to do the same to my fuel tank!
Not a door.
Tom: What Jim did was cut out a panel in the bulkhead to gain access. Then he used the material that he cut out and framed it with teak and it screws into the existing bulkhead. It looks very professional. It looks like the boat SHOULD have come from the factory that way.
Tom: What Jim did was cut out a panel in the bulkhead to gain access. Then he used the material that he cut out and framed it with teak and it screws into the existing bulkhead. It looks very professional. It looks like the boat SHOULD have come from the factory that way.
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Mike Webster
Door Location
I installed the door below the bookcase in the aft cabin, on the rear bulkhead. The height for installing the door is dictated by the support for the shelf in the stearn cockpit locker. This particular door was the largest I could find, about 10"x18" opening, and I installed it with the 18" side vertical, hinged on the side. After oiling, its very nice looking. What Steve Dion is referring to is an access panel. Its what I was referring to in one of the photo posts that I haven't been able to locate. Its simple and looks good, but is not for casual use as you need to remove screws to gain access. You could hinge it, but that makes it a much harder installation. At this location, the door I installed does allow access to my battery location, and allows me to see into the area of the fuel tank, but not to access it. Its also more limited in use in checking the batteries than I envisioned when I installed it, but does give me good access to this area for storage of other items.
I installed the door below the bookcase in the aft cabin, on the rear bulkhead. The height for installing the door is dictated by the support for the shelf in the stearn cockpit locker. This particular door was the largest I could find, about 10"x18" opening, and I installed it with the 18" side vertical, hinged on the side. After oiling, its very nice looking. What Steve Dion is referring to is an access panel. Its what I was referring to in one of the photo posts that I haven't been able to locate. Its simple and looks good, but is not for casual use as you need to remove screws to gain access. You could hinge it, but that makes it a much harder installation. At this location, the door I installed does allow access to my battery location, and allows me to see into the area of the fuel tank, but not to access it. Its also more limited in use in checking the batteries than I envisioned when I installed it, but does give me good access to this area for storage of other items.
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Tom Boles
Doors of Perception...
Thanks Mike- I am going to check on my batteries today (once I find my hydometer (sp)). I'll probably wish I had your access door! Still looking for a small friend to do the fuel sender install. My 12 yr old son is almost 5'8" and with size 11 feet, does not qualify. Disco light update- I am going to try 12V rope lights. I found a place on the web selling what they claim to be commercial quality products, so we will see. There is a bulb every inch, and I can cut it every 5" or so, so I think I can fit the stuff to each area. Once I get it installed, I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Thanks Mike- I am going to check on my batteries today (once I find my hydometer (sp)). I'll probably wish I had your access door! Still looking for a small friend to do the fuel sender install. My 12 yr old son is almost 5'8" and with size 11 feet, does not qualify. Disco light update- I am going to try 12V rope lights. I found a place on the web selling what they claim to be commercial quality products, so we will see. There is a bulb every inch, and I can cut it every 5" or so, so I think I can fit the stuff to each area. Once I get it installed, I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Da door.
Tom: I'm sure that you are not in the mood to spend money right now, but you should contact H & L Marine. You can purchse ANY size door that you want from them. It is as easy as cutting the hole in the bulkhead and screwing in the door frame. They have stock sizes or will make you anything you want. They make excellent quality products at good prices. I would suggest that you cut the hole with a router if possible. Using a saber saw really makes a rough job but if it is all you have then go for it.
Tom: I'm sure that you are not in the mood to spend money right now, but you should contact H & L Marine. You can purchse ANY size door that you want from them. It is as easy as cutting the hole in the bulkhead and screwing in the door frame. They have stock sizes or will make you anything you want. They make excellent quality products at good prices. I would suggest that you cut the hole with a router if possible. Using a saber saw really makes a rough job but if it is all you have then go for it.
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