What a week

[Tom Potter]

The past week has been one to remember. First off my O28 was struck by lightning. Took a strike to the mast head, zapped my electronics, battery charger, running lights and a few other things. Strange that some stuff survived and some stuff like a stern light gets taken out. Seems the bonding system did its job as there is no hull damage. Did a short haul at the local marina and all is well with the bottom.

If that's not enough I noticed a little fuel in my bilge, I pulled the tank (what fun) only to find a small pin hole and some corrosion on the bottom of the tank. Priced a new replacement at Florida Marine Tank, $450 plus shipping and a month wait, too much and to long of a wait for me. Found a local guy that specializes in aluminum welding and tank repair. He cut 3 inches off the bottom of the tank, cleaned it out and welded on a new bottom.

Oh did I mention that while pulling the tank I put my hand on the exhaust riser only to have it go through the exhaust pipe. I unwrapped the heat tape only to find a rusted out exhaust. The same guy that fixed the tank made a new exhaust including the water injection. No joints, he used one piece of pipe and made the right bends. Guess you could say its a "Tuned Header". Maybe I'll get a little more HP out of the M-12. :dance:

Woohoo! Fun Fun!

 

[jibes138]

Wow what a week. I just found a fuel leak also and am waiting for a tank. I've always wondered why they don't just use exhaust pipe for a car, all you need to do is drill a hole and weld a small tube for the water injection. The OEM exhaust in my 35 was one continuous pipe like you describe. Who did you have do the work?

 

[jibes138]

Oh another thing, have you ever seen as many thunder storms as this year? Not too bad in Beaufort but at the house in Winterville we've had a daily deluge of 1 inch or more. Most of it heading in your direction after it hits us I assume.

 

[Tom Potter]

Dave you're not kidding, the thunder boomers have been plentiful and severe lately!

The guy that did my work, is located in Washington, Linton Welding. I was very impressed with his work, price and speed. He fixed the tanks and exhaust in one day and both were "hundreds" less than a new tank alone. He does a lot of Stainless and Aluminum boat work.

The tank is 3" shorter now, it was a 18 gallon tank, now holds 15 gallons. He give it a chemical bath and cleaned it out really good. Showed me some pics he took of the inside before and after, looks brand new on the inside.
Also attached a pic of my new high performance "header".