Gas Tank Removal - 1986 Scetpre 23

[John3325]

Hello all,

I'm not in need of a tank removal/replacement yet, but I did have the deck tank cover off to fix the fuel sending unit in my boat. This triggered a question for the group: How do you correctly move the gas tank out of a 1986 Seacraft Sceptre 23 without having to cut the "lip" that the deck cap sits on?

The gas tank is clearly wider than the area given to take it out of the hull, which leads me to believe that the tank was put in place and then the decks were glassed. Upon investigation my tank is original to 1986, and this is likely the case.

Has anyone removed a tank from a like year boat? I hate the idea of cutting the deck lip out because they I'd have to glass new supports in after I replace with the same size tank.

Any help is appreciated.

[Eric B]

my 78 does not have that issue? Must have changed after Potter

[John3325]

Your absolutely right yours does not have the issue I have with mine. Imagine the "lip" on the port and starboard side extended out about another 2-3" not allowing free access to take the tank out. That's what I am dealing with in mine. My Sceptre's gas cap also extends the entire way up to the cuddy hatch for the 123 gallon tank that is sitting in the belly of my boat.

[Bigshrimpin]

When the time comes, you could always drain the tank. Get the last bit of fuel out by filling the tank with 130+gallons of soapy water and then cut it out in pieces with a sawsall. When you put in the new tank . . . get one that fits the opening.

[smilinmatt]

When the time comes, you could always drain the tank. Get the last bit of fuel out by filling the tank with 130+gallons of soapy water and then cut it out in pieces with a sawsall. When you put in the new tank . . . get one that fits the opening.

That's exactly what I did with my '89 Sceptre. Before just cutting up the tank, I spent the better part of the weekend with a sawblade trying to cut the tank free of the foam. Mostly just tore up my knuckles doing that. The new tank I had built (that dropped into place) was around 105 gallons.

[Bigshrimpin]

It makes a damn mess, but a high powered pressure washer cuts through that foam like butter. I've yanked half a dozen foamed in fuel tanks and 2500psi + and a 0 or 15 degree tip will take that foam out. Just remember to wear eye protection.

[John3325]

Thank you all, this is great information.

I guess I figured the only way to get the tank out was to cut it up with a sawzall but did not like the idea of cutting into a gaseous tank. Filling the tank with soapy water is a great idea. I am assuming you fill and then empty the tank again before cutting into it?

[Bigshrimpin]

run 1000 gallons of water through the tank (whatever it takes). Drill a bunch of small holes down the back side while the tank is totally full of soapy water while there are no fumes. Let it drain and air out and then saw away. If it smells like fuel rinse and repeat.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by Bigshrimpin

run 1000 gallons of water through the tank (whatever it takes). Drill a bunch of small holes down the back side while the tank is totally full of soapy water while there are no fumes. Let it drain and air out and then saw away. If it smells like fuel rinse and repeat.

Yup.
Put a hose in and walk away. Lots of degreaser and Dawn.

You can cut the wide flange back. You only need an inch. You can fill the holes with
resin and cabosil/ chopped strand. You want the coffin water PROOF.

The GE pure silicone caulk will hold the coffin cover tight and fast.
Use a lot and put some 80 or 120 mono in tight so you can open her up like a zipper
in the future.