Replacing a gas tank on a 1994 17’ center console

[Efx]

So, it’s obvious the tank was leaking for two seasons. I limped around with a 12 gallon tank on deck. It looked lazy so I decided to replace the tank. Here is the first photo. Derigging everything and removing four heavy batteries. I had to make straps, of course.

 

[Efx]

Step two.
Remove the console.

 

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Step three
Cut the deck. Measure about 20 times.

 

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Step four:

This is the worst part. Remove foam.

 

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Step five:
tank is out and of course a low point in the bottom layer of foam is where water collected and let a huge hole to form.

 

[Efx]

Step six:

Cleaned up and letting her dry for a few days. New tank is on order. Making it slightly smaller in all dimensions so it can be blocked out on five sides. No foam. No coal tar.

 

[tomc585]

Halfway there! Change those hoses!

 

[Efx]

The hoses are definitely being replaced. I couldn’t imagine paying for a tank replacement. This would probably cost over 5k to do with all the labor involved.

 

[warthog5]

More like $6K......But here is something that most don't think about.
It can go higher. YOU want the tank replaced......Hoses, clamps, update fuel sender to reed style are all figured in there.

But...You had to remove the console.....Whats in the console? All that old crappy, unorganized wiring. The stuff that "Was" working, but hanging on by a thread. So now hours and hours must be spent to fix and or get it working again. Cha-Ching $$$.

 

[pelagic2530]

The hoses are definitely being replaced. I couldn’t imagine paying for a tank replacement. This would probably cost over 5k to do with all the labor involved.

Mine was 4K along with a deck replacement in May 2020. Southern VA.

 

[Efx]

That’s a pretty good deal at 4 k. I’m in Southern California and I would expect it to be right around 7k. Here is an example of costs. I got a quote for an aluminum tank 3/16” thickness at $40 per gallon. That’s double what I was expecting and therefore, that didn’t happen.

 

[Efx]

More like $6K......But here is something that most don't think about.
It can go higher. YOU want the tank replaced......Hoses, clamps, update fuel sender to reed style are all figured in there.

But...You had to remove the console.....Whats in the console? All that old crappy, unorganized wiring. The stuff that "Was" working, but hanging on by a thread. So now hours and hours must be spent to fix and or get it working again. Cha-Ching $$$.

100% agreed. It’s all about time, materials and level of skill involved. Then there is the greed factor which is another conversation. Also if you want to see how much foam was in there. See pic. It’s was 3” thick on the bottom layer

 

[Efx]

Here is the new tank. Thanks Vince at American tanks in San Diego. I am now painting the coffin and adding drains to the rear bulkhead.

 

[PastTheBarb]

Is that the normal placement for the tank in those years? Mine is aft.

 

[tomc585]

I see the pickup and sender are not in the same location as the 18', Usually right behind the console. I didn't pick up on that in the earlier pictures.
Is that 60 gallons?

 

[Efx]

Pickup and sender are at aft end of tank. They are right under my leaning post accessed by a pie plate on deck. Fuel fill and vent are towards the bow near the fill. Total gallon capacity is 40. It’s is a very long , shallow and narrow tank.

 

[Efx]

Is that the normal placement for the tank in those years? Mine is aft.

I’ve seen one other 17’ from the 90’s and it had the tank in the same place. There really isnt another place for it except on deck.

 

[Efx]

I just replaced the steering cable. Now that is a nightmare on a 17’. The rigging tube bottoms out in a cavity before the upturn to the deck under the gunnel. Better have long arms and a 20’ tracer cable.

 

[Efx]

Side Supports are ss lagged in and coated in resin. Tank is sitting on neoprene pads. Air gap is on all sides of tank. All new hoses and grounds wires with ancor connectors. Put the deck cut out back in place after a fresh coat of resin. 4” cc stainless 3” fasteners. All buttoned up and getting ready to sand.

 

[Efx]

One layer of glass is down.

This 94’ Parker has the thickest deck gel coat I’ve ever seen in a boat. Thicker than an 80’s mako.