original fuel tank?

[Leo]

How many 365/367 are still using the original aluminum fuel tank? I have a 1981 367 with the original tank and I'm debating if I should replace it now rather than later. If our things go as planned we will move the boat to the Puget Sound next year then sail to Mexico the year after.

Thanks for the input.

[kevin barber]

Mine is original and in great shape.  No leaks.

1982 367

[Randy]

My 1979 is still going strong.

Randy

[SailingSeaDragon]

Sea Dragon's original 1981 aluminum tank is still in holding fuel.

Garner

[Henri Hali]

Windrider' s (1980) original aluminium tank may have a small leak.
It will be one of my projects this coming winter. Aside from cutting it up to remove it, I'm thinking about removing the engine.
I'd use Dale's method and pull it out Through the cabin. While out I'll replace the motor mounts and poke around looking at other "issues".
But first,I want to make absolutely sure the leak is in the tank. I'm really not looking formore projects. Honest!

Henri

[Tilikum]

Tilikum is 1979 nr. 256

Tank started leaking seven years ago very very slightly. Replaced here in Turkey by a exact copy plastic one four years ago, with an inspection hatch on top.
Good luck,
John

[Shacklepin]

Ebb Tide came with a pin hole leak on the aft port underside end of the rubber support cushion. This apeared OK when I didn't have more than a couple of gallons in her but became a problem when I topped her off. The increase in pressure forced the fuel out and over time the woodwork became saturated. The decision was made and everything was removed tank, wooden restraints, pipework, filter housing, and for good measure the fuel pump. The task began by laminating a piece of ply with woven carbon fibre to create a new floor which was bolted to the longitudinal stringers by means of oak braces and two new plastic 20 gallon tanks fitted kept independent I run off one at a time fed to the same filter. It enables me to ensure any contaminated fuel only contaminates half of my reserve. The system works beautifully and I can switch from one tank to the other without the iron sail missing a beat.

[Henri Hali]

Shacklepin:

It looks more and more like I will have to replace my tank.
Your solution interests me as a possible option.
First did you take any photos of the project? That would be a big help in getting my arms around it.
Second how did you go about getting the two plastic tanks? Were they off the shelf, custom made and where did you get them?
This will be a major project for me and I want to get as much insight as possible before I squeeze my body into the pit!
One more thing, how did you go about  locating the leak?

Thanks,

Henri

[Dale Tanski]

Henri,

It appears that you have way too many upcoming projects.  In the last 2 months I think this equals number 13. Ray has this nice 365 down in the gulf for sale.  Perhaps you should give him a call.
Just saying...

Dale

[S/V Deo Volente]

A local marina suggested cutting out the cockpit floor along the smooth gelcoat, "much easier to match" It would also be a good time to put in a teak cockpit sole.

[Shacklepin]

Henri
I only managed to trace the leak after I had removed the Tank. The bonded woodwork around the tank had absorbed fuel over many years and was saturated black and smelly, a very high fire risk. I would not advise cutting a hole in the deck as the hole needed would be imense to get the tank out on one piece, also the tank sits directly under the Edson wheel column and could cause serious complications. The stresses the Edson column is subject to when helming in a blow are considerable when everyone in the cockpit grabs it to hang on.
The Tanks I used were supplied by Defender Industries and are two Moeller 20 Gallon fuel tanks (they fit through the Port locker) and sit side by side on a the new floor. i will be at the boat this weekend and will take some better photos, I need them for my records too. I will post a sketch of my layout shortly

[S/V Deo Volente]

Sorry if the idea of cutting the cockpit sounded a little flipant. Actually we had quite a discussion. If it was done a frame would be made to form a lip to bolt and bond the floor back in, it would be molded to fit the underside of both surfaces. It would be a good idea to run it by a marine architect or a good surveyor at the least. I know in my case I do not want to lose any capacity and would seriously consider doing it if and when I need to replace the tank.

[RayNWanda]

There is also plywood in the cockpit floor. You would have to address how you are going to keep water out of it. Allowing that to get saturated would get ugly pretty quick.

[S/V Deo Volente]

Any exposed plywood would be cut back with a router and filled with epoxy, The saw kerf would be filled with epoxy also. I actually watched this yard replace the entire side of a boat that had been delaminated when the boat next to it burned. an entire side of the hull was delivered from the manufacturer  and laminated back into the cutout. They even matched the gelcoat instead of painting it. Not for the fainthearted!