Fue tank removal - HELP

[majortom1]

Greetings to all!
I am new to the forum and need some help. I have a 1998 Sailfish 19 foot CC with a leaky fuel tank. I want to cut the deck over the tank and then re-use it after a new tank is put in. Question is how best to cut the deck? I was going to try to cut over the stringers to have some support for re-installation of the deck, but don't know the width of the stringers. I would appreciate advice and comments.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

you could do some exploratory holes and probe to find em but honestly I would suggest that you start cutting in the center and work out to the stringers and then replace the cut out section w new

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

Studfinder?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

You should probably open up any/all hatches to see what you can see of the structure below. Hopefully, you can get some measurements and be able to isolate where various parts of the structure are located, as well as the thickness of the decking, etc.

I take it that there is no removable portion of the deck to get the fuel tank out???

 

[majortom1]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

Thank, there is only one access that is over the sending unit. I will probably take measurements to each side to determine where the stringers are, then go from there. Would it be better to cut along side the stringers or over them by about 3/8 inch to get support for the replaced deck?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

there are multiple options.... I'd suggest starting inside the stringers and deciding on the rebuild process after you have the old out and see what you are working with....

You CAN put the joint over the stringer OR you can build a lip for the new deck to set on ... If you have room the second option would be my choice.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

When I pulled my floor out I found that the piece over the gas tank was separate from the rest of the deck. Have you pulled the carpet up and looked for seams (if it has carpet)? I don't know anything about your boat though so it's very possible that yours isn't setup like that.

If not, start at the access hole and see if you can probe around to find the distance to the stringers. Then cut the piece out with a saw that does not go deep. Just enough to get through the board. Plan on trimming up and replacing the entire piece. Just that one piece shouldn't be all that bad. You'll still have to fiberglass the cut so tossing on a larger piece isn't to bad.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

CC's don't have carpet

 

[Natesms]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

CC's don't have carpet

don't know anything about sailfishes, wasn't sure if it was Center Console or Cuddy Cabin.

I retract my earlier statement, this is going to be some effort with the gel coat work I would think.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Fue tank removal - HELP

Be perpared to poke & prod any & all below deck stringers & bulkheads while you have the tank out.

How long has it been leaking fuel & how badly has it been leaking................