Fuel Tank

drtyTshrt · #1 01-21-2013, 08:11 AM

I need to acces my fuel tank.Can I just take out the screws from the floor panel and slide it back? Do I need to take the screws out of the helm as well? 1989 20ft center/console SeaCraft Tracker.

otterhound · #2 01-21-2013, 10:44 AM

My '89 Tracker CC had a 72 gal that was 93" long. The tank that was shoved pretty much all the way forward so it was under the forward edge of the opening by about a foot. My big problem was getting the foam out between the stringers and tank as it's really packed in there pretty tightly. I chose to remove the console to get complete access. Depending on the size of the tank I think it's possible to slide it out providing you can get most of the foam out but certainly much easier with the console out of the way.
Rod

drtyTshrt · #3 01-21-2013, 11:16 AM

Thanks. It is supposed to be a 70 gal tank. The previous owner did not use it. He said it had trash or water in it. I want to clean it out or possible put a bladder in it. I just do not want to be in dry dock very long.

otterhound · #4 01-21-2013, 12:00 PM

I had to replace mine because all the foam they put in around it held water, it corroded through and started leaking while it was sitting on the trailer in the driveway

. Just something to think about, at 24 yrs old it was probably running on borrowed time anyway.
Rod

Bushwacker · #5 01-21-2013, 12:39 PM

Interesting that your tank had foam around it. Moesly and Potter never foamed in the tank because foam holds water against the tank which causes corrosion. Does anyone know if Tracker foamed in their tanks? If not, maybe a previous owner that didn't know what they were doing installed a larger tank and foamed it in.

drtyTshrt · #6 01-21-2013, 01:45 PM

I will find out about the foam. I plan on taking the panel up soon. I just wanted to know if it is possible to do it without removing the helm(C/C). I guess I can just take the screws out of it for more freedom.

CaptLloyd · #7 01-21-2013, 01:54 PM

My fuel tank was foamed in on my Tracker built 1988 23WA. It wasn't leaking, but it was pitted and I replaced it. The new one is not foamed in.

77SceptreOB · #8 01-21-2013, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

Interesting that your tank had foam around it. Moesly and Potter never foamed in the tank because foam holds water against the tank which causes corrosion.

Actually, Not so...I have an original 1977 Potter (23' Sceptre) with a "foamed in" gas tank from the factory. We bought this boat brand new in April 1977. I had to replace the original tank in 2009 and it was DEFINATELY foamed in. I cut it out of the foam myself, and yes that is where the leak was due to corrosion from the salt water being held to the tank by the foam.

otterhound · #9 01-21-2013, 07:23 PM

Yup, mine was definitely foamed there was even foam on the bottom between the tank and the plywood platform! I took 3 trash cans of that soggy stuff to the dump

Rod

Bushwacker · #10 01-21-2013, 10:06 PM

Potter used to brag about not foaming in the tanks in his brochures in the early 70's, and claimed that it cost more because he then had to ventilate the bilge. I'm sure he was facing cost pressures in the late 70's before he went broke in '79/80. Wonder if that drove him to start foaming in the tank in '77, which is obviously a bad practice? Sounds like Tracker may have continued the practice?