Reglassing Boat Floor After Fuel Tank Replaced
Properly installed aluminum tanks will usually outlast the life of the boat.
Reglassing boat floor after fuel tank replaced. Aluminum tanks are extremely strong can have the added benefit of baffles to prevent fuel sloshing back and forth and if kept away from corrosion inducing moisture should outlast the boat. Vince at american tanks is the man. I gave him a template and he fabed the thing perfect. Fuel tanks don t last forever and replacing them means making some decisions.
All materials have their strengths and weaknesses and the problems with aluminum tanks are problems of proper installation not the material itself. Originally this was installed by the builder into the hull before the deck went on this makes it easy for the builder but tough for the yard or owner if the tank has to come out and be replaced. Which does not include foam or fiberglass. Many people blame aluminum as being a bad material for fuel tanks.
The aluminum fuel tank was leaking and needed to be replaced. When replacing your fuel tank this is an ideal time to replace old fill and vent hoses and to install new fuel lines. Use a chisel or old screwdriver and scraper to remove the fiberglass hold downs from the lip of the hatch and tank top. Only neoprene rubber 5200 screws and that.
Remove the vent and fuel line. The boat above is a good case in point. Live long enough and one day you might need a hip maybe both of them replaced. If the tank has recently had fuel in it be ready to catch the fuel from the fuel line when you pull off in the event some fuel remains in the line.
I did all the rest and was under 1200 for an extra 30 gallons that took up the dead space in my v berth and helped balance my defiance 200 much better when loaded down with fuel and ice. I ve been through both ordeals and i can t say which is. He set me up with a custom tank for under 600. Keep your boat long enough and eventually you might have to replace one or all of your fuel tanks.
Some tips on the proper way to install a aluminum fuel tank in boat.