Welcome to iBoats . . .
I am not sure if anyone will be able to give you detailed guidance, based on having done the exact thing on that same boat . . .but . . . Many of us iBoats folks have removed fuel tanks as part of restoration work.
A bit more background information and some pictures would be helpful. do you know exactly where the fuel tank is located in the boat, and do you have good access to it from the deck?
I am currently removing the fuel tank from my Formula 330SS, which is a similar sized boat. Cruisers are often more challenging to work on than smaller boats and the larger 'sport' boats.
Here is a link to my fuel tank removal: http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...mula-330ss-bulkhead-replacement-634716-3.html
I have not removed the tank yet, but that is on the weekend's plans
Thank you so much for your response.
I will try to send pictures later today or tomorrow.
It's the port tank that's involved and it cannot be seen without cutting into something. As best we can tell, it's located along the port hull, behind the toilet and in front of the engine compartment. There is no access point that we can find. We will have to cut something. But the suggestions I have received run from 1). cutting the deck (supposedly above the tank) to 2). removing the toilet and then cutting through the toilet wall, to 3). removing all the seats from the stern seating/sleeping compartment and then cutting through that wall, to 4). cutting through the hull itself. So, as you can see, the advice I'm getting is all over the place and I don't know what to do.
It's wonderful news to hear that you've removed a tank from a Silverton 310 Express and I'm most hopeful that you can give me practical assistance here. Thank you again.
Nobody on this thread has said that . . .
You might want to try to contact Silverton (which is now owned by Egg Harbor) to see if they can provide some guidance.
I hope I can be of some help.
I have personal experience in replacing both port and starboard tanks of my Silverton 310.
First off you have a job on your hands. You should have previous experience with fiberglass and a vast knowledge of the mechanical systems of the boat.
basically you need to cut the bulkhead which separates the engine Compartment from the aft cabin on the port side where the tank is located.
You will need to remove the Portside engine in order to allow room for the tank to slide back out of its location.
Also you will need to cut a couple of access points in the aft cabin in order to remove screws from a mounting bracket that holds the tank securely in place and to disconnect a vent line.
I don't know what else I could add at this moment but should you have any questions please feel free to ask.
One last suggestion is to take photos of the entire engine compartment i.e. hose,wire,cable routing in order to use as reference in the future.
Hope this has been of some help
If any one ever has a problem removing their tank get ahold of me. We just finished removal and install of new tank in a 1996 express. I have pictures. Thanks