gas tank

[deerhunter]

I have a 20 ft 71 safari with cuddy. it has an aluminum gas tank that's leaking. I would like to replace it. any info on whats the best way to do so would be a great help. thanks, bill

[Xcomunic8d]

Are you not sure how to remove the tank? Should be pretty straight forward to remove. Remove the deck hatch. Undo the hoses and any straps holding it in. Getting those hoses off may require screwdrivers or a hack saw though.

As far as replacement I’d go aluminum or stainless although poly is very popular these days.

[bumpdraft]

I cut the foam on my tank 19 years ago with a hand saw. Since the tank was slightly wider than the opening, I cut a quarter of an inch off the edge of the deck lip with an electric jig saw to 1) make it a little easier to saw the foam and 2) be able to get the old tank out .I fashioned a piece of flat steel with a 90 degree angle to work at cutting foam out from under the tank. A lot of work. I hear that a pressure washer works.

[deerhunter]

luckily theres no foam around the tank. I removed the cover and the tank looks bigger than the opening. I will be attempting to remove it this weekend. hope for the best. have been looking at west marine for a replacement also. thinking poly. would like to get at least a 25 gal tank. I think the one thats there now is 29 gal. I will be pressure washing the bildge with dawn dishwashing soap also.

[SailorChlud]

I am not 100% sure, but I think the 1971 and 1972 Seafari tanks were the same. If so, my diagram with dimensions should help you - it is a 32 gallon tank in the 1972, so yours should hold about the same. The attached diagram was initially prepared by Bushwacker, who also had a '72. The tank should slide back towards the stern, then tip out and up.

[Xcomunic8d]

Mine just slid forward, walked them up on angle and pulled out. Once I hade the hoses off and tanks emptied.

[deerhunter]

I have been trying to get the tank out . doesn't seem to want to slide back enough to get it out. do I have to remove the hoses for this to happen. im to the point that its to much work for my 74 yr old body. think im going to just try to sell the boat

[Old Goat]

"Winners never quit and quitters never win."

[bumpdraft]

I have been working on just my console, getting all the stuff off and filling holes and scratches to get ready for painting for about a week and a half now. I am getting around with two hiking sticks and sometimes a mobility scooter. I have made this my mission to get this done now and get a few more years out of her. Try and figure out what’s stopping the tank and getter done. Yes, the hoses have to come off to remove the tank. Don’t hurt yourself, maybe find someone to do it, otherwise selling it like that is a project boat. Just my 2 cents.

[bmajvi]

Replacing the gas tank can be a PITA for sure, I did the one on our 23' Sceptre a few years ago. It had been foamed in, and while I was repowering, putting in new controls, rewiring, etc., I wanted to at least check the tank for corrosion. Once the foam was removed we were able to hoist the forward end up, using ropes and pry bars (it's ideal to have a young friend help!). Then we rested the tank end we'd pulled up on a 2"x2" across the opening (see pic). Then more ropes and pry bar nudging, pulling forward, an inch at a time. We tied a rope to the fuel fill, and another to the aft mounting brackets - 1, 2, 3, ho! If it went in, you will be able to get it out with a little time and effort. The tank was not leaking, but upon inspection had numerous deep pits and the hoses were brittle, so decided to to pop for a new tank and hoses as part of the rehab. Put a smaller tank in because we were going from a thirsty two stroke to an economical four stroke (approx 1 mpg to 3+mpg).